How a Private Christian Education Uniquely Prepares Your Child for Middle School

Think about how much your child will change from kindergarten through fifth grade. The elementary school years fly by in a flurry of academic and social development, and before you know it, it’s time for middle school — a transition which can be as intimidating for parents as it is for kids. 

A private Christian education can help your child find steady footing in elementary school. This solid foundation grounds them spiritually and academically and ensures that middle school will be a time of progress and growth. Here are some specific ways the right elementary experience can prepare your child:

California recently saw its largest decline in public school enrollment in 20 years, with a decrease of more than 160,000 students in the 2020-2021 school year compared to the previous year. This 2.6% decrease in enrollment is the largest the state has seen over the past 20 years. According to Newsweek.com and the state’s education department, 88% of the declines in statewide public school enrollment occurred in kindergarten to sixth grade.  

CNBC.com reports that roughly 41% of parents were more likely to prefer a private education for their children post-pandemic. Private schools often boast larger campuses, smaller class sizes, and the flexibility from adhering to specific, state-mandated teaching methods, content, or standardized testing pressures. In addition, private Christian schools give teachers and administrators room to keep the content and school culture Christ-centered. 

Linfield Christian School’s elementary curriculum complements what students will be learning in middle school to ensure they are more than prepared for what’s next. Resources are carefully chosen to help children learn skills, concepts, strategies, and content, and students are taught via the sharing of ideas and conversation, creating a relational learning environment in which students and teachers learn from each other.

Supportive relationships and active discovery are at the heart of relational learning. As your child nears middle school, this kind of environment will empower them to become a dynamic participant in their education and will give them the confidence they need to get involved in class discussions and problem-solving activities. 

As a parent, you know how the environment and culture your child is in will have a significant impact on them — now and in the future. Since your child will spend more than 5,200 hours in elementary school, positive influences and messaging are critical. That’s just one of the reasons why private Christian schools are so beneficial; they actively promote a culture that teaches children to love Christ and serve others. 

At Linfield Christian School, the Bible is studied in every grade as a core subject, and Christian principles are integrated into every aspect of our curriculum, culture, and community. Elementary students memorize Bible verses as part of their course of study, and they attend weekly chapels where they hear from guest speakers, including Linfield Christian High School students! Our young learners love hearing from these positive role models. 

As they learn more about Christ and His love for them, Linfield’s elementary students begin to understand how they fit into God’s plan and develop a relationship with Him. They also cultivate relationships with their teachers and mentors and develop a support network they can lean on when they’re feeling overwhelmed or pressured. 

Private Christian schools have smaller class sizes, giving teachers more time to get to know their students through one-on-one interactions. The individualized attention and smaller group settings have many benefits, including helping elementary students master social skills.

Social skills go beyond just knowing when and how to join a conversation. These social skills are critical for collaborative learning and self-advocacy, and it’s important for students to have these skills in place before moving on to middle school. 

Linfield Christian’s small class sizes allow room for supportive teachers to mentor students, to celebrate successes, and to help navigate challenges. Our students learn how to treat others with kindness and to lean on their spiritual foundations for future guidance. Friendships are developed outside of the classroom through extracurricular activities such as Christmas and spring musical performances, school band, the running club, and Lions Academy. 

Even the littlest of learners can benefit from exposure to leadership skills and training. Skills like conflict resolution, good communication, decision making, and setting and achieving goals ensure the development of confident, capable kids who aren’t easily swayed by negative peer pressure.

Linfield Christian elementary students also enhance their character development and leadership skills through service opportunities. In addition to working with Sole Hope and sponsoring a child through World Vision, elementary families are invited to pack and pray over Operation Christmas Child gift boxes each year. Fifth graders also enjoy a leadership camp by spending three days and two nights bonding and connecting with one another at the start of the year, all with the goal of learning to be Christian leaders on campus. 

The transition to middle school doesn’t have to be scary, especially if your child stays within the same school community. Linfield Christian is a TK-12th grade school by design; we believe in providing a consistent Christ-centered academic experience that inspires students to grow and develop so they can serve the Lord and the world through their character and leadership.

A Linfield Christian elementary parent recently shared, “We started at Linfield but took one year off to try a public school setting. We almost immediately realized that Linfield was a community that can not be replaced. The curriculum, the Bible-based fundamentals, the quality of the teachers and staff, and the parent network are the main reasons why we have returned and will never leave again.” 

Interested in ensuring your child is adequately prepared for middle school? Download our parent information packet and schedule a tour of Linfield Christian School today.