While not all may embrace Reformed doctrinal distinctives, or the particular emphases of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) in particular, this short Case for Christian Education by James K.A. Smith is helpful. An excerpt:

So why Christian schools? Why did earlier generations commit to Christian education, investing in schools in often sacrificial ways? Their rationale was biblical, comprehensive, and radical.

Stemming from the conviction that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Ps. 111:10), the Reformed tradition—and the CRC in particular—has long recognized that Christ’s lordship extends over every sphere of life, including education. There is no sphere of life that is “neutral”; rather, our practices and institutions are always and ultimately shaped and informed by faith commitments. So while an institution might claim to be “secular,” as if it were not religious, Continue Reading…

I know of several Christian schools that use Thriving at College with their students to better acclimate them to the institution and to the realities of being a college student. California Baptist University, LeTourneau University, Missouri Baptist University, Patrick Henry College, Providence Christian College, Reformation Bible College, and New Saint Andrews College are among these schools. So I’ve asked a few folks I know at these schools if they’d be kind enough to offer “testimonials” on what sort of impression the book is having in the lives of their students. Here’s what we’ve heard so far:

“Alex speaks in a decisive yet gentle way to the core issues that face college students. His biblical guidance mentors students to make wise choices in the midst of their newfound freedoms. Students at CBU have expressed that Thriving at College prepared them for the rigors of college life, and some stated that it repaired their view of what college life is supposed to be. However, Thriving is not just for students at Christian universities. Alex addresses the issues that Christian students on secular campuses will face, and he equips them to live godly lives in a setting that does not value holiness.”
John Montgomery, Dean of Spiritual Life, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA

“What perfect timing!  For years I have searched for a book like Alex Chediak’s Thriving at College – a book that seamlessly blends Scripture and personal anecdotes with practical advice geared toward today’s college students.  So often, books like this rely too heavily on personal experience and become out-dated as time goes on.  Not this book!  In Thriving at College, Chediak balances God’s timeless word with tried-and-true godly wisdom, spurring students on to do more than just make it through college – to thrive, not just survive.  Already I am seeing this book make a difference in the lives of my students.  I wish this book would have been available when I first started college!”
Marie Tudor, Director of First Year Experience, Missouri Baptist University, Saint Louis, MO

“We enthusiastically buy this book for every engineering student in our intro-to-college classes. The chapters cultivate thinking and class discussions that powerfully promote a healthy transition into college and the adult responsibilities essential to success in a rigorous program.  Alex winsomely articulates many of the truths I long for my students to embrace, and backs them up with appropriate depth of thought.  I recommend this book to anyone in high school or college who wants to make the most of life.”
Dr. Matthew Green, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, LeTourneau University, Longview, TX

“My high school students thoroughly enjoyed reading and discussing Thriving in College. They found it readable, challenging, and very practical. It’s one of the top books I recommend for graduates.”
Sean McDowell, Educator, Speaker, and Author, Capistrano Valley Christian High School, San Juan Capistrano, CA

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