Church-Based Schools

American families and churches are facing a crisis. We need trustworthy, biblically grounded, family-friendly, evangelistically minded institutions to sustain, defend, and advance the gospel. If your church has a building, you should consider hosting a school.

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Why should my church host a Christian school?

If your church has a building—any kind of physical facility—you have the opportunity to host some kind of weekday school that is linked to, and in partnership with, your neighborhood church, including:

  • A homeschool co-op
  • An after-school program
  • A Christian school
  • A non-traditional school

Join us for an informational webinar on Starting Church-Based Schools for Discipleship

November 20, 2025, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET

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On average, a student spends 1,350 hours in a classroom per year.

There’s no other environment given greater time to disciple and invest in the hearts and minds of students educating for life and preparing for eternity.

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Where should our church start?

As you think about hosting or starting a Christian school, you must first consider:

  • Discipleship needs of the families in your congregation
  • Current education professionals in your church
  • Unused space during the week
  • Potential community impact
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Helpful Resources

The Education Reformation
The Education Reformation eBook
While parents are considering education options for their kids, many churches have buildings suitable for schools—spaces that sit unused throughout the week. If you have a building, then you could start a Christian school.
PDF Case Studies_F3
Case Studies
Starting a church-based school can take many forms, and every church’s context is different. These case studies overview real-life examples of how churches have started different types of Christian schools.
Starting Church-Based Schools for Discipleship_thumb
Starting Church-Based Schools for Discipleship
We are approaching a crucial moment in our nation’s history with the Church’s opportunity to extend discipleship through starting Christian schools. How are we stewarding church facilities? How are we preparing for the influx of students in states where vouchers make Christian education more affordable? Listen in as we discuss important factors related to the spread of church-based schools across the country.
A Case for Church Based Schools_thumb
A Case for Church-Based Schools
There's no one-size-fits-all model for church-based schools. So, how do you get started? What's the potential impact on your church and community? Learn from Trevin Wax, Larry Taylor, Steve Whitaker, and Chuck Gilliam as they encourage and equip you to take the next step in starting or growing your church-based school during this webinar recorded on July 16, 2024.

Education models range from traditional to digital.

We are working with ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) to help answer
your questions and to provide additional guidance based on your church’s context.

connect me to ACSI

Not sure if you are ready to take the next step?

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NAMB has partnered with the ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) which serves many SBC churches. For more than 40 years, ACSI has faithfully lived out its mission around the world: “To strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ.” ACSI is committed to Christian schools and educators as they deal with today’s challenging times.