At KatiePrejean.com, we proudly present the finest selection of Christian high schools in the United States. This compilation is not about ranking but rather an alphabetical arrangement, highlighting the remarkable institutions that place faith and education at the forefront.
When considering schools for this prestigious list, we took various factors into account. These include coeducational day schools that prioritize academic excellence and nurture extracurricular richness, encompassing fine arts, athletics, and social activities. In addition, we emphasize geographic and demographic diversity, ensuring a comprehensive representation of Christian high schools across America.
We understand the importance of real experiences, which is why we considered feedback from both parents and students. By addressing concerns such as unchecked bullying, we aim to provide a reliable resource for families seeking the best Christian secondary education.
While academic excellence and rigor hold significant value in our other high school articles, we recognize that Christian high schools excel in providing a well-rounded education. It is our intention to present institutions that not only prioritize academics but also uphold faith as the cornerstone.
With this article, we strive to capture the essence of what constitutes the finest and paramount Christian high school education in America.
10 Best Christian High Schools in America (arranged alphabetically)
1. Alabama Christian Academy, Montgomery, AL
At ACA, a college preparatory school established in 1942 by the Church of Christ, students from Pre-K to grade 12 benefit from comprehensive education. With an emphasis on college readiness and a vibrant spiritual life, each day begins with chapel service aiming to nurture students’ spiritual growth. To encourage further spiritual development, students engage in Bible study and discussion groups led by qualified faculty members or SALT (Student Action Leadership Team) members. Camp Chandler hosts ninth and 10th graders for LIGHT, initiating their path to become SALT members. ACA students actively partake in community service projects, such as Eagles for Christ Day, during which they collaborate with local agencies and groups. Opportunities for service are continually integrated into the Bible curriculum and offered through athletic teams. ACA provides a wide offering of academic courses, including AP, honors, and dual-enrollment through Faulkner University. Additionally, students can explore their creative interests through electives like band, choir, art, and theater. ACA students also excel in various sports, including golf and bass fishing, with notable achievements at the state level. Remarkably, ACA athletes have signed with esteemed universities such as Auburn and Texas A&M. ACA takes pride in its students’ accomplishments, including a junior female golfer winning the Greater Montgomery Open and an ACA senior being named a National Merit Finalist.
2. Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, DC
Founded in 1951, ACHS offers a college preparation program that blends faith and duty, shaping students into Christian professionals. ACHS prides itself on being an integrated school, welcoming students of all backgrounds. In fact, ACHS was ahead of the Supreme Court, who didn’t declare segregated public schools unconstitutional until 1955.
In 1989, three diocesan high schools merged with ACHS, resulting in an enrollment of over 600 students today. ACHS provides a Writing Center, where students receive guidance to enhance their academic and creative writing skills. The Freedom Writers, a dedicated group of students, work after school to improve their academic writing through portfolio-driven progress. The school also hosts a Poetry Slam, where talented poets showcase their work. Carroll poets visit local grade schools and conduct writing workshops through the Young Poets to Young Poets program. Additionally, ACHS publishes a literary magazine called So It Shall Be Written.
ACHS offers an International Baccalaureate Diploma program, a two-year course of study across seven areas. Students in this program must complete 150 hours of Creativity, Action, and Service. Many colleges recognize and reward IB diploma holders, often granting college credits or actively recruiting them.
While ACHS doesn’t mandate community service for graduation, students who fail to meet the mandatory community service hours are unable to participate in extracurricular activities, including clubs and sports.
3. Asheville Christian Academy, Swannanoa, NC
ACA caters to students in grades 6 to 12, with separate middle school (6-8) and upper school (9-12) divisions. Upper school students who are part of the student government or class officers get the opportunity to attend a leadership retreat. Additionally, an engaging overnight service retreat blending spiritual teachings with community service projects is open to all upper school students.
During the “Winterim” term, which happens between the end of February and the beginning of March, students can participate in diverse learning experiences such as foreign missions or local internships. It’s important to plan early for international or national travel, so students are encouraged to register for their Winterim term at the start of the school year. However, there are plenty of enriching experiences available during Winterim without leaving home. Students can explore classes that aren’t offered during the regular school year during this time.
Field trips and overnight trips are arranged throughout the school year to enhance the curriculum. At the end of the year, upper school classes enjoy a fun-filled day at Camp Cedarcliff.
For students seeking enrichment opportunities beyond regular classes, there’s an after-school EXCEL program. It offers a variety of sports, fine arts, as well as academic offerings in math, science, technology, and world languages. The PASS (Programs for Academic Support and Success) program extends support to students facing academic challenges or unique learning needs.
At ACA, the focus is on helping every student achieve academic success while fostering a biblical worldview. While the classroom plays a significant role, acquiring a biblical worldview extends beyond it. Students learn not only how to learn but also how to live as followers of Christ through class trips, small group gatherings in faculty homes, service retreats, and class trips.
4. Barrington Christian Academy, Barrington, RI
BCA, a small school, provides a quality Christian education in a town of around 16,000 people. It serves as a spiritual refuge for children in Barrington, with the addition of international students from South Korea, China, and Vietnam. International students live with volunteer families, and most graduate from BCA. High school students take math, English, science, social studies, Bible, fine arts, P.E., and a language. Electives include religion, Bible, college prep, choir, robotics, accounting, and more. Seniors have options like painting, art history, or Senior Studio. History, chemistry, and English AP courses are offered. Chapel for grades 6-12 is held weekly, featuring guest speakers, musical groups, and BCA students. Students can take piano lessons, join sports teams or clubs, and participate in instrumental or guitar ensembles. BCA teams have won championships in girls’ basketball and baseball, with sports like soccer, basketball, softball, and track and field also offered. The high school choir has toured and competes in the RI Music Educators Association competition. Students engage in service projects such as building homes, working with charitable organizations, and participating in mission trips, including to the Dominican Republic.
5. Berean Christian School, Knoxville, TN
Berean is a K-12 school that provides a faith-based academic program emphasizing excellence with a biblical worldview. Students engage in daily Bible classes, weekly chapel programs, and service projects. The fall retreat fosters fellowship, spiritual growth, and sets the tone for the school year. Students can participate in yearbook creation, as well as drama, music, band, and art programs. Berean’s curriculum aligns with state benchmarks and national standards.
While not offering football, softball, or baseball, Berean has a co-op arrangement with Gibbs High School for student participation. Sports opportunities at Berean include swimming, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The SOAR program, led by professional support from an educational psychologist and learning specialist, caters to students with special needs, helping them reach their full potential.
Accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Berean is committed to providing a unique educational experience. It is a ministry of Berean Bible Church and a member of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association.
6. Bradford Christian Academy, Haverhill, MA
Bradford Christian Academy provides personalized college-prep academics tailored to each student’s strengths, gifts, and challenges. With an environment that fosters faith, students receive a well-rounded education. BCA’s wide range of high school courses, including AP and honors classes, ensures that all graduates are thoroughly prepared for college. Additionally, graduates earn impressive merit-based scholarships, averaging $30,000 per year.
Beyond academics, BCA offers diverse extracurricular activities. The theater program competes at the state-wide festival, while the soccer and basketball teams consistently excel in their leagues. The chorus showcases its talent at renowned venues like Carnegie Hall. Furthermore, wilderness adventures provide students with memorable experiences to test their limits, forge lasting friendships, and deepen their faith.
BCA truly integrates faith and learning throughout the student experience. Students engage in biblical studies for four years and attend weekly chapels. They also contribute countless service hours, positively impacting the larger community. Additionally, mission trips to the Third World broaden students’ perspectives on God’s Kingdom across cultures.
With a diverse student body representing various communities and countries such as South Korea, Europe, Vietnam, and China, BCA embraces cultural diversity. Home school students are welcome to take individual courses and participate in extracurricular activities. The school serves families from various Christian traditions and provides need-based financial aid to make education affordable. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, BCA guarantees a quality education.
7. Brethren Christian Junior and Senior High School, Huntington Beach, CA
At BCHS, students attend a variety of churches in different communities. International students also come, arranging their own accommodations with Christian families. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Association of Christian Schools International. Most graduates continue their education, earning degrees from prestigious institutions like Stanford, TCU, SMU, Purdue, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Founded in 1947, Brethren Christian is now located in a public school facility. AP classes are available in English, science, art, Spanish, government, math, and history. Bible classes are an integral part of the curriculum, focusing on relevant subjects for each grade. Students take an active role in planning and organizing worship services on campus, which are held weekly in the chapel. Each year begins with a special worship service, featuring guest speakers, music, and engaging activities. The school also emphasizes community service, with students participating in annual projects. The popular puppet ministry, started by two students in 1991, now consists of fifty students who perform for various audiences, including chapel, orphanages, and convalescent hospitals. Additionally, students have the opportunity to get involved in various ministries, clubs, social events, and sports.
8. The Cambridge School of Dallas, Dallas, TX
CSD firmly believes in providing students with a solid biblical worldview and a strong academic foundation. The goal is to train future leaders who can positively influence our culture. Our rigorous curriculum ensures that students excel in their chosen field, while maintaining a godly lifestyle that impacts the world around them.
Seniors at CSD dive deep into a specific topic, conducting in-depth research, preparing an academic paper, and presenting and defending their findings to esteemed professors. The Trivium Award is bestowed upon the top presenter, recognizing their outstanding work. This program cultivates scholarship and intellectual growth.
Our athletic program at Cambridge offers various sports, including rowing and golf. Additionally, students can explore their interests through a range of clubs like Chess Club, Acoustic Guitar Club, and Christian Music Appreciation Club.
Financial aid plays a crucial role at CSD, with generous donors enabling 37 percent of students to receive partial or full tuition support. While we do not offer academic or athletic scholarships, we strive to make quality education accessible for all.
At the upper school level, we emphasize college readiness, offering several Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students take the PSAT each year leading up to their senior year, unlocking opportunities for National Merit Scholarships.
9. Carmel Catholic High School, Mundelein, IL
CCHS, with its 50-acre campus, provides an exceptional environment for over 1400 students. Our facilities include science and computer labs, 57 classrooms, a comprehensive library, and spaces for sports, music, and art. Our curriculum is college preparatory, offering 19 advanced placement classes. We encourage students to pursue science and engineering, with 25 percent of graduates choosing these careers. Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School, our commitment to academic excellence is unwavering. However, CCHS is more than just academics; our mission is to guide students to become well-rounded individuals. Through religious classes, worship services, and everyday interactions, we instill respect and spiritual growth. We are dedicated to providing extensive resources for college preparation, from financial aid planning to assisting in finding the perfect college. CCHS also offers a diverse array of electives, such as art, music, and business classes, including AP Microeconomics. In addition to academic programs, we offer exciting summer workshops and athletic camps. We take pride in shaping the future leaders and lifelong learners who attend CCHS.
10. Central Christian School, Redmond, OR
CCS is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and the Northwest Accreditation Commission. Our goal is to prepare students for college and life from the moment they join us. Students can earn college credit by taking concurrent credit classes with Colorado Christian University and Northwest Nazarene University. Our curriculum is college preparatory and biblically based, emphasizing godly relationships, academic excellence, and stewardship. Seniors have the opportunity to participate in a job internship program, gaining valuable experience with a professional mentor. We offer a variety of electives to help students discover and utilize their unique gifts. Our sports program includes volleyball, soccer, and basketball for grades 9 to 12. Additionally, our Travel Club provides students with exciting opportunities to explore the world. At CCS, we combine a rigorous academic program with a student life that is firmly rooted in biblical principles, equipping our students for both college and living a victorious Christian life.
Conclusion
These are the 10 Best Christian High Schools in the United States, each highlighting unique strengths and values. From Alabama Christian Academy’s commitment to college readiness and community service to Archbishop Carroll High School’s dedication to integrated education, these schools exemplify Christian values in action.
Asheville Christian Academy, Berean Christian School, and Bradford Christian Academy demonstrate leadership development, enrichment opportunities, and cultural diversity as integral parts of education.
Brethren Christian Junior and Senior High School, The Cambridge School of Dallas, Carmel Catholic High School, and Central Christian School combine academic excellence with spiritual growth, preparing students for college and a life rooted in Christian values.
Education at these remarkable institutions extends beyond the classroom, fostering a biblical worldview through service projects, worship services, and mission trips. These schools guide students to become future leaders who positively impact society.
These Christian high schools play a vital role in shaping the next generation, instilling knowledge and values that guide students throughout their lives, reflecting the enduring importance of faith and education in our society.