Why are Parents Choosing Christian Schools? | Dr Darren Iselin 

3 June 2025

   

In a recent feature within WhichSchool Magazine, Dr Darren Iselin, Director of Research and Innovation at Christian Schools Australia, unpacks the compelling reasons behind the continued growth of Christian education in Australia.

 

Despite a broader cultural shift away from religious affiliation, Christian schools are thriving - and families are making highly intentional decisions to enrol their children in these communities. Drawing on the findings from the Christian Schools Community Profile (CSCP) survey - Australia’s largest ever study of parent perceptions in Christian schools, with nearly 15,000 respondents from over 100 CSA member schools - Dr Iselin explores the motivations behind this significant trend.


The research highlights four key themes influencing school choice:
• Faith and values alignment – Parents are seeking schools that reinforce their own beliefs, with 74% indicating the importance of teaching traditional Christian values.
• Supportive and relational communities – Families deeply value the safety, care, and strength of relationships within Christian schools, which foster belonging and personal growth.
• Educational quality and affordability – Christian schools are recognised for both high quality academic outcomes and their holistic focus on human flourishing, delivered at an accessible price point.
• Spirituality in a secular age – Even as church attendance declines, parents choosing Christian schools still affirm belief in a personal God and want their children shaped by spiritual formation.

Dr Iselin’s reflections offer not only insight into why Christian schools continue to grow, but also a broader understanding of the values that guide parent decision-making in today’s educational environment.

👉 Read the full article here: Why Are Parents Choosing Christian Schools?

 

  

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