Kelly and I already talk occasionally about how we want to educate Owen and (Lord-willing) his future brothers and sisters. There are of course so many variables to consider, and no two families have altogether the same circumstances, but it is such an important issue that it seems like it should merit serious thought and consideration. I don't know where you're at on this issue, but I find myself very sympathetic toward this short essay by John Frame, a theology professor at Westminster Seminary. In the same way that parents - not the youth group or Sunday School - are ultimately responsible for their children's spiritual formation, so are they ultimately responsible for their children's overall education, and must decide how much a traditional school - public or private - might (or might not) help. Parents can only blame youth leaders and schools if they have themselves abdicated the responsibility for their children and handed that responsibility to someone else. Again, not every schooling option is viable for every family, but having a long-term strategy and rationale seems important to me. Comments/criticisms on the essay are welcome!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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7 comments:
I just scanned the article, so don't really have any criticisms, but I tend to agree with what he said about Christian education, though I NEVER want to judge or seem judgmental of friends/others whose kids go to a public school. I will trust that they're doing what they believe is right for their family.
I have to say that a lot of Christian schools would be out for us because the academics are just too poor. And at this point, I don't think I would prefer homeschooling, though I might change my mind. Chris and I plan on sending our kids to a Christian Classical school - there has been a Christian Latin/Classical school in each city we've lived in. If we can't afford that, there is a Christian Classical Homeschoolers Association and lots of resources out there. Kids are SMART and I'm afraid most don't reach their full potential. It seems that the classical philosophy helps them "be all they can be". :) I can't believe that at this time next year I'll be looking into enrolling (or getting homeschool materials) for Luke's first year! Yikes!
You both are great parents. Have a great vacation. ENJOY
Send him to Uncle MJ's class when he gets that age, sorry i don't know if i will be in the public or private school, depends. I'm sure he will turn out to be a great kid. Later.
Couldnt agree more, WE as parents need to raise/teach our children ! Olivias teacher recently thanked me for taking the time to work with her at home with her reading. She said not many do that ?! Now how sad is that, we leave all the teaching to teachers and sit the kids in front of tv's and computers when they get home. We as parents need to spend time getting involved with their school life, working with them on homework etc. just involved with life in general. Im sorry but thats just plain lazy when parents dont get involved !!! and we wonder why all these kids turn out the way they do. There are times I wonder why some people even have kids, they just dont care and let them do and come as they please. We need to be partners with the youthleaders, sunday school teachers, and teachers at school !!
I myself was in a private school until 5th grade. The schools doctrine changed along with our family moving so we then attended public school. I am very thankful that I attended public, I believe it helped me with my spritual growth and standings in my faith. People saw me as different because of my choices in life. Every family needs to decide what is best for their own and then NOT judge others because were they have their children attend school. You CAN get super education in public schools and in private, they both have their good and bad !! We as a family have decided our children will attended a christian based daycare if needed along with a preschool. Then will be placed in public schools. When we moved it was very important to check schools in area and if we ever do that will be a priority before anything else. Education, good education is key in any childs life and the involvement of the parents. Also thanking the teachers is very important along with clear communication.
Have a great vacation !!!
My kids are public schooled because of our finances, but they are alo public schooled because the are a light in a very dark world - so far. We prayed at length, and continue to do so each year we put our kids back.
Victoria is now a middle schooler, so the decision has become more pressing every year. We remember daily, however, that our children are being trained, nurtured, and instructed by us first. It isn't the responsibility of their school (or even the chucrh that I pastor).
In all of your blog, you haven't shared your direction.
I struggle with this very thought every day. Rachel is in all day kindergarten at public school. She comes home exhausted, grumpy, sometimes belligerent, I am praying more and more for God to show us what to do...
Kara unfortunetly kids cant act like that no matter what school public or private they attend !
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