WHY PRIVATE EDUCATION AT A CHRISTIAN SCHOOL? IS THERE REALLY A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS?

You simply want what is best for your child, regardless of what everyone else is doing. Whether the default choice in your social circle is public school or private school, you owe it to your child’s future to research options and weigh the pros and cons of each educational model before deciding where to enroll.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

Public education is afforded by the government to all citizens and indeed, there are benefits, most of which are related to money and convenience. Community residents are already paying property taxes to cover the cost of education and other services, including transportation and specialized services. In most cases, you don’t have to worry about a long commute to school and can find a number of ways for your child to get involved with extracurricular activities.

While the affordability and convenience of public schools can make daily life a little easier, there are many other factors to consider. Important issues such as what is taught, how it will be taught, and from whom will do the teaching, are determined by the public at large. Answers to these critical questions will be driven by the beliefs and values of elected politicians, textbook companies, testing agencies, lobbying organizations, special interests’ groups, and local school officials among others.

PRIVATE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Private Christian education is afforded by the parents. It is our conviction that the education of children is the primary responsibility of parents and we (parents) will be held accountable for what our children were taught. Malachi 2 makes it clear that God desires parents to develop godly children. This is an awesome task and it takes maximum effort on the part of parents to accomplish. Most fail to understand how intense this training is to be. Deuteronomy 6 says when you sit, walk, lie down, get up…constantly train your children. We exist to partner with families and churches in educating our children in order to follow God’s direction.

Private Christian education is also built on the conviction that the education of children will determine how they see the world, and this worldview must have Christ as the lens in order to lead to true wisdom and understanding. This conviction is central to who we are. Everything we do at MCS is guided by our commitment to the authority of Scripture. We believe everything that is true can be traced back to the mind of God and so when God’s Word is removed from any facet of education, that education always evolves into empty philosophies that deceive because they depend on the traditions of man (as it says in Col 2:8). We believe Scripture is to be taught as absolute truth and integrated into all learning experiences of the school.

Therefore, for the private Christian school, important issues such as what is taught, how it will be taught, and from whom will do the teaching, are determined by the parents acting in accordance with Biblical principles found in God’s Word.

Unlike public education, private Christian education does come with a tuition bill, and sometimes you may need to drive or carpool outside of your neighborhood.

When considering the long-range impact of their child’s education, however, most parents find that the positives outweigh any challenges by far. Consider a few of the other tangible benefits that come with choosing a private Christian school:

Smaller Class Sizes

Study after study shows that students learn better with the more individualized attention that comes with smaller class sizes. Most private schools boast a very low teacher to student ratio, providing the best setting for academic growth.

Safety

Many private schools, including Mansfield Christian School, have locked doors, cameras and buzzer entry systems, as well as a check-in/check-out procedure in place to ensure that only safe, approved visitors and students are in the building at any given time. Extra security measures are also taken at school-wide events, assemblies, and chapel times. But safety isn’t just physical. A good private Christian school will look out for your child’s spiritual welfare, creating a place where they can learn and ask questions within a solid context of faith. For many students, their private school community becomes extended family, and their parents know they are leaving them with someone they can trust.

Influence

Not every child who attends public school, of course, is poorly behaved, just like not every private school student is perfect! However, when you are able to choose a community that aligns with your beliefs, you know you are choosing an overall positive environment for your child, where your family and cultural dynamics will be supported, not swept aside. When teaming with other parents and teachers who build their lives on the same foundation of faith, you know you are giving your child the best opportunities to learn, grow, and make choices that honor God.

Deciding where to enroll your child in school can be a challenging process, but remember, you do have a choice.