Christian (Private) vs. Public School

[pie2]

Does anyone have any experience with, or opinions about, private Christian school in the US? Is it worth the money?

 

If you're in favor of private school, is it equally important for all grades, or are some more crucial than others? For example, is it more important that a child go to private in middle or high school, as opposed to elementary school?

 

I went to public, and don't feel too disadvantaged, lol. But I imagine things have changed since I was in school.

[M30USA]

Does anyone have any experience with, or opinions about, private Christian school in the US? Is it worth the money?

 

If you're in favor of private school, is it equally important for all grades, or are some more crucial than others? For example, is it more important that a child go to private in middle or high school, as opposed to elementary school?

 

I went to public, and don't feel too disadvantaged, lol. But I imagine things have changed since I was in school.

 

Here's what I know:

 

I think "Christian" schools which instill false doctrine and beliefs under the guise of Christianity are worse for children than atheist public schools. False religion is more damaging to people than atheism. This is because truth and lies become so mixed that you cannot clear the web.

[amaysngrace]

If you're only going to spend the money for part of a private education I'd start early on and get the maximum benefit that way. Young kids are like a sponge.

[M30USA]

If you're only going to spend the money for part of a private education I'd start early on and get the maximum benefit that way. Young kids are like a sponge.

 

Find out what your goal is: to teach your kids truth and the ways of God, or to get a "higher quality education". Most private Christian schools are sadly only used for the latter.

[amaysngrace]

Find out what your goal is: to teach your kids truth and the ways of God, or to get a "higher quality education". Most private Christian schools are sadly only used for the latter.

 

I was talking about a private school...not a Christian one.

[pie2]

Here's what I know:

 

I think "Christian" schools which instill false doctrine and beliefs under the guise of Christianity are worse for children than atheist public schools. False religion is more damaging to people than atheism. This is because truth and lies become so mixed that you cannot clear the web.

 

You're right M30. Gosh, there's so much to think about! I guess it would take a lot of research to make sure the school's beliefs are in line with your own.

 

I think you're right that a lot of people focus on the purely academic benefits of private school, like smaller class size and more resources. Are those reasons enough? I mean, you can want your kids to have some biblical teaching, and a quality education, right?

 

I guess it's hard to ask everyone around the country, because each place has such different public school systems. I happen to live in a state that's at the bottom of the barrel, so public school has a really bad rap.

[pie2]

If you're only going to spend the money for part of a private education I'd start early on and get the maximum benefit that way. Young kids are like a sponge.

 

amaysn, so true! I didn't really think of it like that. I was just thinking that it would be more important in the later years, as peer pressure becomes so strong, and there are so many negative things influencing the older youth.

But you're right, kids absorb so much at a young age.

 

Another thing to think about is sheltering kids too much from "the real world". But I think kids aren't made to be thrust into the world, without a strong foundation of beliefs. And the only real time to do that is when they're young...

[HokeyReligions]

I'm an advocate for private school. But you need to be educated on what you want and then scrutinize each schools curriculum to find a match. Just reading the schools mission statement isn't enough. Think ahead to colleges and what private schools will help your child get into the best colleges.

 

Being involved is vital. Do you have the time and the commitment that the school may require. Evaluate your child each semester to make sure its a good fit and talk to school counselors. If you choose to wait intil middle or high school then you have to work with your child during early years to make sure they can get in.

 

My daughter went to a private school K thru 9. My son started a different private school in 6th grade and was in public school before that.

 

Everyone is different.

[pie2]

I'm an advocate for private school. But you need to be educated on what you want and then scrutinize each schools curriculum to find a match. Just reading the schools mission statement isn't enough. Think ahead to colleges and what private schools will help your child get into the best colleges.

 

Being involved is vital. Do you have the time and the commitment that the school may require. Evaluate your child each semester to make sure its a good fit and talk to school counselors. If you choose to wait intil middle or high school then you have to work with your child during early years to make sure they can get in.

 

My daughter went to a private school K thru 9. My son started a different private school in 6th grade and was in public school before that.

 

Everyone is different.

 

That is great advice! Wow, you've had a lot of experience with this .

I love that your kids had such unique experiences.

 

I love how you recommend to assess at each semester, to make sure it's a good fit. That's really important, and also something I hadn't thought about. I guess if it's not working out, it doesn't have to be final. There are countless educational options. But I never really knew that Christian school was so competitive that kids have to "get in". I just thought that if you were willing to pay, they pretty much accepted anyone. I'm clueless about this stuff.

 

Are there private secular schools?

 

What sort of commitment does a parent have to make in private vs. public school? Do you have to spend time volunteering in the classroom, or make extra donations for school activities?

[HokeyReligions]

Both schools we chose were secular. And there schools that are very good with open enrollment - basically they will take any child. There are so many options. There are good public schools too and in some areas you can mix public and private getting things like PE and music and things to help social skills while a small private school focuses on academics. Or vice versa public schools for the basics and private schools for more career goals. Then I would say middle or high school if your child has developed an idea of what they want to go into.

 

Yes. I used to say I earned an undergraduate degree at least just f or the research I did and the involvement in each semester:bunny:

[HokeyReligions]

My involvement was mainly chaperone for field trips and oncampus events. Sometimes catering or clean up. I spoke on career day and just a lot of different things. Other moms did a lot more because they weren't working outside the home. I did the same things for my son in public school too and was on the PTA.

[pie2]

Both schools we chose were secular. And there schools that are very good with open enrollment - basically they will take any child. There are so many options. There are good public schools too and in some areas you can mix public and private getting things like PE and music and things to help social skills while a small private school focuses on academics. Or vice versa public schools for the basics and private schools for more career goals. Then I would say middle or high school if your child has developed an idea of what they want to go into.

 

Whoa!! So many options. I'm truly surprised .

 

Yes. I used to say I earned an undergraduate degree at least just f or the research I did and the involvement in each semester:bunny:

You do know a lot!

 

My involvement was mainly chaperone for field trips and oncampus events. Sometimes catering or clean up. I spoke on career day and just a lot of different things. Other moms did a lot more because they weren't working outside the home. I did the same things for my son in public school too and was on the PTA.

 

I was going to say, those sound like activities my mom did when I was in public school.

 

I think parental involvement is really the key. Kids can go to school anywhere, imo, but as long as the parents are involved in a positive way, the kids will thrive.

 

Thanks for all of the advice. I had no idea a kid could go to public school just for PE or music. That is so cool. I've also thought about homeschooling, too. And having those resources available would be really helpful.

[M30USA]

amaysn, so true! I didn't really think of it like that. I was just thinking that it would be more important in the later years, as peer pressure becomes so strong, and there are so many negative things influencing the older youth.

But you're right, kids absorb so much at a young age.

 

Another thing to think about is sheltering kids too much from "the real world". But I think kids aren't made to be thrust into the world, without a strong foundation of beliefs. And the only real time to do that is when they're young...

 

The pilgrims actually believed the PRIMARY purpose of school education was to educate kids about Scripture as well as the character and history of God. This is evidenced by the fact that the first public law in the colonies was called Old Deluder Satan Act, which stated that Satan's objective is to keep people ignorant of Scripture and therefore schools must combat this.

 

Kind of a shift from today where we believe the purpose of school is to increase the income and job level of people, huh? Just a thought.

[skydiveaddict]

Does anyone have any experience with, or opinions about, private Christian school in the US? Is it worth the money?

 

 

Most catholic and lutheran schools are.

[pie2]

The pilgrims actually believed the PRIMARY purpose of school education was to educate kids about Scripture as well as the character and history of God. This is evidenced by the fact that the first public law in the colonies was called Old Deluder Satan Act, which stated that Satan's objective is to keep people ignorant of Scripture and therefore schools must combat this.

 

Kind of a shift from today where we believe the purpose of school is to increase the income and job level of people, huh? Just a thought.

 

Kind of a shift?! Yeah, just a little, lol. Thinking about it, I guess school is pretty much a training ground to create productive members of society. And of course that has a lot to do with money.

 

But you can't even say the word Jesus in public school. Kids can learn about God and Jesus through their families, but it seems so sad that the public school environment is so anti-God. The environment isn't even "be tolerant" or "don't bring God up"...it's a more hostile feeling towards those of Christian faith, at least where I live. I imagine that there are places that are different though.

 

Recently my pastor gave a little plug for sending kids to Christian school. He mentioned that bullying has increased a lot in public schools, and a lot more kids in public fear going to school. He mentioned Luke 6:39, that the disciples become like the mentor. And he mentioned that kids who go to private Christian school end up becoming much more "others-centered", and they really learn the importance of dedicating yourself to the well-being of others, and not just personal goals/happiness.

[M30USA]

Kind of a shift?! Yeah, just a little, lol. Thinking about it, I guess school is pretty much a training ground to create productive members of society. And of course that has a lot to do with money.

 

But you can't even say the word Jesus in public school. Kids can learn about God and Jesus through their families, but it seems so sad that the public school environment is so anti-God. The environment isn't even "be tolerant" or "don't bring God up"...it's a more hostile feeling towards those of Christian faith, at least where I live. I imagine that there are places that are different though.

 

Recently my pastor gave a little plug for sending kids to Christian school. He mentioned that bullying has increased a lot in public schools, and a lot more kids in public fear going to school. He mentioned Luke 6:39, that the disciples become like the mentor. And he mentioned that kids who go to private Christian school end up becoming much more "others-centered", and they really learn the importance of dedicating yourself to the well-being of others, and not just personal goals/happiness.

 

Good points.

 

Your comment about how Jesus' name is virtually banned in public schools made me realize how funny it is (in a sad way) that the creator of the universe to whom all praise should be given is not even allowed to be discussed in the main arena which produces each successive generation. What's even more strange is that God has actually planned it this way--for reasons we don't currently understand. He has planned for his name to be mocked and rejected in the current age.

Edited August 10, 2013 by M30USA

[carhill]

Does anyone have any experience with, or opinions about, private Christian school in the US? Is it worth the money?

 

In our diocese, then (60's) and now, tuition is about half an average person's mortgage payment a month and, having had all of my primary education at private school, worth it. The only downside was, with only a couple of other kids from the general, larger neighborhood attending, there was an increasing disconnect in peer group as time went by and peer integration loomed more important.

 

If you're in favor of private school, is it equally important for all grades, or are some more crucial than others? For example, is it more important that a child go to private in middle or high school, as opposed to elementary school?

 

IMO, K-8 is more important than high school. Our system was/is K-8 and 9-12. High school, with a pure college-prep curriculum, appeared to be much tougher academically than for my public school friends, but it also had a tough social life too, with clearly delineated 'classes', as well as being quite small (we graduated 125 in our class), so I personally feel that, with the work ethic and prep accomplished in K-8, I might have done better overall at public high school, back then anyway.

 

Back then, we were taught mostly by religious members, in our case sisters and brothers. Very few lay teachers. They lived on-site and the church and school were their life. Nowadays, that's all changed. Religion isn't as 'strict' either. The days of learning Latin are long gone.

 

Many of my friends and former classmates who have children still send/have sent them to the private school system. We're into the grandchildren now. I didn't have kids but would have taken a hard look at other options (types of charter/private education) in addition to different public school districts, before making a major financial and social decision.

[ComingInHot]

Our children went to an amazing biblically based private school. Worth every cent!!!!! They are the most confident they've ever been, they are about a 1.5 to 2 year ahead of public school with curriculum.

 

This school is exceptional because it's not attempting to "shelter" the kids from the secular world or brain wash them to not accept the science behind the way in which the world works.

It teaches creation, evolution, even showed how the "big bang" theory is explained... It prepares the kids to Live, prosper and triumph in heart, mind and spirit and... never lose hope*

 

It's one of the only things we all will miss down here when we move*

[TheFinalWord]

Does anyone have any experience with, or opinions about, private Christian school in the US? Is it worth the money?

 

If you're in favor of private school, is it equally important for all grades, or are some more crucial than others? For example, is it more important that a child go to private in middle or high school, as opposed to elementary school?

 

I went to public, and don't feel too disadvantaged, lol. But I imagine things have changed since I was in school.

 

I went to a private Christian school through sixth grade.

 

It was extremely beneficial IMHO. However, there was a lot of homework. I would estimate 2 to 4 hours everyday. Parental involvement is really critical. When I left private school I did not have to study until sophomore year of high school.

 

In terms of religion, we had daily bible class and homework included scripture memorization and writing. It really has carried into adulthood as the bible "makes sense" to me when I read it. The downside to my school was that it really sheltered us and I was in for a massive culture shock when I went to public school. But again, I think as a parent, you could help to curtail that by supplementing for any deficiencies in the curriculum.

 

Overall, I am very thankful my parent sacrificed to give me a such a great foundational education. My folks are not rich by any means. My mom grew our own garden and that is where most of our food came from. In addition to raising chickens haha funny, but to them it was important

[pie2]

Many of my friends and former classmates who have children still send/have sent them to the private school system. We're into the grandchildren now. I didn't have kids but would have taken a hard look at other options (types of charter/private education) in addition to different public school districts, before making a major financial and social decision.

 

Yeah, times have changed quite a bit. There are more options, and the big school systems have a lot of resources, and obviously have experience. I know that where I live they are changing to the "Core Curriculum". They say it's great, but sometimes I think that nothing compares to more individualized attention for the student.

 

 

Our children went to an amazing biblically based private school. Worth every cent!!!!! They are the most confident they've ever been, they are about a 1.5 to 2 year ahead of public school with curriculum.

 

This school is exceptional because it's not attempting to "shelter" the kids from the secular world or brain wash them to not accept the science behind the way in which the world works.

It teaches creation, evolution, even showed how the "big bang" theory is explained... It prepares the kids to Live, prosper and triumph in heart, mind and spirit and... never lose hope*

 

It's one of the only things we all will miss down here when we move*

 

CIH, sounds like you've had a very positive experience! I LOVE that you've found a school that teaches all of the theories and information out there. I don't think we should hide from science, or be scared of it. Kids should be given all the information, and be allowed to make up their own minds, imo. Especially as they get older.

 

 

I went to a private Christian school through sixth grade.

 

It was extremely beneficial IMHO. However, there was a lot of homework. I would estimate 2 to 4 hours everyday. Parental involvement is really critical. When I left private school I did not have to study until sophomore year of high school.

 

In terms of religion, we had daily bible class and homework included scripture memorization and writing. It really has carried into adulthood as the bible "makes sense" to me when I read it. The downside to my school was that it really sheltered us and I was in for a massive culture shock when I went to public school. But again, I think as a parent, you could help to curtail that by supplementing for any deficiencies in the curriculum.

 

Overall, I am very thankful my parent sacrificed to give me a such a great foundational education. My folks are not rich by any means. My mom grew our own garden and that is where most of our food came from. In addition to raising chickens haha funny, but to them it was important

 

TFW, if you're the type of citizen that a private Christian school can help create, then I'm all for it! You're amazing, and I always admire your knowledge of the bible.

 

I'm glad to hear that, if parents dedicate themselves, sending their kids to non-public school can be done (just needs a bit of sacrifice).

 

So much great information everyone. I'm learning a lot.

[Eclypse]

I went to a public school. I had a great time and learned a lot and got into the top ranked university in the country. There's big differences between public schools. You have some like mine with a good reputation that are results oriented, and you have some truly scummy ones. You have to look around and see what people say I guess.

 

My parents wouldn't send me to a private school because the costs are very prohibitive. They also didn't agree with prayers in school and compulsory religious subjects. I'm glad I went to a public school.

[BetheButterfly]

Does anyone have any experience with, or opinions about, private Christian school in the US? Is it worth the money?

 

If you're in favor of private school, is it equally important for all grades, or are some more crucial than others? For example, is it more important that a child go to private in middle or high school, as opposed to elementary school?

 

I went to public, and don't feel too disadvantaged, lol. But I imagine things have changed since I was in school.

 

Hello Pie!

 

I believe Christian or other private schools are worth the money! I think all grades are important and worthy of paying the extra money at a private school. It's a sacrifice but I appreciate my parents' sacrifice of $ for my sisters and me to go to private schools. When my hubby and I have kids, we plan on sending them to a private school: either Christian or Jewish. Blessings <3

[peanu]

flavius josephus did not exist. hes a fictional character from a tv show. fu_k flavus josephs.

[pureinheart]

Good points.

 

Your comment about how Jesus' name is virtually banned in public schools made me realize how funny it is (in a sad way) that the creator of the universe to whom all praise should be given is not even allowed to be discussed in the main arena which produces each successive generation. What's even more strange is that God has actually planned it this way--for reasons we don't currently understand. He has planned for his name to be mocked and rejected in the current age.

 

M30, Pie- I have to comment on this. After being seriously grieved for many years and feeling a bit powerless over this matter God spoke to my heart saying, "man thinks he/she can take Me out of the schools and other institutions- but I am there (quotation marks in place for separation purposes, not exact words), man can't take Me out of anything". This gave great peace.

 

As the days go by doctrinal issues are becoming less important, Gods presence seems to be the priority...peace and love. I'm beginning to wonder if anyone really has the Bible doctrinally correct in all areas.

 

I went to a Catholic school during the most impressionable years- best experience and set the stage as far as my education.

[pureinheart]

 

 

IMO, K-8 is more important than high school. Our system was/is K-8 and 9-12. High school, with a pure college-prep curriculum, appeared to be much tougher academically than for my public school friends, but it also had a tough social life too, with clearly delineated 'classes', as well as being quite small (we graduated 125 in our class), so I personally feel that, with the work ethic and prep accomplished in K-8, I might have done better overall at public high school, back then anyway.

 

Back then, we were taught mostly by religious members, in our case sisters and brothers. Very few lay teachers. They lived on-site and the church and school were their life. Nowadays, that's all changed. Religion isn't as 'strict' either. The days of learning Latin are long gone.

 

Many of my friends and former classmates who have children still send/have sent them to the private school system. We're into the grandchildren now. I didn't have kids but would have taken a hard look at other options (types of charter/private education) in addition to different public school districts, before making a major financial and social decision.

 

Couldn't agree more...