Shaping Lives in God’s Image

Adventist Education has come a long way since 1853.

• Today you'll find Adventist schools in nearly 150 countries. 85,000 teachers, 1.5 million students, 7,500 schools—the Adventist school system is one of the largest Christian educational systems in the world.

• I have not heard much about Seventh-day Adventist schools. Are there many schools, or only a few?
  Today you'll find Adventist schools in nearly 150 countries. 85,000 teachers, 1.5 million students, 7,500 schools—the Adventist school system is one of the largest Christian educational systems in the world. View specific statistics about North American Adventist Education.
• Does my family have to be Adventist for my child to attend an Adventist school?
  Absolutely not, though you and your child will gain the most benefit from Adventist education if you are a Christian or at least sympathetic with Christian beliefs.
• What will my child learn about Jesus or religion in school?
  At an Adventist school, students’ freedom to think for themselves is respected and nurtured, and students are encouraged to learn how to make good moral decisions regardless of their creed or belief system. One key Adventist principle is that no one should be pressured into church membership, but join willingly as they choose. Children of Adventist parents become baptized members only when they are old enough to make the decision consciously and responsibly.
• Are Adventist schools accredited? Do they provide as complete an education as other public or private schools?
  Every Adventist school is accredited by a state or national accrediting body. In addition, the church office of education also operates a comprehensive accrediting process to maintain a high standard of excellence in all Adventist schools. If you’re interested in a particular Adventist school, feel free to contact that school and ask to be put in touch with students and parents who attend that school to get a sense of what the education is like. We think you’ll find, as an ongoing study is finding, that on average Adventist schools are better places to learn than any other.
• What age groups do the early childhood programs cater to?
  Our Early Childhood Programs serve children, ages birth – five, depending on your location.
• What guides the philosophy of the early childhood programs within the Seventh-day Adventist school system?
  We follow the uniquely Seventh-day Adventist philosophy in our approach to early education.  Our curriculum is based on standards, play, and research.
• How does the Seventh-day Adventist school system ensure the safety and well-being of children in their early childhood centers?
  ECPs are responsible to adhere to state and/or local conference risk management guidelines regarding the safety and well-being of children.
• Is there an Adventist school near me?
  Chances are you aren’t far from an Adventist school! Use our handy tool to find the closest one.
• How do I become a teacher in the SDA education system?
  If you have a passion for teaching and would like to learn how to become a teacher in the Seventh-day Adventist education system, download the PK-12 Educators Certification Manual.

About Adventists

• What is the Seventh-day Adventist Church?
  The worldwide Adventist church has over 15 million members in more than 200 countries. Adventists operate 7200+ schools worldwide with nearly 1.5 million students. They also run 168 hospitals worldwide, 138 nursing homes and retirement centers, 442 clinics and dispensaries, and 34 orphanages and children’s homes. In addition, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), an international, disaster-relief organization, funds over 2,400 projects in 112 countries.
• What does the name “Seventh-day Adventist” refer to?
  The name “Seventh-day Adventist” refers to two core beliefs. Respecting the fourth of God’s Ten Commandments, Adventists worship on Saturday, the seventh day of the week. “Adventist” refers to Jesus Christ’s promise to return and take his followers home to heaven. Adventists believe in the imminent advent, or return, of Jesus Christ. You can find out more about Adventists at www.adventist.org.
• Where did Adventists come from?
  The Seventh-day Adventist church grew in the mid 1840s during the Second great Awakening, a time of religious revival in the United States. Its first members came from the Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Christian connection congregations, but over the following decades the denomination has grown into a worldwide church with millions of members. The church is well known for its excellence in healthcare, education, and human service activities.
• What is the Mission of Adventists?
  From the very beginning, Adventists have focused on the importance of education and healthcare in improving people’s lives. In fact, Adventists run the next-largest denominational education system in the world, second only to Catholic schools. Adventist hospitals and clinics are also numerous, including Florida Hospital, America’s busiest hospital. You’ll find at least one Adventist healthcare center in many major metropolitan areas in North America. Adventists are also active providing schools and hospitals where they are needed around the world.
• Why do Adventists put such an emphasis on Lifestyle?
  One of the founding principles of the Adventist church is a healthy lifestyle—a balanced combination of exercise, diet, and trust in God. Adventists are generally vegetarian, and do not smoke, or drink alcohol. They operate successful stop-smoking clinics worldwide. Loma Linda, California, a primarily Adventist community, was recently named by researcher Dan Buettner a “blue zone” or “longevity oasis” where the residents not only have the longest life expectancy on earth, but are happier and healthier, too.