Selecting the right elementary school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. This choice lays the foundation for your child's educational journey and can significantly impact their academic success, character development, and overall love of learning. Private elementary schools offer unique advantages, from smaller class sizes to specialized programs, but not all private schools are created equal.
At Liberty Christian School, we understand the weight of this decision. We've guided countless families through this process and have compiled essential questions to help you navigate your search for the perfect private elementary school. Whether you're just beginning to explore options or are narrowing down your final choices, these questions will help you gather critical information and make an informed decision that aligns with your family's values and your child's needs.
1. Academic Program Questions
What curriculum approach does the school follow?
Understanding a school's curriculum is fundamental. Ask whether the school follows a traditional, progressive, classical, or other educational approach. At Liberty Christian School, our K-6 academics integrate Bob Jones University, Positive Action, Savvas, and McGraw Hill curricula, providing a solid foundation enhanced by our teachers' unique styles and additional resources.
Look for schools that can clearly articulate their educational philosophy and how it translates into daily classroom experiences. Ask about specific subjects and how they're taught—for example, what reading method is used or how mathematics is approached.
What is the typical class size and student-teacher ratio?
Smaller class sizes are one of the main benefits of private education, allowing for more individualized attention. Ask not just about the maximum class size but the typical size, as these can differ. Also inquire about teaching assistants or specialists who may provide additional support.
Liberty Christian School intentionally maintains small class sizes with a goal of a 15:1 student-teacher ratio. This allows our teachers to develop meaningful relationships with each student and tailor instruction to individual learning styles.
How do you assess student progress throughout the year?
Understanding how a school measures progress helps you gauge how your child's learning will be evaluated. Ask about the types of assessments used (standardized tests, project-based assessments, portfolios, etc.) and how frequently they occur.
Also inquire about how this information is communicated to parents. Regular and transparent communication about your child's progress is essential for supporting their education at home.
2. School Culture & Values Questions
How is faith integrated into the daily learning experience?
For faith-based schools like Liberty Christian, understanding how biblical principles are woven throughout the curriculum and school day is crucial. Ask about Bible classes, chapel services, prayer times, and how Christian values inform teaching across all subjects.
At Liberty, we focus on Christ, academics, athletics, and community. Our students encounter Christ daily through our biblically-based worldview curriculum and experience His love through our dedicated teachers and staff.
What approach does the school take to character development?
Elementary years are formative for character development. Ask about how the school intentionally cultivates positive character traits and values in students. Do they have specific character education programs or incorporate character development throughout their curriculum?
Look for schools that can point to specific ways they promote qualities like kindness, respect, responsibility, and integrity. At Liberty Christian School, our mission includes providing not just quality academics but also traditional values and a caring environment.
How does the school involve families in the educational community?
Strong parent-school partnerships benefit children tremendously. Ask about opportunities for parent involvement, from volunteer opportunities to parent-teacher conferences and family events.
A school that welcomes parent participation demonstrates that they value family input and recognize parents as partners in their child's education. At Liberty, we see ourselves as an extension of your family, upholding shared traditional values and providing support to your home life.
3. Practical Considerations
What are the tuition costs, and what financial assistance options are available?
Private education is an investment, and understanding the full financial picture is important. Beyond the base tuition, ask about additional fees for books, technology, field trips, or extracurricular activities.
Many private schools offer financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans to help make education more accessible. At Liberty Christian School, we offer tuition assistance and scholarship opportunities to help make Christian education possible for more families. Our 2024-2025 annual tuition for Kindergarten through 6th grade is $8,250, with various payment options available.
What before and after-school programs are offered?
For working parents, extended care options are often essential. Ask about the availability, hours, supervision, and activities offered during before and after-school programs.
Liberty Christian provides complimentary morning daycare beginning at 7:30 am and offers afternoon daycare from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm for an additional hourly rate. Our program provides a safe, structured environment for students outside regular school hours.
What transportation options are available?
Understanding how your child will get to and from school is a practical consideration. Ask whether the school provides bus service, if carpooling is organized among families, or if the school is accessible via public transportation.
At Liberty, many families organize carpools, and our staff can help connect you with others in your area. We also have a streamlined drop-off and pick-up system to make daily transportation as smooth as possible.
4. Faculty & Staff Questions
What are the qualifications and experience of teachers?
Teachers have the most direct impact on your child's educational experience. Ask about teachers' educational backgrounds, certifications, experience levels, and any specialized training they may have.
At Liberty Christian School, our teachers are not only academically qualified but also committed Christians who view teaching as a ministry. Their dedication to our students is unparalleled, and they bring both professional expertise and spiritual mentorship to the classroom.
What is the staff turnover rate?
High teacher turnover can disrupt educational continuity. A stable faculty often indicates a healthy school culture and administrative support for teachers. Ask how long teachers typically stay at the school and what retention strategies are in place.
Many of our teachers at Liberty have been with us for years, creating a stable, experienced faculty that knows our community well and provides consistency for our students.
What professional development opportunities are provided for teachers?
Schools that invest in their teachers' growth demonstrate a commitment to educational excellence. Ask about how teachers stay current with educational research and best practices through ongoing professional development.
Liberty Christian School supports our teachers' professional growth through regular training opportunities, collaborative planning time, and resources for continuing education in both academic areas and spiritual formation.
5. Student Support Questions
How does the school accommodate different learning needs?
Every child is unique, and understanding how a school addresses various learning styles and needs is important. Ask about support for students who may struggle academically, as well as enrichment for those who need additional challenges.
Liberty Christian's L.E.A.R.N. Academy provides specialized support for students with learning disabilities. Based on the belief that every child is made in God's image and uniquely designed for His purposes, this program helps identify and track students who have learning disabilities and provides assistance as needed.
What programs are available for gifted students?
For students who excel academically, appropriate challenges are essential to maintain engagement and growth. Ask about advanced learning opportunities, acceleration options, or enrichment programs that might be available.
At Liberty, our small class sizes allow teachers to differentiate instruction and provide appropriate challenges for students working above grade level. We also offer various enhancement activities that allow students to explore and develop their God-given talents.
What social-emotional support does the school provide?
Elementary students are developing not just academically but socially and emotionally. Ask about how the school supports students' social skills, emotional well-being, and mental health.
Liberty Christian School takes a whole-child approach, supporting students' emotional and social growth alongside their academic development. Our teachers are trained to nurture students' emotional intelligence and create classroom environments where children feel safe, valued, and connected.
6. Facilities & Resources Questions
How is technology integrated into the learning experience?
In today's digital world, technology literacy is increasingly important. Ask about the technology available to students, how it's incorporated into learning, and what digital citizenship education is provided.
Liberty Christian School provides ChromeBooks for our 3rd-6th grade students (included in tuition) and uses iPads for K-2 students. We thoughtfully integrate technology as a learning tool while maintaining our focus on foundational skills and personal interactions.
What specialty facilities does the school have?
Beyond standard classrooms, many private schools offer specialty spaces that enhance learning. Ask about libraries, science labs, art studios, music rooms, athletic facilities, or outdoor learning spaces.
Liberty Christian boasts one of the best gymnasiums in Orange County, with a premier basketball court and double volleyball court. Our campus also includes specialized spaces for music, art, and other enrichment activities.
What safety and security measures are in place?
Your child's safety is paramount. Ask about the school's approach to security, including visitor policies, emergency procedures, staff training, and campus monitoring.
At Liberty Christian School, we maintain a secure campus with comprehensive safety protocols. All visitors must check in at the office, and our staff receives regular training in emergency procedures to ensure student safety at all times.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child is ready for elementary school?
Kindergarten readiness varies by child, but generally, children should demonstrate basic social skills, some independence in self-care, the ability to follow simple directions, and early literacy and numeracy awareness. At Liberty, we conduct readiness assessments as part of our admission process to ensure your child is prepared for success.
What makes a Christian elementary education different from public school?
Christian elementary education integrates faith into all aspects of learning, allowing children to develop an understanding of the world through a biblical lens. At Liberty, we teach the same academic subjects as public schools, but we can also openly discuss how these subjects reflect God's design and purpose for the world.
How involved are parents expected to be in their child's education?
At Liberty Christian School, we view education as a partnership between home and school. While parent involvement isn't mandated, we encourage families to engage with their child's learning through regular communication with teachers, attendance at school events, and support of learning at home. Parents of L.E.A.R.N. Academy students are expected to provide consistent support at home.
How do you handle discipline issues?
Liberty Christian approaches discipline from a restorative perspective, helping children understand how their choices affect others and how to make better decisions in the future. We maintain clear, age-appropriate expectations and partner with parents when behavioral concerns arise to ensure consistency between home and school.
What extracurricular activities are available for elementary students?
Liberty offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities for elementary students, including sports starting from 4th grade, music programs, art classes, and various clubs. We believe these activities are important for developing well-rounded students and helping them discover their God-given talents.
8. Ready to Take the Next Step?
Choosing a private elementary school is a journey, and asking these questions will help you gather the information needed to make a confident decision. Remember that beyond the answers themselves, pay attention to how openly and thoroughly school representatives respond. Their willingness to engage with your questions often reflects the school's overall approach to parent communication and partnership.
At Liberty Christian School, we welcome your questions and invite you to experience our community firsthand. Schedule a tour to visit our campus, meet our teachers, and see our students engaged in learning. We believe in providing a Christian education that includes quality academics, traditional values, a caring environment, and abundant opportunities for each child to thrive.
As you continue exploring our academic philosophy and learning about our community, remember that finding the right fit means finding a school that aligns with your family's values and your child's unique needs. We're here to help you through every step of this important decision.