Date of Award

Spring 2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Education

Primary Advisor

Dr. Jessica Rafidi

Second Advisor

Dr. Janet L. Deck

Third Advisor

Dr. Andrew Rumbaugh

Abstract

Parents compare the costs of sending their children to private Christian schools with the benefits of their children attending the schools. Christian school leaders benefit from understanding the factors influencing parents’ decisions to enroll their children in Christian private schools. In this qualitative study, the researcher interviewed nine parents from two different Christian private schools affiliated with Christian churches in South Florida to hear what factors influenced them to enroll their kindergarten through fifth grade child or children in a Christian private school. An interview guide developed by the researcher was followed during the phone interviews. In addition, six of the nine were asked additional questions on the interview guide to learn about the factors influencing them to continue reenrolling in the Christian private school. The participants shared their stories about the school choice decision making process and the factors influencing their final decision to choose a Christian private school. The data was cross-analyzed to find similarities among the responses of the participants. Each participant had more than one influencing factor; however, there were three factors common among the participants. Factors influencing their decisions for enrollment were valuing a biblical foundation, dissatisfaction with public education, and previous school experiences. Christian school leaders will find the implications of this study impacts their school enrollment as they capitalize on the factors influencing the enrollment decisions of parents.

Download


Share

COinS