There is no reason why Christian schools can’t incorporate training students to be self studiers, so that the schools themselves only have to handle qualifying students and administrating final tests, etc.
We are part of a hybrid program run by a church that is basically what you described. It provides a modicum of structure that has really helped us. One day a week they meet with a tutor who administers tests, reviews papers, assigns grades, etc. Our two in high school have required virtually no help from us. They really are self-studiers. The only thing I ever do is critique writing assignments, but I’m a writer so they seek my opinion.
We use a robust classical Christian curriculum that really prepares them for college, not to mention life. Our oldest graduates in a few weeks and we just learned she has earned a full-tuition plus room and board scholarship. She’s also been accepted into a competitive honors college program. I’m certain homeschooling gave her a significant advantage.
“There is no reason why Christian schools can’t incorporate training students to be self studiers,”
And I think Christian churches should have a line item in their budgets for subsidizing their members’ children to attend private schools or do home schooling. Most churches have hefty Missions budgets, which is important. But what is more important than our own children’s futures?