Tuesday, April 17, 2007

The Pressures...and my soapbox

I have my kids in a Christian preschool. I absolutely LOVE it. They are so happy there, it is a great environment and I just love that my kids come home talking about God and telling me Bible stories. I love the foundation that they are setting for their lives. There are times that I think maybe we should continue on with Christian private school, but Dan and I both believe...strongly...that our kids are supposed to attend public school. If we were all to take our Christian children out of public education, what would that mean? And most private schools REQUIRE that you be a Christian to attend. I wonder what Jesus would think about that...

Last time I checked I believe He was the one hanging out with the sinners. Not amongst the leaders of the synagogue...

When pressed, the Christian school's response is that the mission of the school is to provide solid Christian education to supplement what is being taught at home. "Evangelism" and "Outreach" are not the ministries that the school is seeking at this time.

HUH???

Isn't it the job of EVERY Christian to present the gospel in everything we do?

I digress...

It seems everywhere I turn there is pressure to keep my kids out of public school. As if I am not a committed Christian, or committed parent. If I were really dedicated I would make the financial sacrifice to put my kids through a private school. (Public schools are not competitive enough, they are too liberal, they are too WORLDLY). Of course they are worldly. But God says to go into all the world and preach the gospel. How can we teach our kids to be in the world but not OF the world if we hide them away?

Then there is the issue of homeschooling. Not. For. Me. I am not organized, patient or educated enough to make that kind of commitment. I have friends who have done it and plan to do it. More power to you! I just know that if I made that choice my children's education would suffer.

I went to public school. My brothers went to public school. My husband went to public school. We all turned out fine. In fact, I think we were an incredible witness for doing so. We all went on to college and graduated. We got a good education. I graduated high school and college with honors. And yet still, when asked where I am going to send Red for kindergarten, I get the look. (Oh, I'd NEVER send my kids to PUBLIC school. I CARE about their education....)

It's frustrating. But I guess I just need to do what I feel is right and forget about the criticism I am feeling. Has anyone else experienced this?

11 comments:

Dr.John said...

Betty and I sent all three kids to public schools they all turned out fine. They have a strong and v ital witness and they know the world in which they witness.

Unknown said...

I understand your frustration. That being said, we'll probably put Josh into private school when the situation presents itself and we can reasonably afford to.

I'm a product of private school (K-8) and public school (9 - grad school). Both have their merits. Both have limitations.

There's no hard and fast "right answer" out there. It's just what is right for you, Dan, and your kids.

Unknown said...

I'm with Mike. No real right answer. Just what your comfortable with as a parent. I've gone to both as well. I never ran into the whole "have to be Christian" rule when I applied to Catholic highschool. That's pretty rediculous.

Catch said...

I think public schools are fine..and you dont have to explain to anybody what you decide to do! Its nobodys business but yours and hubbys!

OhTheJoys said...

I am VERY pro public school. I don't think the issues with our public school system will be resolved unless we make a commitment to them and all "opt in" and show up to make the difference that is needed. I plan to do that in my community and get frustrated with parents that just pull out - what about the kids whose parents can't afford it? And the divide between the "haves" and the "have nots" just gets wider. No thanks!

Gingers Mom said...

Dr John - I completely agree and that is how we feel.

Mike - everybody has to do what they feel is best for their kids. That is what we are trying to do. As well as taking on what we feel is our personal responsiblity to our community.

Nicki - I think it is pretty ridiculous as well. I understand somewhat where they are coming from. They want what they teach at school to be backed up at home. But I feel it is against what Christianity is all about. The exclusive nature is not the nature of Christ.

Catch - Thank you!

Joys - I am glad there is someone else out there who feels the same way I do.

Caro said...

If I have a bit of extra income, I prefer to put it towards other things for my kids, like art and music lessons.

Besides, my kids would get kicked out of private school within a week.

Unknown said...

I honestly am not trying to start a "flame post" here, but what does sending your children to public school have to do with "taking on what we feel is our personal responsiblity to our community"?

Other than paying taxes that contribute to public schools, I am not aware of too many other initiatives that are out there to support sustaining/improving them. Honestly looking for information here, not to start a battle because I know it's a sensitive subject.

And in response to "Oh, the Joys", who said "I plan to do that in my community and get frustrated with parents that just pull out":

Part of my decision to "pull out" if we can afford to is to make a difference in the community. If enough people frustrated by any system (public schools, foreign-made products, etc), boycotting those services acts as a catalyst for change. By just accepting the service as-is, the service provider isn't motivated to change.

-Mike

Gingers Mom said...

Mike - Oh, just more of what I was trying to get across in the post. If we as Christians, all take our kids out of public school what does that say about our beliefs? What does that do for our community? What kind of witness is that? I think too many Christians have hidden their kids away from the world to "protect" them. I can see the benefit to that, but what does that teach them in the long run?
Everyone has the right to make the choices that are right for their kids. Everyone. Dan and I feel that public school is important. I think public education is vital. We all do our part to try and improve it, in our own way,

Unknown said...

Thanks Kris,

It's always interesting to me to hear other people's perspectives on the subject (and any controversial subject, for that matter).

-Mike

*Tanyetta* said...

follow your heart! friends dont' pressure friends!