The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Fit for Your Family
At Uintah Basin Christian Academy, we've guided hundreds of families through this important decision process. We've compiled this comprehensive list of essential questions to help you evaluate any Christian school, including ours.
1. Academic Excellence Questions
The foundation of any school should be strong academics that prepare students for future success. Don't hesitate to dig deep into the school's educational approach with these questions:
Curriculum and Learning
- What curriculum do you use, and how does it compare to state standards?
- How is the biblical worldview integrated into academic subjects?
- What are your average class sizes, and how does this impact teaching?
- How do you accommodate different learning styles and abilities?
When evaluating curriculum responses, look for a clear articulation of how biblical principles are woven throughout all subjects. At UBCA, our curriculum meets or exceeds state standards while maintaining Christ as the foundation of all learning. Our small class sizes allow teachers to provide individualized attention and adapt to various learning styles.
Academic Outcomes
- What standardized tests do students take, and how do they typically perform?
- Where do graduates typically attend high school or college?
- What academic support services are available for struggling students?
- How do you challenge advanced students?
A Christian school of excellence should be transparent about student performance while emphasizing that standardized tests are just one measure of success. Ask about the school's approach to measuring growth in character and spiritual development alongside academic progress.
2. Spiritual Formation Questions
The distinctive value of Christian education lies in how it nurtures faith development. These questions help uncover how effectively a school integrates faith into daily learning:
Faith Integration
- How exactly is Bible instruction incorporated into the daily schedule?
- How do teachers integrate faith into subjects like math, science, and language arts?
- What specific character traits does the school emphasize?
- How does the school handle discussions about controversial topics?
Listen for specific examples of how biblical principles are applied across subjects. At UBCA, students begin each day with Bible class, and our teachers are trained to connect Scripture to every academic area, from recognizing God's order in mathematics to exploring His creativity in literature and science.
Spiritual Environment
- What is the school's statement of faith, and how strictly is it followed?
- What denominations are represented among the staff and student body?
- How does the school partner with parents in spiritual formation?
- What opportunities do students have for service and outreach?
The best Christian schools view themselves as partners with parents and churches, not replacements. UBCA welcomes families from various denominations while maintaining a clear, biblical foundation in our teaching. Our regular chapel services, service projects, and Scripture memorization programs provide multiple avenues for spiritual growth.
3. Community and Culture Questions
The school community will become an extension of your family. These questions help you assess if the environment aligns with your values:
School Culture
- How does the school address behavioral issues?
- What is your approach to discipline and character development?
- How would you describe the school's culture in three words?
- What measures are in place to prevent bullying?
A healthy Christian school environment should balance grace and accountability, reflecting Christ's example. At UBCA, our discipline approach focuses on heart change rather than merely managing behavior, with clear expectations and consistent consequences delivered with compassion.
Family Involvement
- What opportunities exist for parent involvement?
- How do teachers communicate with parents?
- What is expected of parents in the educational partnership?
- Are there community-building events throughout the year?
Schools that value parent partnership will have multiple avenues for communication and involvement. UBCA's Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) and PALS program create meaningful ways for families to contribute to our school community, from classroom assistance to special events like Eagle Games and holiday celebrations.
4. Practical Considerations
Finally, these practical questions address logistical concerns that can impact your daily experience:
Operations and Logistics
- What are the total costs, including tuition, fees, and additional expenses?
- What financial aid or scholarship options are available?
- What are the school hours, and are before/after care options available?
- What is the teacher retention rate, and what qualifications do teachers have?
Don't be shy about discussing finances – a reputable school will be transparent about costs and assistance options. At UBCA, we're proud to participate in the Utah Fits All Scholarship program, which can cover 100% of tuition for eligible families, making Christian education accessible to more students in our community.
Student Life
- What extracurricular activities are offered?
- How is technology used in the classroom?
- What security measures are in place?
- What options exist for lunch and snacks?
These daily life questions help you envision your child's experience at the school. UBCA prioritizes both student safety and enrichment through our secure campus and variety of activities that develop the whole child.
5. Evaluating the Answers
As you gather responses to these questions, consider not just what is said, but how it is communicated. Are the staff members passionate about their mission? Do they speak with clarity about their educational philosophy? Can they provide specific examples to illustrate their points?
The best Christian schools will welcome your questions and respond with transparency. They should be able to clearly articulate what makes their approach distinctive and how they measure success beyond academics.
Trust your instincts as you visit the campus. Observe the interactions between students and teachers. Is there a sense of joy and purpose in the environment? Do students seem engaged and respected? These intangible qualities often reveal as much as the formal responses to your questions.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Christian School
How important is accreditation when selecting a Christian school?
Accreditation provides external validation of a school's quality and commitment to continuous improvement. While not all excellent Christian schools are accredited, those pursuing or maintaining accreditation demonstrate a commitment to recognized standards. UBCA is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and is working toward accreditation, reflecting our commitment to excellence.
What's the difference between a religious school and a Christian school?
A Christian school specifically centers its educational approach on the Bible and Christian principles, while a religious school might be affiliated with various faith traditions. At UBCA, we are non-denominational but firmly rooted in biblical Christianity, welcoming families from diverse church backgrounds who support our mission.
How can I tell if a Christian school will be academically rigorous?
Look for schools that can articulate their curriculum standards, show evidence of student achievement, and explain how they prepare students for future academic success. At UBCA, our students consistently perform well on standardized tests, and our graduates transition successfully to various high school settings due to our strong academic foundation.
Should I prioritize the school's theological alignment with my family's beliefs?
While perfect theological alignment isn't necessary, understanding a school's statement of faith and approach to denominational differences is important. Consider whether the school's core biblical positions align with your family's values, even if there are minor theological differences. UBCA welcomes families from various Christian traditions who support our mission of Christ-centered education.
How can I assess whether the school truly integrates faith into all subjects?
Ask for specific examples of how biblical principles are incorporated into various subjects. Request to observe classes if possible. Review curriculum materials and ask teachers how they approach their subjects from a biblical perspective. At UBCA, faith integration is not an add-on but the foundation of our educational approach, with biblical principles woven throughout mathematics, science, history, and language arts.
Your Next Step: Experience UBCA for Yourself
While this list of questions provides a solid foundation for your school search, there's no substitute for experiencing a school firsthand. We invite you to schedule a tour of Uintah Basin Christian Academy, where you can see our Christ-centered learning environment in action.
Our admissions team is ready to answer all your questions and help you determine if UBCA is the right fit for your family. We believe that every child deserves an education that nurtures both academic excellence and spiritual growth in a supportive community.