The Option of Christian School
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| My kindergarten class picture, 1984. |
The Option of Christian School
From kindergarten to my high school graduation I attended a Christian school. I received a superior education from this school and was well-prepared for university, but the spiritual atmosphere was merely Christian in name. My husband had also attended this school for one year, and based on our experienced we said we would never put our future children in Christian school. The lack of Christian values within the students of the school had created a highly secular atmosphere under the guise of Christianity. My husband and I decided that we would rather have our children in a secular atmosphere where they would be less confused when we stated our contrasting beliefs.
Over time I discovered not all Christian schools are like the one I attended. Upon moving to California to help our youth pastors start a church we discovered a very small Christian school that encompassed both Christian values and academic excellence. It was here that a passion for Christian education was birthed in my own life and I began to explore the purpose of Christian schools and their value in the 21st century.
The Purpose of the Christian School
From the days of the Bible followers of God were told to "train up a child in the way he should go" (Proverbs 22:6) and to teach the commandments of God diligently to them (Deuteronomy 6:6). The education and teaching of our children is in the foundational commands of God. Throughout history schools were birthed out of the church and its call to train up young people.
An important function of the Christian school is to work alongside parents. Christian schools are institutions that should foster a Biblical worldview in the minds of their students and instill Christian values. Parents enrolling their children in a Christian school should only do so with the desire to encourage Biblical standards and morals. The purpose of the Christian school will be skewed if the parents of the students desire a secular outcome for their child.
The Christian school is meant to carry on the commands of the Bible and work with parents and the local church. In doing so we work together to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ, "'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). The ultimate purpose of the Christian school is to equip its students to be disciples that will carry on the message of Christ to their generation in every arena of society.
Should Every Christian Attend a Christian School?
No, it is not my belief that every child must attend a Christian school. Yet the Christian family that enrolls their child in a secular education must be ready to confront values that are contrary to Christianity at a very young age.
Families in a Christian school often have less conflicting values to work through. Yet, this is also where I would caution parents that enroll their children in Christian schools. Many parents seem to attend Christian schools to avoid secular opinions that they do not know how to handle. This reasoning should not be the purpose for Christian school enrollment. I often counsel parents that our school is not designed to be a place to try and hide your child from the world, but instead our desire is to raise up students who are prepared to influence and change the world. Students who attend Christian school to hide away often find themselves disillusioned with Christianity when they reach adulthood. Christian schools should be a place to train young people how to effectively reach the world around them and make it a better place through the love of Christ.
How Do I Make the Best Choice for My Family?
Like many decisions in life, there is no one right answer for all people. Each family must prayerfully examine this decision, and as you do I recommend taking time to consider each of the following:
Have you searched the Bible? Take time to seek God and the Bible to discover what He says about your child's education.
What school options are available in your area?
Tour both Christian and secular options, and take time to write down your thoughts about the school atmosphere, staffing, and cost to your family, both spiritually and financially.What is your goal in the education of your child? Consider what options you want for your child spiritually, academically, extracurricular activities, and socially.
Asking yourself these questions will help guide your decision-making process in finding a good fit for your child's education. These questions will not, and should not, lead every family to make the same decision. For instance, if your child needs advanced courses and your local Christian school does not offer that, it may not be a good fit. I would also recommend you readdress these questions in each changing season for your child, what might be best elementary may not be best in middle or high school. Lastly, involve your child in the process; children are perceptive and they are able to discern and hear the voice of God.
As parents our children are our greatest treasure, as Proverbs 127:3 says, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." It is our job to guard this reward in every season. The school years is an important season that we must actively work to discern the best pathway for our children. It is my prayer that as educators and parents, you will lean into hear what God is saying for your family in this season.