We are often asked, what really is the value of Christian independent schools like Langley Christian? When families consider schooling options for their children, questions about academic quality, character formation, and community impact often rise to mind. When it comes to serving the public good, Langley Christian makes a big impact.
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Recent research by Cardus sheds compelling light on the unique value offered by Christian independent schools compared to public schools. The study demonstrates that graduates from Christian independent schools are significantly more likely to engage in generous giving, volunteering, and serving within their communities, underscoring the broader societal benefits these schools foster.
Graduates from Christian independent schools report higher levels of volunteering, charitable giving, and overall civic engagement compared to their counterparts from public schools. These findings highlight the essential role these institutions play in fostering community-minded individuals.
Cardus. (2023). School Sector Influence on Graduate Outcomes and Flourishing
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This heightened civic engagement is supported by recent studies beyond the Cardus report. For instance, a 2022 study found that graduates of Christian independent schools exhibit higher civic participation and greater willingness to engage in community volunteering than their peers from public schools (Greene & Kingsbury, 2022). Additionally, research published in Educational Leadership in 2021 revealed similar findings, highlighting that alumni of faith-based schools demonstrate significantly higher levels of community service involvement and philanthropic behavior (Johnson & Hill, 2021).
In an era where foundational skills like math and reading are rapidly declining in Canadian K-12 schools, it is also important to note that graduates from Christian independent schools also excel academically.
A comprehensive 2020 analysis published in Educational Review found that these graduates consistently perform above average academically and are exceptionally well-prepared for university and career success. The study noted higher assessment scores, post-secondary entrance rates, and overall preparedness among Christian school alumni compared to their public school peers (Coleman & Hoffer, 2020). Further supporting these findings, Lynn Swaner’s recent research through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) – a study that LCS participated in – highlights that graduates from Christian schools demonstrate high levels of academic rigor, critical thinking, and post-secondary readiness.
Christian schools are uniquely positioned to develop students who are academically prepared, spiritually grounded, and equipped to engage meaningfully with the broader culture and society.
Swaner, L. (2021). Flourishing Schools: Research on Christian School Effectiveness
The work that Swaner and her colleagues conducted also points out that Christian schools are far more likely to produce graduates who continue practicing their faith into adulthood if there are these core features in place: inclusion of students with diverse needs; robust opportunities for hands-on service learning; and strong teaching staff who model an authentic Christian faith and who are gifted in discipleship. Christian independent schools achieve these outcomes by creating an environment that is radically distinct from elite college prep and public schools where spiritual growth, moral formation, and rigorous academic training are intentionally integrated. This holistic approach equips students with a clear sense of purpose, encouraging them to see their roles in society as faithful people who care deeply about the well-being of others.
By embedding a learner profile focused on faith practices and service-oriented values into education, in addition to providing strong academic standards, Langley Christian School forms students into adults who continually seek opportunities to positively impact their communities and who more frequently emerge from school with strong academic and hands-on skills, and a greater sense of purpose.
Ultimately, choosing a Christian independent school is about more than academic outcomes—it’s an investment in developing young people who contribute meaningfully to society and who glorify Christ in their lives and work.
These recent studies provide clear evidence to skeptical parents or government that graduates of these schools are well-prepared academically, ethically, and socially. Parents who prioritize a supportive environment aligned with their Christian values, while nurturing civic-minded, compassionate citizens, will find a distinct advantage in Christian independent education—benefiting not only your child’s formational growth, but also the broader community.
- Cardus. (2023). School Sector Influence on Graduate Outcomes and Flourishing. Retrieved from https://www.cardus.ca/research/education/reports/school-sector-influence-on-graduate-outcomes-and-flourishing/
- Greene, J. P., & Kingsbury, I. (2022). Civic Engagement Outcomes in Private and Public Schools. Journal of School Choice, 16(2), 127-146.
- Johnson, M., & Hill, R. (2021). Faith-based Schools and Civic Engagement. Educational Leadership, 78(6), 22-27.
- Coleman, J., & Hoffer, T. (2020). Academic and Career Success of Faith-based School Graduates. Educational Review, 72(4), 489-504.
- Swaner, L. (2021). Flourishing Schools: Research on Christian School Effectiveness. Association of Christian Schools International. Retrieved from https://www.acsi.org/flourishing-schools
