What is the difference between a Discipleship Academy and a MicroSchool?

The difference comes down to focus. A MicroSchool is centered almost entirely on academics. Its primary concern is meeting academic benchmarks, preparing students for future careers, and ensuring they master core subjects. A Discipleship Academy, on the other hand, holds academics and Christian discipleship together in a balanced and intentional way. It recognizes that education is not only about what a child knows but also about who a child is becoming in Christ.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do the good works He has prepared for us. But have you ever seen a school that truly keeps this in mind? Do we ever stop to ask what the Lord has for each student—apart from their academic abilities? Shouldn’t part of any educational process include considering a student’s character and talents? It seems far better to begin with the child, rather than with the academic expectations. Of course, reading, writing, and the ability to do basic—and even more advanced—math are essential. Academic standards matter, and the level of mastery needed varies from profession to profession. But academics alone are not the full picture. A student can excel in every subject and still lack the character, wisdom, and grounding necessary to live faithfully. This is why a Discipleship Academy treats character as just as important as academic achievement.

A Discipleship Academy starts by recognizing that God—the Creator of the universe—is the foundation of education. We need to know Him, and we need to know His expectations. We must also discover the gifts and talents He has placed in every student so we can nurture them. And we cannot neglect the development of a child’s character. Daniel Webster, in his 1828 dictionary, even defined education as including the formation of good character and good habits. Why, then, do so many modern schools seem unconcerned with habits, character, and discipleship—often giving these less attention than academics?

A biblical worldview education should include a thorough study of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. In fact, Scripture may be the most important textbook a child uses from kindergarten through 12th grade. It gives purpose to the “why” behind reading and writing. It sets out God’s expectations. Scripture tells us to be ready to give an answer for our faith—yet how many graduates can give either an oral or written defense of the biblical worldview they have been taught?

Discipleship Academies ensure that academics are woven together with meaningful discipleship throughout all the years of a child’s education. They care about character, not just grades. A MicroSchool may see a straight-A student as the picture of success and assume that child is set for a brilliant future. But the truth is that even top students, if they lack solid character and a biblical worldview, are simply “academic pagans.” The true goal of a Discipleship Academy is to produce intellectual disciples—students who are both academically capable and spiritually grounded.