By Jenni Huston
Editor’s note: The writer of this article included lists of Pros and Cons with each different type of Christian schooling, but for lack of space, they had to be omitted. However, those interested are invited to contact Jenni at her email address at [email protected] for more information.
Christian families in the Treasure Valley are blessed to have more educational choices today than ever before. From traditional five-day-a-week Christian schools to microschools, homeschool co-ops, online academies, and hybrid programs, there are many ways to provide a Christ-centered education.
With so many options, however, choosing the right fit for your family can feel overwhelming. Each model has its own strengths, challenges, cost, schedule, and level of parent involvement.
This article is designed to give families a clearer picture of the different types of Christian education available in the Treasure Valley so they can prayerfully consider which option may be the best fit for their children and their family.
Traditional Christian Schools — Examples:
Traditional Christian schools generally follow a Monday-through-Friday school schedule and offer a more conventional classroom experience. Many provide education from early childhood through high school and may also offer before- and after-school care, daycare, athletics, extracurricular activities, and other student services.
Microschools — Examples:
Microschools are typically small educational communities that place a strong emphasis on individualized learning, close relationships, and flexibility. Rather than grouping every child strictly according to age or grade, some microschools use multi-age classrooms and group students according to academic ability, developmental level, or individual needs.
Multi-age classrooms can provide a unique learning environment. Older students have opportunities to lead and help younger students, reinforcing their own learning, while younger students benefit from peer modeling. This structure can also allow teachers to provide differentiated instruction and meet students where they are academically.
For children who do not thrive in a large traditional classroom, the smaller environment can provide a greater sense of community, connection, and individualized attention.
Hybrid Programs — Examples:
Hybrid programs combine elements of homeschooling and in-person education. Students typically attend classes in person one to three days per week while completing additional learning at home with their parents.
The goal is to give families the benefits of both homeschooling and a school community. Parents remain actively involved in their children’s education while having access to instructors, curriculum, resources, and a community of other families.
Homeschool Co-ops — Examples:
The purpose of a homeschool co-op is to bring homeschooling families together to share community, resources, activities, and sometimes teaching responsibilities. Most co-ops meet once a week, although schedules vary.
Classes and activities can range from cooking, art, music, and nature studies to history, science, Bible studies, and academic enrichment. Some co-ops are heavily nature-based, while others are more academically focused.
A co-op is different from a private school or microschool because the parents generally remain responsible for their children’s overall education. The co-op supplements the family’s homeschool rather than replacing it.
Fully Online Christian Education — Examples:
Fully online Christian education allows students to complete their coursework remotely rather than attending a physical school campus. Depending on the program, students may have live instruction, recorded lessons, teacher support, assignments, grading, transcripts, and other traditional school services.
Families should pay close attention to the distinction between an online homeschool program and an accredited online school. They are not necessarily the same thing. Some programs function primarily as homeschool curriculum or support, while others operate as formal schools that provide transcripts and diplomas.
Finding the Right Fit
Finding the right educational choice for your family can be challenging, but understanding the options available in the Treasure Valley can make the decision easier.
There is no single educational model that works perfectly for every child or every family. A child who thrives in a traditional classroom may struggle in an online environment, while another child may flourish with the flexibility of homeschooling or the individualized attention of a microschool.
The beauty of having choices is that families can consider their child’s academic needs, personality, learning style, schedule, finances, and spiritual goals when determining what environment will allow their child to flourish.
Most importantly, Christian parents have the opportunity to be intentional about who is influencing their children’s hearts, minds, character, and faith while they are being educated.
We are fortunate to live in a community with so many Christ-centered educational options. Whether your family chooses a traditional Christian school, microschool, hybrid program, homeschool co-op, online school, or traditional homeschooling, the goal is the same: to provide an education that equips children academically while helping them grow in wisdom, character, and their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Idaho’s School Choice Tax Credit
Families should also be aware of Idaho’s Parental Choice Tax Credit, which may help offset certain educational expenses for eligible families.
For current eligibility requirements, qualifying expenses, application information, and other details, visit MySchoolChoice.Idaho.gov.
Jenni Huston is a 30-year veteran educator, a school founder, micro-school builder, and advocate for diverse educational options. She is a founder at a public charter school, three Christian schools, including two micro-schools, and served for 21 years as an early childhood educator for the City of Nampa. She holds many educational certifications in many areas including disabilities and has taught across a wide range of settings, from preschool and parenting education to elementary and alternative high school.
