Private Christian school is better than public, right?

[Amplitudo]

Hello!

For my first post here, I'll ask a question that has been bugging me since putting my oldest boy in school. If this is the wrong forum for this question, I apologize!

Last year, I put my four year old son in pre-school at a local Christian school. Up until that point, I thought it was a no-brainer that a Christian school would be better than a public school. However, now, I'm not so sure.

The Christian schools around here are Reformed, but none of them are Baptist. So the children are educated from the perspective that they're already 'covenant members.' I listen to the songs they're being taught, and the flawed theology that the teachers lay on them, and I find it very troubling. It is assumed that these kids are already saved. All of them.

But it IS God-centered teaching. They are taught about God as creator instead of the big-bang and evolution. They read the Bible and pray. They are taught Christian morals. All of which would be absent in public school.

Also, it should be noted that the public schools around here a very conservative, for whatever that's worth.

So my ultimate question is: even with flawed theology and soteriology, a Bible-centered education is better than a secular one, correct?

In either instance, I'm going to have to supplement my child's education with Biblical truth.

Someone put my mind at ease!

And thanks for reading!

 

[canadyjd]

Hello!

For my first post here, I'll ask a question that has been bugging me since putting my oldest boy in school. If this is the wrong forum for this question, I apologize!

Last year, I put my four year old son in pre-school at a local Christian school. Up until that point, I thought it was a no-brainer that a Christian school would be better than a public school. However, now, I'm not so sure.

The Christian schools around here are Reformed, but none of them are Baptist. So the children are educated from the perspective that they're already 'covenant members.' I listen to the songs they're being taught, and the flawed theology that the teachers lay on them, and I find it very troubling. It is assumed that these kids are already saved. All of them.

But it IS God-centered teaching. They are taught about God as creator instead of the big-bang and evolution. They read the Bible and pray. They are taught Christian morals. All of which would be absent in public school.

Also, it should be noted that the public schools around here a very conservative, for whatever that's worth.

So my ultimate question is: even with flawed theology and soteriology, a Bible-centered education is better than a secular one, correct?

In either instance, I'm going to have to supplement my child's education with Biblical truth.

Someone put my mind at ease!

And thanks for reading!

Good thing you are willing to spend the time to “supplement” your child’s education with biblical truth.

Since those are the issues that concern you, and you are addressing it yourself, and the public schools are conservative… save your money and send your kids to public schools.

Good luck.

peace to you

 

[JonC]

I sent all of my children to public schools (one son snd a dog). The dog got kicked out (he is not a dog person). My son did very well (he is currently at Charleston Southern, planning on full-time ministry).

There are different ways of looking at this topic. Public schools are not an issue if you equip your children to function in "the world".

It is different for dogs. Sometimes they just don't like other dogs.

 

[Revmitchell]

As someone who raised Christian children and substituted in the public school system I can tell you to do whatever you can to keep them out if the public schools. Run as far as you can.

Training them at home is certainly part of it but the idea that its all you need to do to overcome the world is fool hardy. Those people have no idea what they are talking about. I would rather deal with the false teachings of reformed theology than the public school system.

make sure your kids have godly peers as much as possible

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

Our school system is ostensibly "Conservative" as well. I live in a deep red, 70% to 80% Red county. Very traditional culture and the belt buckle of the Bible Belt.

Even so the teachers in our county teach little girls in Elementary school things that they shouldn't be taught. My neighbor had this happen to her and pulled her kids out.

If I were in your shoes I would probably leave them in. I'd rather they be taught Covenant theology (I'm guessing Presbyterians?) than Woke theology, which is what seems to happen, even in Conservative counties in my state of NC.

I imagine they're preaching the same Jesus, even if their theology is different. It kind of reminds me of Luke 9:49-50:
"Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.”"

My wife was also a public school teacher for a few years, and after what she saw we will never, ever be putting our children into public school.

 

[AustinC]

Hello!

For my first post here, I'll ask a question that has been bugging me since putting my oldest boy in school. If this is the wrong forum for this question, I apologize!

Last year, I put my four year old son in pre-school at a local Christian school. Up until that point, I thought it was a no-brainer that a Christian school would be better than a public school. However, now, I'm not so sure.

The Christian schools around here are Reformed, but none of them are Baptist. So the children are educated from the perspective that they're already 'covenant members.' I listen to the songs they're being taught, and the flawed theology that the teachers lay on them, and I find it very troubling. It is assumed that these kids are already saved. All of them.

But it IS God-centered teaching. They are taught about God as creator instead of the big-bang and evolution. They read the Bible and pray. They are taught Christian morals. All of which would be absent in public school.

Also, it should be noted that the public schools around here a very conservative, for whatever that's worth.

So my ultimate question is: even with flawed theology and soteriology, a Bible-centered education is better than a secular one, correct?

In either instance, I'm going to have to supplement my child's education with Biblical truth.

Someone put my mind at ease!

And thanks for reading!

First, as a Reformed Baptist, I also believe we are a covenant people and my children, by virtue of my wife and I, were under this covenant umbrella. Like the Presbyterian Synod of America, I do not believe my children are redeemed by that covenant until God reveals his grace in their own faith.
As far as going to a school is concerned, you have the responsibility to train up your children in the Lord, not the school. If there are theological differences, you explain them to your children.

 

[JonC]

As someone who raised Christian children and substituted in the public school system I can tell you to do whatever you can to keep them out if the public schools. Run as far as you can.

Training them at home is certainly part of it but the idea that its all you need to do to overcome the world is fool hardy. Those people have no idea what they are talking about. I would rather deal with the false teachings of reformed theology than the public school system.

make sure your kids have godly peers as much as possible

You may think training godly children at home to function in an ungodly world is crazy, and for some it may be.

My experience has been the opposite. My son has led classmates to Christ because he associated with "those" people. He maintained a very close knit set of Christian friends throughout school, and he is currently in a Christian college (he is preparing for the ministry).

But this depends on the child (and how that child was brought up). Nominal Christians cannot raise godly children.

It also helped that my son was a 250 lbs, 6 ft 7 inch high school student. But bottom line is bringing up godly children.

Public school often depends on the set of friends onw develops, and often thus depends on how the child was raised.

That said, I would hesitate to switch from a Christian school to a public school (particularly if there is a notable size difference).

 

[Revmitchell]

You may think training godly children at home to function in an ungodly world is crazy, and for some it may be.

.

This post is for everyone to see. Its a flat out l(wrong) I did not say this. I didnt imply this. There is no reason to believe this was my intent. Has to be one of the most dishonest posts on this board. Ever

 

[JonC]

This post is for everyone to see. Its a flat out (wrong). I did not say this. I didnt imply this. There is no reason to believe this was my intent. Has to be one of the most dishonest posts on this board. Ever

Interesting take on my post. You are, of course, wrong. But it is interesting just how quickly you resort to calling me a liar.

To what, may I ask, does the "Rev" in your username refer? Certainly not something to do with the ministry (I hope).

 

[AustinC]

Perhaps the biggest issue with Christian schools is the tendency for unregenerate children of believing parents to lie about their faith and create an illusion of faith for fear of being judged by peers and teachers. This leads to a spirit of dishonesty in the school.

 

[AustinC]

Interesting take on my post. You are, of course, wrong. But it is interesting just how quickly you resort to calling me a liar. To what, may I ask, does the "Rev" in your username refer?

What are you suggesting br added.... addition to training children at home to prepare to function in an ungodly world?

I ask because I know people who sent their children to Presbyterian schools, only to conclude skewed doctrine was more dangerous than having them attend public schools.

Personally, I believe it is a matter of prayer...seeking God's guidance (whether one chooses a public school or a private one).

Let's be honest. Going to a private school is mostly about economics. Many Christian kids go to public schools because the parents can't afford the 10-20K per year, per student.

 

[JonC]

Let's be honest. Going to a private school is mostly about economics. Many Christian kids go to public schools because the parents can't afford the 10-20K per year, per student.

It is. From what I have seen (working with public and Christian schools in the past) one is just more wealthy than the other (drug problems, but "better" drugs, not really gang issues but bullying).

Often they are the same - when comparing large public schools to fairly large Christian schools and small public schools to small private schools.

 

[Amplitudo]

Our school system is ostensibly "Conservative" as well. I live in a deep red, 70% to 80% Red county. Very traditional culture and the belt buckle of the Bible Belt.

Even so the teachers in our county teach little girls in Elementary school things that they shouldn't be taught. My neighbor had this happen to her and pulled her kids out.

If I were in your shoes I would probably leave them in. I'd rather they be taught Covenant theology (I'm guessing Presbyterians?) than Woke theology, which is what seems to happen, even in Conservative counties in my state of NC.

I imagine they're preaching the same Jesus, even if their theology is different. It kind of reminds me of Luke 9:49-50:
"Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.”"

My wife was also a public school teacher for a few years, and after what she saw we will never, ever be putting our children into public school.

This is my worry as well.

A 'conservative' public school on a spectrum that is so heavily weighted toward liberal insanity might not mean much.

 

[Revmitchell]

Interesting take on my post. You are, of course, wrong. But it is interesting just how quickly you resort to calling me a liar.

To what, may I ask, does the "Rev" in your username refer? Certainly not something to do with the ministry (I hope).

Rather than calling people "liar" try using your big boy words and simply explaining what you mean.

yet another post based on (wrong info). Of course its there for all to see. And since you have no defense you obfuscate and attack my username. What else you got

 

[JonC]

yet another post based on wrong info. I never called you a liar. Of course its there for all to see. And since you have no defense you obfuscate and attack my username. What else you got

That was wrong. On discussion boards we post our views. If you disagree then you should have corrected me.

Something like "You misunderstood me.....".

If you are going down that road" then let me point you to the "may" in my post.

You were wrong, Mitchell. Plain and simple. I am not calling you a liar, just saying you were wrong. I don't know what you believe.

The reason I asked about the "rev" in your username is that you do not post anything like a minister of the gospel. I do not know any other reference for "rev", but if you want it in your title then perhaps you should consider your replies more carefully.

It's like the guy cutting you off, flipping a bird with a "Jesus Saves" bumper sticker.

 

[Revmitchell]

You said I posted "a flat out lie".

That was wrong. On discussion boards we post our views. If you disagree then you should have corrected me.

Something like "You misunderstood me.....".

If you are going down the road of "I said you posted a flat out lie...not that you are a liar" then let me point you to the "may" in my post.

You were wrong, Mitchell. Plain and simple. I am not calling you a liar, just saying you were wrong. I don't know what you believe.

The reason I asked about the "rev" in your username is that you do not post anything like a minister of the gospel. I do not know any other reference for "rev", but if you want it in your title then perhaps you should consider your replies more carefully.

It's like the guy cutting you off, flipping a bird with a "Jesus Saves" bumper sticker.

uh no. Pointing out your intentional behavior has no effect on my “title”. You are a christian and your behavior is abhorrent. Its a habitual pattern not just with me. You need to repent. My conscience is clear.

 

[JonC]

uh no. Pointing out your intentional behavior has no effect on my “title”. You are a christian and your behavior is abhorrent. Its a habitual pattern not just with me. You need to repent. My conscience is clear.

You can think that of it makes you sleep better at night. Just remember that God disciples His children. If you have no qualms calling members liars (or saying they post lies) then you may want to evaluate your own relationship. I will pray for you.

 

[JonC]

My point is the choice of schools is an individual issue that parents should carefully consider.

Christian schools are not equal. Public schools ate not equal. Children are not the same, and their needs are not the same.

Parents need to pray about what is best for their children. If you choose Public schools then do not allow the opinions of others to change your mind. If you choose Christian schools do not let opinions of others change your mind. Pray about it, decide, and continue praying for your children.

 

[Amplitudo]

uh no. Pointing out your intentional behavior has no effect on my “title”. You are a christian and your behavior is abhorrent. Its a habitual pattern not just with me. You need to repent. My conscience is clear.

From where I'm sitting, as the new guy who has only this thread to go on, yours is the behavior that is both un-charitable and un-profitable.

I'm disappointed to see your conduct in what I thought was a community of Christian brothers and sisters.

 

[Salty]

Time to cool off

Thread is closed.