Recent research suggests that there is a somewhat surprising factor in a child’s experience that just might make him or her more likely to do well in school - having a religious faith. Dr. Ilana Horwitz argues in her new book that children, who are active in religious communities and make their family’s faith their own, are more likely to do well in school settings.

Interestingly enough, past research has described similar results or positive outcomes for students who have the opportunity to attend a religious school. From academic performance to strong mental health to civic engagement, researchers have recorded overwhelmingly positive outcomes for the students of religious institutions.

So what is it about religious institutions and having an active faith that helps students do well in school? Horwitz calls students who have strong faith “abiders” and records qualities that overlap with faith practice and doing well in school:

The ability to follow instructions
A desire to be cooperative
A desire to avoid immoral experiences/things
A manner of respect towards adults

In a year when behavior issues in the classroom seem to be a common headline, Dr. Horwitz’s social analysis and research on private, religious school opportunities seem like a possible solution to many classroom woes. Children and parents are frustrated. Teachers are tired. It’s worth asking ourselves questions like, “How do we encourage more students to be intrinsically motivated towards the gift that is education?” or even, “How do we get this set of values back in the classroom?”

Or maybe the policy question we should be asking is, “How do we give the opportunity for private, religious schooling to more students?” Curious about religious school options or better school options in general? Learn more here