Brothers of the Christian Schools | Fratres Scholarum Christianarum

Discover the impactful work of the Brothers of the Christian Schools as the mission of our founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle, continues by advancing education, faith, and social justice worldwide.

Signum Fidei - Beige Background image

Lasallian Tradition: Faith and Education

The History of the Christian Brothers

The Christian Brothers, also known as the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, is a religious teaching community of the Roman Catholic Church. It was founded by Saint John Baptist de La Salle in France in 1680. De La Salle, a priest, was deeply concerned about the consequences of a lack of education among the poor. To address this issue, he established schools that offered free education to the children of artisans and underprivileged families. This was a revolutionary idea at the time.

De La Salle is regarded as the founder of modern pedagogy. He emphasized classroom discipline and introduced methods that were ahead of their time. He grouped students according to their abilities instead of age, used the vernacular language instead of Latin, and integrated physical activity into the curriculum. The Christian Brothers were among the first to adopt the practice of silent reading in classrooms, and their educational methods quickly spread throughout France and beyond.

Our Structure and Legacy

The Christian Brothers do not include priests, which sets them apart from many other religious communities within the Church. They take vows of "association for the service of the poor, stability in the Institute, poverty, chastity, and obedience" and are dedicated entirely to education, particularly for the poor. Over the centuries, the Brothers have expanded their mission to over 80 countries, establishing schools, colleges, and universities that continue to operate under the guiding Lasallian principles of faith, service, and community. 

Today, the Lasallian educational network is one of the largest Christian educational institutions globally. It continues to promote innovative educational standards and social justice in line with the vision of their founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle.

Worldwide Institute Statistics 2023

2,883
Christian Brothers Worldwide
1,154
Ministries Worldwide
1,160,328
Students Worldwide

Saint John Baptist de LaSalle, Patron Saint of Teachers

Uncover the transformative legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle – a beacon of salvation and empowerment through education.

About the De La Salle Christian Brothers

See more essential information about our history, mission, and guiding principles.

Dig deeper into the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and its global educational mission.

Learn About Our History

Find out more about the Christian Brothers of the Midwest, their legacy, and their mission.

Meet the Brothers

Learn how the Rule of the Brothers guides and forms the faith, values and daily life of a brother.

What is the Rule of Life?

Honoring Our Deceased

We honor the legacy of our departed Christian Brothers and AFSC community members through our Books of Remembrance. Explore their stories of dedication to faith, education, and community, and pay your respects as we celebrate their lasting impact on our mission.

Brother James Miller: Martyr for Education

Discover the inspiring story of Blessed Brother James Miller, a dedicated educator and martyr. His unwavering commitment to serving the marginalized in Central America highlights his profound impact on education and social justice. See how Brother James’s legacy and life continue to inspire the Lasallian mission today.

“Wherever I go I will find you, my God.”

De La Salle
Explanation of the Method of Interior Prayer: example of an act of faith

Protecting God’s Children

Our mission goes beyond education; it's about protecting children. Learn how the Christian Brothers safeguard the youth in our care.