What’s G-d got to do with it: Teachers’ observations of the impact of religious schools on student academic achievement

In this research study, differences in academic achievement between students in religious schools and their peers in secular schools are explored. Three Ontario Certified Teachers working within the religious school system as well as the public system were selected using a convenience sampling method to contribute to this study. Semi-structure interviews were conducted in order to answer to what impacts attending a religious school may have on students’ academic achievement. The interviews were transcribed and coded, and four themes emerged from the data: 1) In religious schools, students may display a difference in academic achievement in specific subjects. 2) A negative gap in academic achievement in religious school students when compared with their peers may exist due to a combination of factors. 3) Differences in student’s academic experience at religious schools may impact academic achievement, such as resources, the balance of multiple curriculums and homework. 4) Students in religious schools may excel academically. This study presents an analysis on these findings and suggestions towards their significance