Nurturing Your Child's Faith: Benjamin Preparatory School's Christian Values

A Christian preschool is an early learning program that teaches the same skills as any good preschool, like early reading, math and social skills, while building Bible teaching, prayer and Christian values into the daily routine. What makes it different is that faith isn't a separate subject. It shapes how teachers talk with children, how the day is structured and what character traits the school celebrates.

For many families, that's the whole point. You want your child's first school to echo what you teach at home and at church, not compete with it.

family posing with child

What is a Christian preschool?

A Christian preschool is a private early childhood program, often serving children from about 2 to 5, that teaches from a Christian worldview. Some are run by a single church. Others, like Benjamin Preparatory School, are independent and non denominational, which means they welcome families from many church backgrounds and focus on core Christian beliefs rather than one denomination's traditions.

A Christian preschool still has to meet the same state rules as any other childcare program. In Georgia, that means licensing through DECAL (the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning). Faith is added to strong early learning. It doesn't replace it.

Christian preschool vs secular preschool

Both can offer great teachers, play and early academics. The difference shows up in a few places:

What you'll notice Christian preschool Secular preschool
Daily routine Includes prayer, worship songs and Bible stories No religious content
Character lessons Taught through scripture and Christ's example Taught through general values and social skills
Teachers Often asked to share or follow a statement of faith Hired without regard to faith
Special events Chapel, holiday programs centered on Christ Seasonal or cultural celebrations
Who it fits Families who want faith and learning together Families who prefer to keep faith at home or church
girl with crown

What does a faith filled preschool day look like?

At a Christian preschool, faith shows up in small, steady moments across the whole day. Here's what that usually includes.

Praise and worship

Young children love to sing, clap and move. Age appropriate worship songs are one of the easiest ways for a 3 year old to learn that God loves them. At Benjamin Prep, praise and worship are part of our daily routine.

Bible study for little learners

Bible study in preschool looks like short stories, pictures, simple memory verses and conversation. Kids don't need long lessons. They need a story they can retell to you at dinner. Age appropriate Bible study happens every day in our classrooms.

Chapel

Many Christian schools gather children for chapel, a short worship service with songs, a lesson and prayer. Benjamin Prep holds regular chapel services where children worship together.

Character values

This is where a faith filled school really shows up. Teachers connect everyday moments, like sharing a toy or saying sorry, to what the Bible teaches. At Benjamin Prep, we focus on four values in particular: forgiveness, humility, gratitude and love.

children playing basketball.

What are the benefits of Christian education for young children?

The biggest benefit, in our experience, is consistency. When home, church and school all say the same things about kindness, honesty and God's love, children hear one clear message instead of three different ones.

Parents who choose a faith based preschool usually mention a few other benefits:

  • Daily prayer and Bible stories become a normal, comfortable part of life.

  • Character is taught on purpose, not just when something goes wrong.

  • Teachers share the family's values, which makes conversations easier.

  • Children build a sense of belonging to a faith community early on.

There's also some research on faith in childhood more broadly. A 2018 Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study followed more than 5,000 young people and found that those who attended religious services at least weekly growing up were about 18% more likely to report higher happiness as young adults and 29% more likely to volunteer. That study looked at religious practice, not religious schools, and it shows an association rather than proof of cause. Still, it's a helpful reminder that faith habits formed early can matter.

teacher and child

Questions to ask when comparing Christian preschools

If you're searching for a Christian preschool near you, these seven questions will help you compare schools fairly:

  1. Is the school licensed by DECAL, and can I see the license?

  2. Is the school tied to one denomination, or is it non denominational?

  3. Do teachers follow a written statement of faith or doctrinal statement?

  4. How often do children pray, worship and hear Bible stories?

  5. How is faith woven into academics, not just added on?

  6. What character values does the school teach, and how?

  7. How does the school balance faith with play, arts and early learning skills?

Here's an honest note. Christian preschools aren't all the same. Some lean heavily on one church's teachings, and others keep things broad. The right choice is the school whose approach matches your own beliefs, so ask how faith is taught and listen closely to the answer. If it doesn't fit your family, that's okay. It's better to know before you enroll. Our guide to the different types of early childhood programs can help you compare options side by side.

How does Benjamin Preparatory School nurture a child's faith?

For more than a decade, Benjamin Prep has served Christian families in Atlanta. We're a non denominational Christian school, and our Christian foundation shapes every part of the day. Here's what that looks like in practice.

  • Daily faith routines: Age appropriate praise, worship and Bible study every day, plus regular chapel.

  • Faith filled teachers: Our educators follow a written doctrinal statement, so families know what their children are being taught.

  • STEAM+ through scripture: Our science, technology, engineering, arts and math lessons are examined through the lens of scripture. That's what the plus in STEAM+ means.

  • Seven Stages of Wellness: Our signature framework aims to raise children who are well rounded, well mannered, well spoken, well nourished, well versed, well grounded and well loved. Well grounded means children who love God and follow Christ's example.

You can read more about how we teach in our page on Christ centered education. Faith also shows up in our performing arts program, which includes liturgical dance and Bible. Our post on liturgical dance and faith based performing arts explains why worship through movement means so much to young children.

The best way to feel the difference is to see it. Schedule a visit to our Vinings campus and ask us every question on the list above.

Schedule A Tour

Is there a Christian preschool near Smyrna and Vinings?

Yes. Benjamin Prep's campus sits at 2445 Church Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 in the Vinings area, close to Smyrna, Cumberland and Mableton on the Cobb County side of metro Atlanta. Families looking for a private Christian preschool near Smyrna can learn more about our preschool classes and what a typical day includes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Christian preschool and a regular preschool?

A Christian preschool teaches the same early learning skills as a regular preschool but adds prayer, worship, Bible stories and faith based character lessons to the day. Teachers usually share or follow a statement of faith. Both types must meet state licensing rules.

Do you have to be Christian to attend a Christian preschool?

Policies vary by school, so ask each one directly. Many non denominational Christian preschools welcome families from different church backgrounds, but every child will take part in daily prayer, worship and Bible study, so families should be comfortable with that.

What does non denominational mean for a preschool?

It means the school isn't tied to one church or denomination. It teaches core Christian beliefs and welcomes families who attend different churches. Benjamin Prep is a non denominational Christian school.

What age should my child start a Christian preschool?

Most preschool programs start around age 3, though many Christian schools also offer toddler and infant care. Benjamin Prep serves children from 6 weeks old through 2nd grade, so families can stay with one faith filled school through the early years.

How do I find a Christian preschool near me?

Search for licensed programs in your area, then visit two or three. Ask about denomination, daily faith routines, teacher statements of faith and how faith connects to academics. A tour shows you more than a website can.

Is Benjamin Preparatory School the right fit for your family?

If you want your child's first school to teach God's love every day while building strong early academics and arts, Benjamin Prep was made for families like yours.

Benjamin Preparatory School is a Christian preschool and daycare in the Vinings area of Atlanta at 2445 Church Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, serving children from 6 weeks old through 2nd grade. Each school day blends faith, STEAM+ academics and daily performing arts like tap, ballet, music and drama, and a whole foods menu is included. Families in Vinings, Smyrna, Cumberland, Mableton and northwest Atlanta choose Benjamin Prep so their children can grow in faith, learning and confidence in one place. Families driving in from Marietta or Kennesaw are welcome too, and a tour is the easiest way to see whether the commute and the fit work for you.

Schedule a tour of our Vinings campus, get directions, see our programs by age, or call (770) 436-5200 to talk with our team.

About the author: Dr. Verna Benjamin-Lambert

Dr. Verna R. Benjamin-Lambert, known to families as "Dr. Benji," is the founder of Benjamin Preparatory School, which she started as The Benjamin Preschool of Academic and Performing Arts in Smyrna, Georgia. She holds a doctorate in education leadership from Nova Southeastern University and is a graduate of St. Joseph's Teachers' College in Jamaica. Before founding the school, she served as an administrator in a Georgia school system, where she advocated for students who were falling behind academically.

Dr. Benji is also an author. Her book Health Intelligence: The Path to a Healthier You looks at the core issues behind childhood obesity, and her Healthy Benji children's books help young readers build healthy eating habits. One belief guides every classroom at Benjamin Prep: "Every child has a soul, and every soul has a purpose."

Meet Dr. Benji and browse her books.

Tags: christian values christian-based curriculum children’s faith