PROVO — Each school day at Kimber Academy in Provo begins with serious study of the Book of Mormon.

At Liahona Academy in Pleasant Grove, the students frequently refer to the words of LDS leaders to better understand math, science or history.

Neither private school is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints, though officials at the academies pride themselves on being Mormon-minded, as do many private schools in Utah County.

But not all Utah County private schools use religious curriculum. Many focus on rigorous academics and others cater to students with special needs.

While there seems to be no doubt that students at Kimber Academy and Liahona are getting more spiritual instruction, some wonder if the students are getting a better secular and social education in the process.

"We're not going to sit here and sing hymns," said Kimber Academy director Randy Jensen. "This is really more of a college prep than (public) high schools can ever dream of being."

Liahona principal Kolleen DeGraff said that religion isn't brought into the classroom at her school to supplement a traditional education but to enhance the learning experience.

"From an LDS perspective, any time the spirit is available, we learn," she said. "Our minds are opened, the meaning is enhanced, and it just simply becomes applicable."

Jensen said that Kimber Academy, which has campuses throughout Utah, is not only worried about students' spiritual growth but is dedicated to helping each child "develop a love of learning."

Ironically, one approach the school takes is the banning of assigned homework. But that doesn't mean that students go home empty-handed after school, Jensen said. Instead, they are encouraged to pursue personal hobbies and finish up any assignments they couldn't complete during class time, which is a mere four hours daily.

"There is so much busy work assigned (in public schools). I mean, why do (students) need to know the average rainfall in Brazil?" Jensen said.

Laila Kammerman, mother of four Kimber Academy students, isn't worried about her children's education. She credits the school with challenging her children both spiritually and academically.

"I see Kimber Academy as being the extension of my own teachings from home, and that's really important to me," Kammerman said.

Since private schools are privately funded, usually from student tuitions, they are free to mix religious beliefs with education.

DeGraff said that what makes one school stand out over another is its dedication to true learning.

"There are schools that prefer to concentrate on the religious aspect only and not the academics," she said. "To us, it should be blended together seamlessly."

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