to homeschool, to public school, or christian school?!?!
granted, this decision is several years off, with the way time has gone by and is going by {can i just ask someone to stop this train?!} tomorrow Hunter will be starting kindergarten. and on that note, i can already feel the tears forming.
i was a product of public school, homeschool, and private school; i see benefits to each. i think every family is different and God has called each family to different things. certain events and circumstances that God orchestrates dictate school choices for families (i.e. - financial, etc.). i don't think we ought to condemn others for choosing something we don't feel called to choose. k? or, in other, more proper words, this is what i mean:
"I do not believe that any of the options—homeschooling, Christian schooling or public schooling—is inherently wrong, but feel that each family must follow their convictions on this matter. I do not judge or condemn those who choose other options. The real sin would be to violate one’s conscience or to look negatively upon those who choose other options." - Tim Challies, from this blog article.
here are a few of my {brief} thoughts on the options, and mind you, my thoughts are still forming...
on homeschooling.
i like the idea of getting to keep my kids home with me. most of all, i know that as parents we are called to shepherd our children. one of the major ways this is accomplished is through teaching. the thought of sending my kids off to school (be it private or public) to be under someone else's teaching for six hours/day scares me {just being honest}.
on public school.
if the public schools in our district were thriving educationally, it would be a big consideration. i love what the christian blogger, Tim Challies says on the subject... he and his wife choose to send their children to public school. you can read it here - he makes so many good points and i think this is one of the best ones:
"Trusting that my children will grow up to be believers, I am convicted that it is my duty as a parent, and as a Christian parent, to prepare my children to fulfill that calling in their lives. I believe they can best heed this call by being in the culture in which God has seen fit to place them. I want them to be with kids who are not Christians, to be friends with them and to love them, to learn what separates them from their friends, and to begin to understand how their convictions make them different from others. I want them to see and know and understand and believe in the superiority of Christianity to any other religion or way of life. I want them to see what the world has to offer and to see that it quickly loses its lustre." - Tim Challies
on private school.
i feel like private christian school can sometimes bring the best of both worlds {in a perfect world} - a christian education, while also offering several extra curriculars, scholarship opportunities and a wide variety of classes. however, of course, it's costly.
obviously our decision will be made through much prayer and consideration - with a real look at our financial situation. i am sure that public school will not be an option. mainly for the reason of our district having failing schools. simple as that. i'm not willing to send my child to a failing school and somehow hope and pray they'll succeed. essentially our decision will be between private school and homeschool. i'm glad we still have three years to decide...
what do you think? if you have school-aged children, how did you make your decision? i think a lot of moms with little ones like myself can gain some insight from you! thanks in advance. : )
40 {comments}:
This is frequently a topic around our house! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Based on where we are living now we'll probably be deciding between Christan school and homeschool. Right now I feel like we'll end up homeschooling (at least for awhile) because of cost but maybe switching to a Christan school in the future. Who knows??!! (Oh yeah...God) I too have been to all three types of schools!
this is something that has been weighing heavy on my heart lately. our daughter started kindergarten in arkansas. she LOVED it. she started first grade there, too. but due to a house we own in TN not selling after being on the market for 2.5 years, we chose to move back in to it (no point paying mortgage AND rent, right?). my daughter flourished at her school in arkansas, the teachers were kind, the principal loved her (thank goodness because my olivia is a fighter, not a lover and was not afraid to deck some boys on the playground for bothering her). she had straight A's and loved getting up for school in the mornings.
Now we are living in this small town in TN and my poor baby hates school. the kids here all have a SUPER thick southern accent- which my family does not have- and the children make fun of my child for "sounding funny". she had a bicycle accident and her tooth is dead/grey and the little girls are mean to her about it. granted, this is first grade and kids are mean.... i had a parent teacher conference with her teacher and the woman simply could not understand the words that were coming out of mine and my husband's mouths. she's very old, plus thick accent, and she kept having to ask us "what" or say "slow down"... and we were talking at our normal pace, so i can only imagine what communication problems take place between my daughter and her teacher.
last week i put hair flair in my daughter's hair. she loved it, she was so excited.
the first day she wore them to school- a little girl told her she was ugly and she ripped them out of my daughters hair.
olie will not wear hair bows, any of her play jewelry, any of her skirts & tutus to school. she cries in the mornings. she has a birthday coming up and i asked her who she wants to invite- and she said no one from her school.
my heart is broken.
i want her in home school. like, NOW.
my husband says all children must endure something like this and it makes them stronger.
in a way he is right, but he is overseas currently and he doesn't SEE our daughter and how this hurts her.
I will let her finish the school year. only 3 months left.
she has 1 month in 2nd grade to like her teacher and adjust. otherwise i'm pulling her out NO MATTER what he says. and when we move, she will attend a private school. this experience has really burned me with public school. :( i went to public school my entire school career and i hated it.
What a great topic sweet girl! I am tearing up writing this post for this year Kelcee will be starting pre-school in the fall and I am a wreck about it! I love how you put it that "being under someone else's teaching for 6 hours scares you" for it scares me to! I have been praying so hard about this and also with the fact I am on so many chemo medicines as well, the germies are just gonna be non-stoppable. The live vaccines Kelcee has to get we are still checking but I can't be around her for 24 hrs after and it breaks my heart because I have only been away from her for 24 hrs once and have always been at the dr.s when she has had her shots!
We are going to most def put her in a christian pre-school thanks to my mom. As for Kindergarten I am hoping for a Christian School but the costs are astounding and we are pinching and saving and with the helps of our parents we are hoping this to be an option! I am really considering homeschooling Kelcee and have looked into it quite a bit but with my health I am not sure if I could make all the conferences etc., we will see I am just praying and praying about it....
I think whatever choice a parent choses for that child is the right choice for them and their isn't a wrong choice just the right choice for your family.
xoxo
Sums
Our family is a Christian homeschooling family. Leea, age 7 and Carson age 4 1/2 are in 2nd and pre-k...the 22 month old is a big young;) We LOVE homeschooling....LOVE my kids with me, LOVE teaching and raising them as we feel the Bible has called us to do. That being said, it's very hard as you sacrifice a lot....school books and learning tools can be very $$$, time for playdates and coffee dates take a back seat for the times learning from the text must take place, church functions and services had to be cut back some to afford family time in the midst of schooling. I love this life as a homeschoolig mom and even on the hard days, I find myself amazed that God has blessed me with this life, is giving me such a chance to be who I know He's calling me to be:)
I don't have kids yet, so my opinion may change in the next few years... ;)
When we bought our home we made sure we were in a good school district so we can send our kids to public school. My hubby was a college basketball player, and the best way for our kids to get college athletic scholarships would be for them to play in public schools. That said, if the public schools go downhill between now and the time that my kids enroll, I will look into other options.
I am actually the product of a Christian school education. I totally respect and admire my parents' decision to send me there, but I hated being there. I graduated with a class of 21 students, which rarely changed from sixth grade through 12th. It was a little too much for me.
I'm sure you'll get lots of comments on this post - we moms LOVE to talk about this subject!! I would first of all say that I LOVE your attitude and that you are open to ALL of the options.
Also - the maturity that your child has now will DRAMATICALLY change in the next few years. Just the thought of sending my precious first born on a bus practically brought me to tears! But the day that we did she was really excited and totally ready. Some kids have trouble with bullies etc. but we never did.
I home schooled my oldest through Kindergarten, and I'm really glad that I did. Her phonics skills and reading are really well developed. We sent my next two to Public school for kindergarten and one had had a better experience than the other but they are both reading now - one just has better phonics skills and spelling skills the other needs a little more help with new words and studying spelling words.
For us Public schools were a good way to encourage out kids to make good decisions for themselves when mom & dad weren't around and so far we have not been disappointed.
I totally agree with you about not sending your kids to a failing school. I'd encourage you to look into your state's laws though, I'm pretty sure you have the right to send your child to a different district (if you have a better school district near by) I can here in Georgia. You have to provide your own transportation but it is a good alternative to private school if you don't have the money for it.
There is also an online home study program that is based on the public school curriculum and it is FREE it's http://www.k12.com/ I've met a couple moms who use it and it is VERY easy to use (and you could supplement it) and free!
I'd encourage you to have confidence that when the time comes you'll make the best decision for your family :)
My sweet Layla is 5 and in public school. We are so happy with our choice. We moved to this community for the schools.
We put both of our kids in Christian preschool and we go to church. I feel it is my duty as a follower of Christ to educate my children about God. I will continue to do this!!
I want my kids to be exposed to everything different than us. Too many parents try to shelter their kids and I believe this can be bad for them in the long run.
These choices are the best for our family, and every family is different!
I love the option of public school for the reasons that you stated by Tim, but understand you not wanting to send your kids to failing schools. Although I'm not really sure what failing means.
I lead young life at a private Christian school and have been able to see how that impacts them in their lives while in high school and after. As with anything there are pros and cons, and if you want to know more about my experience I'd be happy to tell you. Of course my experience is with high schoolers specifically and obviously that is a far way off.
I don't really have any opinions on home schooling since I don't have any experience with it.
But I agree you need to do what you feel is best for your family. I look forward to seeing how you go through the process of deciding what to do!
We were burdened beyond belief and KNOW that God called us to homeschool- that's why we do it. I wish everyone could, not because I think I'm better in any way, but because it has been the BIGGEST blessing of our lives!! I truly want everyone to experience the joy that comes with it! :)
Here is a super good article by a woman I really look up to - www.generationcedar.com
I HIGHLY recommend it. And of course the main thing is - you can NOT let human influence talk you into or out of obedience. Saty in prayer and scripture.
It is such a tough decision. I really wanted to send our oldest, Kanin, to Christian school but with 2 babies at home, we just could not afford it. I thought of homeschooling, too, but I didn't know if I could do it with the babies at home. He goes to public school right now and I am not excited about that at all. I do like his current teacher, A LOT, but I'm just not crazy about him being out "in the world" without Mommy or Daddy there to guide him.
we've got nearly 5 years to go and I've been dwelling on this a lot lately... don't know which way we'll go but homeschooling seems to be what comes up a lot. I love the quotes you shared... I totally agree - each must follow what's best for their family! :)
Thank you for be so well rounded in your views of all schooling options. More often than not, people who homeschool completely bash public schools and vice versa!
We send our kids to public school. Our district is one of the top 5 in our state. Also a lot of the teachers at our elementary school go to our church or another local church, so I know that there are some great influences there! I love that public school teachers are usually well trained to teach and are require to continue training in their specific areas! I think private schools can be great, but they often times have some of the same problems as public schools at a much higher price. I think that homeschooling can be done successfully also, but I have seen way too many instances where people abuse the fact that they homeschool and either aren't qualified to teach their child or don't take the time to truly teach them. I think chosing where to school your child is a very personal decision, and I can only hope that most people make that decision based on where their child can get the best education possible!!
Coming from the perspective of a homeschool student..I couldn't be happier as a homeschooler. It gives you so much freedom. There's nothing quite like it! It is hard work, but I think it is completly worth it.
I started homeschool w/ my twin daughters this year {kindergarten} mainly for some of your reasons listed above - the school they are zoned for is failing & I'm just not a huge fan of private Christian schools {mainly b/c I feel that the same 'junk' goes on in them that goes on in public school - they are maybe just a little better @ covering it up}
I have enjoyed having my girls w/ me & learning from me . . . but homeschooling is hard! It's exhausting! And there are many days when I think "Next year, they are going to school!" There are some days when I wish I could drop them off somewhere just to be alone for a few hours :) but when I think about it, long term, I know I am doing what is best for our family. I also agree w/ Sara {above} we are free to expose our children to the things that we want them exposed to - they are able to be around diverse people groups, but with our supervision. Our girls are able to serve in our community during hours they would normally be in school - and I like that. 'Schooling' is soooo much more than academics. . . it's about their hearts and their character and their souls. Praying that God leads you to the path that is best for your family, whatever that looks like.
I know it is such a hard decision! In our case, we started with public school, but then chose to change to homeschooling because it was best for our daughter. She was surviving, but not thriving, in the public schools. We finally made the decision to change when her teacher was focused only on her weaknesses and didn't care about her strengths. Now that our girl is 18 and a Senior, I know it was the right choice for her. She needed the time I could give her to guide her to cope with her weaknesses and focus on her strengths! I also know kids who do perfectly well in public school & christian school...there are many factors to considers, including the local schools, the parent(s) and especially, the child. I'm sure you will prayerfully decide what's best for your family :) Lisa
I went to a small private school from kindergarten until 12th grade. I didn't mind the school, & I had friends there...but the school was 30 minutes from my house (which is a lot when you live in a rural area), so all my school friends lived at least 30-45 minutes away, so I didn't really see them other than at school. Because ALL of the other kids from church went to the local public school, I never had relationships with any of them until I was in the youth group. Even then, my church planned all activities around their school schedule, so I felt left out a lot. I think deciding on a school is important, but there are other factors to be considered as well. If my family had it to do over, I think I would have gone to the school that may not have been as educationally sound, but where I would have a better chance at lasting friendships.
I wouldn't trust in myself to homeschool although if I had kids I might have more faith in myself but I would go with Christian school.
This will be a hot topic, that will garner many responses, I'm sure! I was homeschooled and private schooled, and loved my homeschool experience (graduated out of it) - I have one "beef" with Christian parents feeling that it is their "duty" to expose their children to non-Christians for the sake of evangelism, which I totally disagree with and do not find scriptural. Our children are not called to make disciples, we are, and they are our first priority. It's not that I don't think our children can evangelize, quite opposite is true - they are powerful instruments of Christ's love, but I don't agree that we have to "expose" them so that they can do this. Maybe this stems from the fact I grew up in a church home which did not support homeschoolers, and I was constantly told I wasn't fulfilling my Christian potential because I wasn't in the public school system. Too much of our Churching today emphasizes a works based salvation in one form or the other and I guess it really rubs me the wrong way. ;)
I was sheltered, yes. And I don't regret a single bit of it. There are always extremes in any schooling case. Home, private or public - it can all be abused. I don't naysay the public schooled choice, but I do have a problem when parents like to drag their child's spiritual potential into the equation. They can be just as effective and social in a less "exposed" education. In my humblest of opinions. ;) Great topic, I'm thankful we still have the freedom to choose for our kids! God will give you peace with the right decision in due time, which I totally agree, needs to slow down!!!!
from the mind of a really young niave 16 year old homeschooled kid... here's my humble opinion:
I'm homeschooled, I have been my whole life. So might be bias.
I have friends... close friends, in both private and public.
You find that in private schools alot of the kids who got thrown out of public school are sent there. it's really not that great, and I would never send my child to one. But that's just me... and who am I? Really?
I love homeschooling but often times I get lonely. That's simply because my parents choose not to put me in any activities or take me to be with other homesxcchoolers. But the recourses for homeschoolers to constantly be with other kids. It could be amazing... homeschooling doesn't take that much. iddle school is the hdarest part really... through elementyry school it's SO easy for you to teach the kids... nd in highschool, they can pretty much teach themselves. In middle school you have to make sure you stick with it and don't let them slack off.
public school is getting more and more poluted. They teach the most rediculous stuff... and the enviroment is well -- trashy. Even more so then I'm sure when you were a kid. My christian friends say that public school is such a hard place to stay christian, and most of them have left the fiath at some point in time. Some have come back, some haven't.
So I guess you can getell I'm leaning towards homeschooling. :P Oh well... that's just me. In the end I know you'll do what you feel God says is best for your kids.
I really look up to you, I really... really do. You're definetly one my role models and I just thought you should know that. :)
Much Love and many blessings,
Bleah Briann
sorry if I typod or something... my keyboard and computer aren't exactly sympatico right now. :/
This is something I think about often. I have two littles, almost 4 year-old son, and 17 month old daughter (named Carissa, btw!). I see benefits in both choices (home school or public school- we have not considered private school for some reason). We are definitely leaning more toward homeschooling, like you said it scares me to think that for half of my child's waking hours (more or less) they would be influenced by an entity who may or may not have the same convictions as us (not only spiritual, but social as well). But the benefit of public school would be the opportunity to be a light to their classmates and teachers etc (not just the child, but the whole family...yep they get all of us! Lol!) I do feel strongly about homeschooling though, especially since my son is way more advanced in certain areas, and I would want the opportunity to tailor his education to suit his needs. I went to public schools, and they don't always do a good job of meeting those kinds of needs (at least in my experience, and I attended SEVERAL schools).
Anyway, nice to meet you...I'm a new follower! :)
my older 3 are in public schools.....i've had no say in that as my ex thinks i will be 'harming' them to society if i homeschool...
that being said
the last 2 kids WILL be homeschooled. branden and i like the idea of having a say in the subjects and morals our kids will be taught. i haven't met a homeschooled child yet that stuck inside all days hanging w/mom bored. in fact...quite the opposite! i start preschool homeschooling w/lily in the fall and i can't wait!
Pray, pray, pray...and trust God with all of your heart...I do believe that each of our children will thrive and become well-educated wherever they are and in so believing, then it becomes a matter of "where do YOU need my children, Lord?"...sometimes they need to be a light in the public schools...sometimes they need to be nourished in a private christian school...sometimes they need to be rejuvenated at home...it all depends on where God needs them...it's what has helped us make our decisions throughout our children's lives...we are in the middle of that prayerful consideration with our daughter who is at a crossroads right now...you are wise to be praying now and believe me, you will continue to pray each and every year...the answer isn't always the same year to year :)
I too am a product of private, public, and home school. I've seen the benefits of each, as well as the downsides.
If our current public schools were in better shape, I would consider it, but as of now, if we have kids I think homeschooling & private would be the best options for us. But, we'll see where God leads.
We are homeschoolers - we have 4 boys and this is the first year that all of them are being taught. I've got a 9th grader, 5th grader, 3rd grader, and Pre-K.
I love - having my kids with me, being able to teach them, because I think I was meant by God to be a teacher. On the other hand - I'm with my kids, 24 - 7, which can get a bit overwhelming sometimes.
I love - seeing their faces light up when something clicks for them, and sharing topics and books that I love with them. OTOH - it takes a lot of sacrifices. Time, money, patience, vacations, quiet. We are a 1-income family by necessity, and that is hard sometimes. IMHO it's worth it.
But homeschooling is not for everyone. To each their own. Blessings!
oh goodness! this is a tough one. i went to a private school and then a public school- this is a hard decision!!!!
Here's a great book that someone recommended to me about the benefits of Christians in public school. http://www.amazon.com/Going-Public-Child-Thrive-School/dp/0830745777/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299036607&sr=8-1
I am pretty sure I am the odd man out here. But I never had a choice whether to school my kids at home. My husband is in construction and well, it's not the best paying job. And at the time I was making a large salary working at a legal secretary. Our oldest two children went to Christian school for a few years. But after the 2nd two came along, we could no longer afford it and off to public school they went. My kids are very grounded in Christ and so far, we've had no issues. My 17yo son is currently enrolled in on line high school.
If I had to do it over again, I would definately plan better financially so that I could afford to be home and school them.
Praying God will show you what to do.
I could have a long boring comment about this...I will try to keep it short (but if you want the long version you can email me!)..We have had our kids in private Christian school, a parochial school and public school. At each stop along the way we knew that God was showing us where He wanted our kids to be. That isn't to say that I wasn't {very} anxious. I never thought they would have to leave the Christian school that we loved. It is so neat to look back and see that God was in control of each and every moment. As our youngest is starting kindergarten in a public school in August {our first to start off in public school} I am very anxious! But it would be foolish of me to think that He isn't concerned with her welfare.
very good topic! i'm a homeschooling mom to five daughters, four of whom are in school. we chose homeschooling, simply put, b/c i taught in the public schools before having children. i know how these things work. and there is no way I want my children there!
obviously, that is personal. the reasons other than that include these:
no where in life, aside from school, do we interact with only those our own age. it's truly nothing like real life.
I am to protect my children. I simply can't protect them from things when they aren't with me. They are not built knowing how to handle temptations of life, it's my job to teach them how. I can't assume that i've taught them enough in five years...or 10. I know my children...lol
as far as private school, around here, they are no better than public schools, just more expensive.
I went to public school for elementary and high school but my middle school years were spent in a private christian school. I like that I went to both because they both gave me different things.
I love when you post something that starts a discussion - it's so interesting to read everyone's thoughts. I'm not in the position of choosing schools for my own yet, but I've been scared away from Christian school because of my neice's experiences at a Christian elementary school in Georgia. I know all schools are different, but at this particular one the parents were wealthier and not exactly friendly to my brother and SIL. They seemed to have chosen the school so their children would meet the "right kind of people." Unfortunately this attitude filtered down to the children, and my sweet niece had trouble with teasing. I'm sure you will make the right decision for your children when the time comes, and you'll watch them closely to make sure they're thriving. :) As for public school, this may not be an option for y'all, but the schools in Mount Pleasant and a few other outlying areas are actually really strong -- much better than many of those in Charleston proper. Good luck! Thanks again for the thoughtful post.
Oh, Carissa, I feel your pain. Even when our children were in school, it was a huge decision. We started them out in regular private school and then moved them to a private Christian school and was more than happy with our choice. But, whatever happened to the day of kids going to their local neighborhood school? It's such a huge issue now and I have two grans whose parents are laboring over this decision now. Blessings on your decision!
Hey Carissa,
we went thru a hard time deciding on school for Nicole.in K5 she went to a christian private school and it was good,but we could not afford it again,especially with Haley coming along.our school was failing (whitesville elementary) so we had the option to put her in a school in goose creek,right where u live.she goes to Boulder Bluff. As far as I know,neither that school,nor West view, or Devon forest is failing.as far as I remember,they were failing,but look into the reasons.west view failed because of the number of special needs children they accept and help.while a school might have a certain rating online,its worth checking it out why.our district school is under bad leadership and we didn't want Nicole there. I was so nervous taking her to boulder bluff. I prayed a lot and eventually God gave peace in my heart,that she is even more important to Him than to me,
and that He will make sure that she is protected and I have limits. Due to our family situation,Nicole is influenced by quite many different people,and God was teaching me that ultimately He is incontrol of her.I know that I am unable to handle homeschooling her because we would drive each other crazy,so she has to go to school.I also knew her personality, that she needs school. It was a hard decision as I was even more fearful,since I have never gone to school in this country,but I know I did not like public school in mine.anyways, I have to tell you that I was so pleasantly surprised with Boulder bluff.she got a great teacher,they have a very good discipline system,the school is surprisingly pretty inside and Nicole is challenged,reads very well and I am very pleased. I am sure it is not for everyone, I know it was for us.and we really like it.they do a lot for families and parents and do charity stuff too. I know I was very ling, I will stop now. I don't know what am I gonna do w haley,that is gonna be a different story.so as I said,find what works for you guys and I promise you then god will give u wisdom when the time comes.
One more thing. Be ready that the plan might be different every year or so. I know,that I have to make a decision with my husband for a year about our children's school. But that's it.the next year might be different,and we need to be open minded and trust God for a fresh calling...
You know my heart, Carissa. But, you stated it perfectly about each family needing to make the right choice for their family. I'll be praying for discernment and guidance for you both.
We love homeschooling. It fit our lives. I've so enjoyed the years with my kids and the time where we are able to seek the Lord and discover His gifts.
Email or call any time you want to chat.
You rock. (Just thought I'd add that in.)
Rachel
Hi Carissa,
To simplify my comment, here is the link to the post I wrote that explains why we homeschool (and by the way, we LOVE it):
http://mastomama.blogspot.com/2010/05/why-we-started-homeschooling.html
I will be praying for your decision--God definitely has a different plan for everyone!
I actually went to public school from Kindergarten through 1st grade and was pulled out of the public school system to be home-schooled starting in the second grade. Let me tell you, the first two years of being home-schooled, I h-a-t-e-d it. I begged my mom to put me back in school but she stood her ground and did not even consider for one second putting me back. I am so glad she didn't either, because I 100% LOVE being home-schooled.
I do not want to come across as mean or rude when I say this, but being home-schooled gives you a MUCH better education than a public school or private school offers. My dad actually teaches at a private school and agrees that home-school is much better education. You see, by being home-schooled YOU are choosing how you educate your child and you set the boundaries.
People argue all the time that home-schooled kids do not have as much social time and do not have many friends. Umm, FALSE. I have many fabulous friends and what is so great about them, is that the majority of them are home-schooled and our parents know each other and are on the same page with most things (parenting, religious views, schooling, etc.).
My brother (10th grade) and I (8th grade) are actually home-schooled the classical way. We go to a home-school group once a week called Classical Conversations and it is wonderful (classicalconversations.com).
There are also many other advantages of being home-schooled. Once reason being, you can do more and you have so much more free time. I am able to babysit each Monday morning, go to home-school group each Tuesday, go to sewing class in the early afternoon each Thursday, and so much more. You can even sporatically just decide to go somewhere in the middle of schooling hours.
Personally, I would totally go the home-schooling route, but it is up to you! Who knows, maybe God wants Hunter in a public school, maybe He wants him in a private school, or maybe He wants him to be home-schooled. :)
GREAT topic ... and great discussion.
We have 12 children (with another on the way), and I have been primarily teaching my children at home for the past 20 years. (my kids ages are 9, 9, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20, 22, 22, 24, 25, 26). I have 6 young adult children that are out on their own; and I have 6 children still at home, that are homeschooled.
I say, "primarily homeschooling" because we have taken each child and each year and said, "What is best for THIS child, THIS year."
A couple of our kids have attended full-time public school for a year or two.
A couple of our kids have attended part-time public school for a year or so.
All of our kids have participated in a variety of public school programs, even if they were being homeschooled ...
... all kids 7th grade and above have participated in public school sports (football, track, volleyball, baseball)
... the 5 older kids all participated in the high school musicals.
... 9 of our kids have participated in a public school enrichment program, designed for homeschoolers
... 3 of our kids did public school choirs and band.
At the same time, my husband was a school teacher for 21 years and he wouldn't even want our kids in his own classroom. We do not believe that spending 6-7 hours per day in a school setting (with peers) is healthy. We completely disagree with the concept of "sending the kids to school so that they can evangelize". Would you put your child on a plane and send them to Africa to evangelize the nation (without you)? Absolutely not! Sending them to school can be just as dangerous. Seriously.
My husband taught at 3 Christian Schools before moving to the public schools, and in MANY ways he saw that the Christian School peer pressure was WORSE than in the public schools. You may have more Christian teachers at the Christian School, and they may be able to teach Bible classes, but the kids are the SAME, or WORSE than those in the public school down the street.
While we understand that not everyone is able to educate their children at home, we believe it is the very BEST thing for the child (as long as the home life is healthy). Some may need to drastically change their lifestyles (financially) in order to make it work. But ... we chose to live in small rental houses for many years, in order to make it possible for me to be at home with the children. I would rather have a large family in a small house, than a small family in a large house.
Kandi ... my heart breaks for your little girl. I would certainly encourage you to "bring her home". Private schools are not necessarily any better than public as far as peer pressure / bullying goes.
Heather ... many states allow homeschoolers to play on the public school sports teams, without attending full-time.
Angie ... educating our children at home does NOT necessarily mean that we are "sheltering" them. I LOVE having my kids at home. They are learning that FAMILY is much more important than PEERS. But ... they are involved in many activities outside the home.
April ... you CAN homeschool even with babies in the home. I started homeschooling when my kids were 1, 3, 3, 5, 6, 7.
Becky ... yes, being able to tailor the education to a child's individual need is wonderful! I have 4 "highly gifted" children, and 2 "highly challenged" children .. and I as able to meet each of their needs in ways that the public schools would not have been able to.
Thanks for the GREAT discussion topic, Carissa.
Hope your week is BLESSED!
Laurel :)
Agreed, we shouldn't condemn, but being as my husband is in the job of creating law, it is hard to think of public school when I see what is being passed. Oh dear. I went to public school. Q private. We shall see...
This is a great discussion. I wish I had the opportunity to be at home.... But.... at least for now this is not ann option ; )
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