Discipling the Next Generation: A Case for Microschools

Many families experience the dilemma of making difficult educational decisions for their children. Parents across the United States have withdrawn an unprecedented number of students from public school systems, and homeschool is one of the fastest growing forms of education in America.

However, in today’s pluralistic society, parents desiring to plant biblical values in their children’s education encounter challenges like never before.

Choices for Parents

The education of our Christian young people is of paramount importance. [MOU1] But discipling children takes intentional and consistent efforts, so both church leaders and parents should collaborate to find the means to disciple the next generation to impact the world for Christ.

Mathematically, private Christian education makes sense. If you take a child who attends a public school from kindergarten through 12th grade, they typically attend church 1-2 hours per week. At two hours a week for 52 weeks over a 13-year span, the child theoretically receives 1,352 hours of biblical discipleship outside of the home. If you take that same child and place him in a school that is intentionally integrating a biblical worldview in all they do, the numbers speak for themselves. Kindergarten through grade 12, with a 7-hour school day for 36 weeks a year for 13 years, means 16,380 hours of discipleship outside of the home.

With these numbers in mind, it is not surprising to find homeschool education becoming more popular. However, what choices do parents have if they are unable to make homeschool work for their family? Many families find it necessary to maintain two incomes just to meet financial needs. And in such contexts, homeschooling can be impossible for many families.

Microschools

One alternative for today’s families is “microschool Christian education.” Microschools were born out of rethinking the traditional school model to better prepare students for the future. They are much smaller than typical public, private, Christian, and charter schools and usually maintain a student body of 20-50 children. By intentionally remaining small, microschool programs tend to remain flexible and tailor the education platform to each child based on needs and interests of individuals, like a homeschool model. Parents have access to a more intimate relationship with school leaders and teachers, which promotes a stronger input in what and how children learn.

For Christian families, the hope of partnering with a team of like-minded educators who take a strategic approach that integrates biblical teaching and practical application in educating children brings a sense of relief. We can apply the old saying, “it takes a village to raise a child” as we consider Ephesians 4:11-14. Teachers are equipping children with a biblical worldview so the body of Christ can grow “and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

One microschool in the Kansas City area endeavors to intentionally form a partnership with parents to establish their children with a biblical worldview. Shawnee Nazarene Academy (SNA) is a ministry of Shawnee Church of the Nazarene. It endeavors to train a generation of godly leaders who love learning and are well-known for their skills and wisdom. In doing so, the school prepares students to live up to their God-given potential spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially as they fulfill the vision the Lord has designed for each student. “For we are God’s workshmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).

In its early years of operation, SNA found strength in the collective commitment of parents, Christian educators, church leaders, volunteer teachers, and the generous lay people of the church. As students enter the building each day, teachers and volunteers are aware of the responsibility to shape the next generation of Christian leaders who will impact the world for Christ. The school is an integral piece of the daily ministry of the church. Educators prayerfully develop and provide an experience that focuses on spiritual formation, helping children to cultivate a deep personal relationship with Christ. Mentoring, biblical teaching, practical application, and intentional service opportunities are all a part of the daily experience for SNA students. Behind the scenes, a generous congregation donates time, talents, and financial support to assist in meeting the needs of the school. Church leadership advocates for and supports the school with the space to operate safely and effectively.

From its early days, the Church of the Nazarene recognized education as a critical tool for nurturing faith and equipping believers for service. The church sought to establish institutions of higher education that would combine rigorous academic instruction with spiritual formation. This approach aimed to develop individuals who could effectively engage and transform their communities through both their professional and personal lives.

With a successful Nazarene educational system at the collegiate level in place, churches today can continue our strong tradition by considering the effective and practical ministry of K-8 or K-12 microschool education in their churches. Shawnee Church of the Nazarene has found the benefits to be positive. Families are aware of church activities, and the church has received new memberships through the school ministry. Income from the school has assisted with budgetary needs and debt reduction of the church. Children are giving their lives to Christ.

If you would like more information about how to start a microschool ministry through your church, more information can be found at the National Microschooling Center at microschoolingcenter.org. Also, school administration from Shawnee Nazarene Academy will offer practical tips if you email snaoffice@shawneenaz.org.

Nancy Shonamon lives in Kansas City, Kansas. She served at the Nazarene Christian Academy in Fort Worth, Texas, for 17 years. She currently is the principal of Shawnee Nazarene Academy, in Shawnee, Kansas. You may contact Nancy at snaoffice@shawneenaz.org.