The “Good Soil” of Classical Christian Education
As parents investing in a classical and Christian education for our students, it is natural to wonder whether that investment will bear fruit in our children’s lives long after they leave the classroom. Will they hold fast to the Christian values we’ve tried to instill in them and live their lives to further God’s kingdom? Will a classical education provide them with everything they need to be successful in college and beyond? Will they be active contributers to society — leaders, change-makers, faithful spouses, and diligent parents?
Almost 30 years into the resurgency of classical education, we now have a large enough sample size of classically educated adults that we can respond to these questions with solid data. The Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) commissioned a study last year by the University of Notre Dame’s Sociology Department. The study compared graduates ages 24-42 from public, secular private, Catholic, evangelical Christian, religious homeschool, and ACCS schools. Participants were surveyed on topics of life-choices, preparation, attitudes, values, opinions, and practices. Using a computer model, outcomes were isolated to the school effects themselves, rather than family factors, demographics, and other potential influences.
ACCS released the findings in a report titled “Good Soil — A Comparative Study of ACCS Alumni Life Outcomes.” The results were overwhelmingly favorable and showed that classical Christian education can influence the course of a home, a community, and a nation.
Click here to watch a video about the study, view an interactive summary of its findings, and download the complete report.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Read more PCS blog posts about the value of a uniquely classical and Christian education.
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