Why would we choose to send our children to a Christian School?
We believe that a school’s fundamental purpose should be to prepare children to comprehend the truth about life, the world, and their place in it.
We believe that to understand these truths, the deeper questions regarding the meaning and purpose of life cannot be ignored. The curriculum of public education cannot guide students through these deeper questions of life, and it cannot use the Word of God as it’s standard of truth. Christian Schools, on the other hand, seek to equip students to recognize the Lordship of Christ in all subject areas of learning, and to respond in obedience to His call to be transforming influences in society.
We believe a school shapes the heart of a child, in addition to the mind. All schools have a vision for the kind of person they want their students to become, whether they articulate that or not. The power a school has to imprint a worldview on a youngster is great.
So, the ultimate question then becomes: “What kind of school mission do I want at work in my child’s life?”
The goal of Christian education is to guide children towards an understanding that God is at the center of every pursuit of knowledge. Christian schools also strive to challenge students towards allowing God to mold their hearts in submission to Him, and in doing that, they equip them to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the world. There is no greater purpose for a school than to guide students towards embracing the world in this way.
Finally, what follows are some “challenging” comments and questions we frequently hear concerning Christian education (and a short response to each):
Can’t one teach Christian principles at home, outside of school?
The obvious answer here is “Yes.” The Christian school does not exist to replace good Christian parenting. Rather, Christian education functions as an extension of what the parent is seeking to accomplish in the lives of their children. It is important for us that our children not only see God being acknowledged and honored at home, but also in their school. We do not believe God should be so intentionally “compartmentalized” (acknowledging His place in the home but rejecting His importance in school). This is not an impression we wish to give our children.
But many Christians have gone to public schools and turned out just fine!
Again, no one can deny this. Yet every parent must ask themselves, “What kind of educational atmosphere do I wish to provide for my child?” We have all become who we are by God’s grace, but this does not stop us from doing all we can to train our children to recognize God’s central place in their lives.
The difference between the Public and Christian school is not in the professionalism of its staff or perfection of its student body, but in the focus and goals of its education.
In a Christian school setting, parents are assured that every teacher will not only challenge them with rigorous academics, but also immerse all curriculum through the lens of Scripture, and openly model the love of Jesus through their actions and words.
Shouldn’t Christians be “out in the real world” making a difference in non-Christian circles? Aren’t Christian schools segregating themselves?
A Christian school should not shelter its students into a reclusive life. However, the mission of Christian education seeks to do just the opposite – to create perceptive Christians who are equipped to be transforming influences in the world. In addition, children in Christian schools are in need of salvation too. Christian school students are searching and struggling with life’s issues just as much as those students in public schools. Witnessing in the world and providing Christ-centered education is not an either-or proposition. Like churches, Christian schools equip God’s people for effective service in the world.
Christian school kids behave just as badly as those in public schools!
We would never argue against this point. The value of Christian school lies in its educational focus (and the open Christian witness of every teacher), not in the perfection of its student body. In fact, we might say it’s because of the sinfulness of our children that the choice for a Christ-centric education should be made.