The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify factors that were the most prominent influences upon the decision-making process of a Christian school leader as perceived by private Christian school leaders within the National Christian School Association. Furthermore, this study aimed to discover the relationship between those prominent factors and the skills needed to successfully lead a private Christian school. Twenty-six participants responded to a digital questionnaire which consisted of a combination of demographic entry and open-response questions. Findings identified multiple themes related to factors that most influenced private Christian school leaders. The most prominent perceived factors that influenced a private Christian school leader's decisions and actions included: (a) finances, (b) work/life balance, and (c) stakeholders. In conjunction with those factors, it was identified that communication, conflict management skills, and business and finance expertise were among the highest perceived skillsets necessary to lead a private Christian school effectively. Therefore, conflict management, communication, and business training ranked highest among what future Christian school leaders needed during their preparation. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]