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.

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.

Will an Adventist school try to turn my child into a Seventh-day Adventist?
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 only 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.