Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Westminster Christian Academy.
Choosing a Christian School: Key Questions to Ask on a Tour
Selecting the right school for your child is a significant decision. As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want them to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. At Westminster Christian Academy (WCA), we want you to be prepared for this important decision.
When selecting a school, it’s essential to consider the values and mission that align with your family’s beliefs. If a faith-based education is important to you, here are some key questions to ask on your school tours, and some answers on how we do things at WCA.
Is the school accredited and state-approved?
WCA is dually accredited through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Cognia, and we also hold state approval through the Louisiana Department of Education.
Is the school associated with a denomination?
We are an interdenominational school and not affiliated with any particular church. We are also not a covenant school, which means we don’t require our families to profess faith in Jesus Christ or attend church. However, we provide a strong Christian education led by our faculty and staff who are professing believers and walk out their faith every day in the classrooms.
How are faith and the Bible incorporated into daily lessons?
We practice Kingdom Education which is defined as a lifelong, Bible-based, Christ-centered process of leading a child into a new identity with Christ. Kingdom Education works to develop children according to their specific abilities so that a child will be empowered to live a life characterized by love, trust and obedience to Christ. The ultimate goal of Kingdom Education is to develop a mature disciple of Jesus Christ whose life glorifies God.
What curriculum does the school use?
We use BJU Press, a curriculum that provides a biblical worldview focused on academic rigor and critical thinking. Our principals regularly attend BJU conferences and provide professional development to our faculty to ensure everyone is well-versed in the materials. From K3 through 12th grade, our students are learning how their faith integrates with every subject and in every aspect of their lives.
What are the qualifications and requirements for teachers at your school?
All of our educators meet or exceed the nonpublic school requirements for their teaching assignment, as outlined by the Louisiana Department of Education. In addition, with our ACSI accreditation, our teachers will be ACSI certified, further solidifying their commitment to providing a high-quality Christian education.
How is conflict or student discipline handled?
We believe that discipline begins with setting expectations. To follow the rules, students first need to know what they are and how they are defined. Consequences will look different in every division based on the age of the student, but we believe in holding each student accountable to our behavior standards. Regardless of their actions or the consequences, our teachers and principals want students to know they are aways loved by God.
What about campus safety? How does the school keep kids safe while they are on the campus? Does staff receive any training for intruder of active shooter situations?
While no parent wants to contemplate it, understanding a school’s safety policies and procedures is crucial in today’s world. At WCA, we have a partnership with the Marshal’s Office and they provide a full-time School Resource Officer who helps with car line, patrols our campus, and interacts with our school community. In addition to our SRO, we have regular active shooter drills and our faculty and staff receive training on how to handle safety situations.
What is student life like?
From Preschool Hibernation Day to our Robotics Club for high school students, we offer a range of activities, extra-curriculars and athletic opportunities for students to discover their talents and nurture their skills and character.
How can parents get involved in school life?
One of the benefits of a private Christian school is being in an environment with like-minded families. We welcome parent participation and have numerous opportunities for parents and grandparents to join us for our chapel services, special programs, and other activities. Our community of families is what makes us strong!
A Warm Welcome Awaits
At WCA, we invite you to experience our vibrant community firsthand. Our in-person tours and shadow day opportunities offer a glimpse into our classrooms, facilities, and the warm, nurturing environment we’ve created.
As our vision statement says, “Students equipped for lives of significance.” That’s what we strive for in students of every age. It’s about shaping well-rounded individuals who are equipped to make a positive impact on the world for Christ.
About the Author
Chaney Hopkins joined the Westminster Christian Academy community in May 2020, bringing over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications. Before moving to Acadiana, she worked as a reporter and editor at The Times of Southwest Louisiana in Lake Charles. In 2010 she moved to Lafayette and transitioned to healthcare marketing, holding positions at LHC Group, Lafayette General Health (now Ochsner Lafayette General), and VieMed.
A graduate of Louisiana State University, she earned a degree in General Studies with a focus on English, Speech Communications, and Psychology. During her time at LSU, she was actively involved in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and served as a children’s intern at her church.
She is currently in her fifth year at WCA serving as the Director of Institutional Advancement for both K3-12th grade campuses. When not working, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband of 10 years, Nick, and their black lab, Bennet. She finds relaxation at her sewing machine or with a good novel.
