Judah Christian School is an amazing place for your student. For transparency, I'm leaving a review as an alumnus, and a current parent. Judah is all about a Christ-centered education that allows students to excel with academic excellence. They are prepared for whatever step is next for them and have a huge amount of opportunities you can't get elsewhere. Bible class, weekly chapel, high school retreat, senior trip, robotics electives, art, drama, band, personal finance, the list goes on and on. As a graduate I was prepared so much that I tested out of several classes when I went to university. My peers did as well. Judah was an amazing experience for me. I received a great education, and discipleship in who Jesus was calling me to be in my life. I grew in my faith and my faith foundation at JCS. It absolutely had a big impact on my life, and my spiritual life. I also now have the privilege to send my own child to Judah. My student comes home singing songs about the Lord, has the ability to quote bible verses, and is VERY prepared for the upcoming grade level. Judah has a program for the young students called "1,000 books before Kindergarten". The goal is that through school and parent partnership your student reads/is read 1,000 books before Kindergarten. There's preparation like this throughout the school. I don't have enough words to express the impact JCS has had on my life and my student's life so far...wow. And let's not forget...absolutely incredible teachers. Teachers that care about each student, their eternity, and their future. Teachers that want to partner with you as a parent, pray with you at parent teacher conferences, (and for your student) and support you however possible. Not only have I experienced the long-time culture of teachers as a student, I am experiencing it now from the parent side as well. This school is a blessing to Champaign-Urbana and has been for 40 years. If you're considering a place where your child will be discipled, prepared for life, and cared for intentionally...Judah is that place. Judah Christian School is a place where your student is supported, challenged, and will be pushed to reach their full potential. God has truly blessed this place over the years and He is very present in His school. If you are considering schools in Champaign-Urbana, be sure to schedule a tour at JCS and talk to admissions - it's a phenomenal place for your student to learn and grow. A+++
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2021
Judah Christian School is a community of learners that seeks to educate students from a Christ-centered worldview. I wanted my children to be ".....taught by the Lord" (Isaiah 54:13). And I wanted to "Train up a child in the way he should go ...." (Proverbs 22:6). That is the first reason why I sent my children to Judah, and Judah helped me do that. The second reason I sent my kids to Judah was that I wanted them taught in traditional ways; at the time, that meant phonics, memory work, drills on skills, cursive writing - not whatever is the newest whim of educational thought. I wanted my kids taught with rigor. Yes there are worksheets and fill in the blanks, but then there are a multiplicity of ways that Judah "grows kids" to take what they know and apply it spiritually, intellectually, and personally. They do science fairs, and international fairs, and mission trips....all the while learning and applying their knowledge and expertise. They are taught the Bible, a rare thing, in a modern world of astounding illiteracy of what God's word does say! I look forward to my grandchildren being at Judah and am thankful for the way Judah blesses families and this community.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2017
Our daughter's dyslexia went undiagnosed at Judah for 4 years--4 different teachers missed it. We pulled her out mid semester after hours and hours of homework every night. The first week at our new school, she was assessed by a reading specialist (we transferred to a different religious school) and she was diagnosed with dyslexia. Things finally made sense for us. When we left Judah, we emailed the principal and he never acknowledged our leaving. No one asked where we were going, or why we had left. I think Judah expects kids to fit into their mold. Since starting her new school, my daughter is herself now--confident, sure of who she is--and, we're not spending the entire night doing homework (excessive amounts for an elementary student). Please explore all faith based options and not just Judah--unless your kid fits their specific mold.
Submitted by other on February 17, 2014
This is my first year at Judah. Everyone is my friend and the teachers are really nice. I thank my parents for sending me here. I feel really lucky.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2014
We are so pleased with Judah Christian School! Our children are new to the school this year and couldn't be happier! The principals are very organized and professional. The teachers give 100% to the children and really build them up. The parent organization committee hosts wonderful events and everyone has been very welcoming! Our family feels so blessed to be a part of the Judah Christian family.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2014
My daughter with special needs (ADHD, OCD, SPD) has attended Judah from age 3-present (5th grade). My daughter knows she is loved by everyone from the janitor to the lunch workers to the principal. Everyone knows her name and her situation and goes above & beyond to be sure she feels safe & happy. Her academics are challenging & stimulating. She loves the team sports, band, and clubs that are offered. The faculty & families are wonderful & welcoming. She has learned to apply her faith & grow spiritually. We love Judah!
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2013
This is my junior high student's first year at Judah and it has been such a blessing. Coming up to the end of the first semester and my child is happy. The students are nice, the workload is manageable, and the teachers/administation/coaches are great with the kids. Thank you, JCS!
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2013
Excellence! It isn't the building that makes a school. . . it's the students, faculty and staff, and parents, all desiring to keep God in the center of everything. Judah Christian School is an excellent school because it has rigorous academics, and nurturing teachers who love their jobs and the students they teach. It's also a community of parents who care about their children's education and well-being. The parents don't expect the school to raise their children. They are raised up by teachers and parents who work together to help every student excel. God shows up at Judah because he us welcome. No excuses--just results!
Submitted by other on October 19, 2013
YOU CAN'T SEND YOUR CHILDREN TO MILITARY SCHOOL AND THEN BE DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE THEY'RE ARE EXPECTED TO FOLLOW A STRICT REGIMEN RIGHT?... JUDAH IS AN EXCELLENT SCHOOL BE PREPARED TO EXPERIENCE GOD'S LOVE AND DISCIPLINE ALL THE TIME! -For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and discipline.
Submitted by other on August 16, 2013
I'm a student at Judah and overall it's an awesome school! It's very safe, with teachers who really care and put their all into teaching. This school strengthens you for life and teaches great messages educationally. emotionally and spiritually. One thing that I have a problem with is the dress code and I think I'm speaking for almost everyone in my grade when I say, I don't agree with not allowing skinny jeans, shorts, (fingertip rule) and a shirt that isn't a turtleneck or collar but is still apropriate. Also now that i'm in junior high I have to wear courderoy or twill pants >:(. If I found a school like Judah but with a less conservative dress code I would switch in a heartbeat! But overall it's pretty good.
Submitted by other on February 07, 2013
I was home-schooled my entire life until I decided to come to Judah Christian School for my freshman year of high school. Ever since my first day of high school, I've grown to love this school as I've grown to love God. From personal experience I can assure anyone that may be considering going to Judah that it is an amazing school. By reading some of the other reviews on this page I noticed that there were a few people who felt as if Judah was a bad influence on them. Judah, like any other school, has its problems; but, in general, JCS is a positive influence. I believe the atmosphere of the school changes from year to year, whether good or bad, because of the students--not the teachers. Every high school teacher that I have had a class with since freshman year has been an incredible blessing on my life. They are encouraging and friendly yet educationally sound. I would highly recommend this school to anyone seeking a good Christian education. I hope this helps anyone looking at possibly sending their child to Judah Christian School.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2012
I'm shocked to see the one star review here. Clearly an isolated incident. I am a graduate of the school and have my three children enrolled now. The educational program is fantastic. My kids are easily a grade level ahead of their friends in the public school. The students work hard, but the environment is far from cold or authoritarian. The teachers are fantastic. Down to earth, friendly and approachable. The clip chart is a way to reward students for demonstrating Christ-like behavior and to help those who are struggling set weekly goals to improve. Nothing more. Come visit the school (Friday open-houses starting soon) and see for yourself. My kids love their teachers so much they invite them (and former teachers) to their birthday party every year. A safe and loving environment with an emphasis on educational excellence.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2011
While the academics are fine, the emotional climate is cold, authoritarian, rigid and harsh. Students are scolded for things as ridiculous as getting their homework done early and talking outside during a fire drill. Teachers assert rigid control over students using threats associated with a clip chart. Emotionally insensitive and highly critical. Teachers gossip about parents behind their backs. Anyone who complains is blacklisted. This was my experience. Other dissatisifed parents know to keep their heads down and their mouths shut. We removed our son.