For Christian families, this decision often includes an additional layer of consideration. How will a school reinforce the values and faith that are being taught at home?
Choosing where your child will go to school is one of the most important decisions a family makes. For many parents, the question is not simply which school is closest or most convenient, but rather:
What kind of environment will best support my child’s growth — academically, socially, and spiritually?
For Christian families, this decision often includes an additional layer of consideration. How will a school reinforce the values and faith that are being taught at home?
If you are weighing the differences between public and private school, here are several important factors to consider.
One of the most significant differences for Christian families is how faith is approached within the school setting.
Public schools, by design, do not provide religious instruction. Faith is something families support outside of the school day.
In a Christian school, faith is integrated into daily life through:
In a Lutheran school, this often includes helping students understand their identity as children of God and encouraging them to use their gifts in service to others.
For many families, this alignment between home, church, and school is deeply meaningful. You can learn more about this by visiting our “Faith Formation” page on our website.
One of the most noticeable differences between public and private schools is class size. Public schools often have larger classrooms, which can make it more difficult for teachers to give individualized attention to each student.
Private schools, particularly smaller ones, often provide:
For many children, being known by their teacher plays a significant role in both confidence and academic growth. You can learn more about this in our elementary and middle school programs.
In any school, strong relationships matter. However, in smaller private school settings, teachers often have more opportunity to truly know their students.
This can lead to:
Many parents notice that their child feels more comfortable and confident when these relationships are present.
Both public and private schools can provide strong academic programs. However, the approach to learning can differ.
Private schools often have more flexibility to:
In smaller environments, it is often easier to recognize when a student needs additional support or greater challenge.
The overall feel of a school can make a significant difference in a child’s experience.
Public schools often serve large and diverse populations, which can make it more difficult to build a close-knit community.
Private schools, especially smaller ones, often foster:
Many parents find that this sense of community becomes one of the most meaningful aspects of their child’s education. You can also learn more about our programs to see how this community develops across grade levels.
One of the most obvious differences between public and private school is cost. Public education is funded through taxes, while private schools require tuition.
For many families, this is an important and sometimes difficult consideration.
At the same time, some parents begin to view private education as an investment — not only in academics, but in their child’s overall development during foundational years.
Factors families often consider include:
Some schools also offer tuition assistance or flexible options to help make private education more accessible.
In both public and private schools, parents play an essential role in a child’s education.
However, many private schools place a strong emphasis on partnership between school and home, with regular communication and shared goals for each student.
For Christian families, this partnership often extends to supporting faith development as well.
While understanding these differences is helpful, the most meaningful way to evaluate a school is to experience it firsthand.
Observing classrooms, meeting teachers, and seeing how students interact can give families a clearer picture of what daily life looks like in each setting.
Families throughout Corcoran, Maple Grove, Rogers, and St. Michael often find that visiting a smaller, Christ-centered school helps them better understand how their child might thrive in a more personal and supportive environment. The best next step is to schedule a personal tour.
At St. John’s Lutheran School in Corcoran, we believe children are uniquely created by God and called to grow in their gifts. Our goal is to partner with families to support both academic growth and faith, helping students build confidence, character, and a strong foundation for the future.
If you are considering your options, we would love to meet your family and help you explore whether St. John’s could be the right fit.
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