When prospective families visit your school’s website, they’re not looking for a theological treatise. They’re asking one quiet, loaded question:
“Is this the right fit for my child?”
And while your Statement of Faith may be central to your mission, the hard truth is: if it’s placed too early or framed too rigidly, you risk losing thoughtful, mission-aligned parents who just aren’t there yet.
Why Placement Matters More Than You Think
Your homepage is prime real estate. Every section should build curiosity, confidence, and emotional buy-in. Dropping a long doctrinal statement too early can feel like asking someone to sign a contract before they’ve even toured the building.
Instead, think about narrative flow. Lead with vision, then values, then beliefs.
Use this order as your content flow:
- Why Classical?
Explain the educational philosophy and its real-world outcomes. This opens the door for people unfamiliar with the model.
See how to tell your “Why Classical” story. - Your School’s Distinctives
This is where you introduce virtues, community life, and the type of graduate you aim to form.
We’ve outlined how to communicate that clearly here. - Your Statement of Faith
Once trust and interest are built, this section can reinforce—rather than gatekeep—the vision you’ve already cast.
Where to Put It (Without Losing People)
- Do NOT bury it deep in a submenu or behind vague labels like “Our Values” if the content is doctrinal. That feels evasive and risks confusing or alienating mission-fit families.
- DO include it as a clearly labeled item—“Statement of Faith” or “What We Believe”—especially in your About or Mission menu section.
- If your theology is central to your identity (and it probably is), let it be visible. It’s better to be transparent up front than risk a family feeling surprised or misaligned later.
- Use smart formatting—short summaries with expandable sections or links to detailed PDFs—to make it accessible without overwhelming the reader.
Keep It Relational, Not Just Theological
A Statement of Faith isn’t just what you believe—it’s how that belief forms the culture and daily rhythms of the school. Consider pairing it with real examples: daily prayer, chapel rhythms, parent involvement, etc.
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