Public Education v. Homeschooling

There has been a lot of discussion regarding the differences between public education and home schooling.  Many from the religious right are demonizing the public school system as a center for brainwashing our youth. 

I am sure that there are many teachers employed within the public school system who will not see eye to eye with my particular set of religious beliefs.  They will emphasize evolution over creation.  They will not mention God, and they may even side with left-wing ideologies that I don’t particularly agree with.  I think this has always been the case.  It would be safe to say that this occurs more these days than back in the early 1900’s.

I can also say I am certain that the public school system employs teachers who hold the exact same faith that I do.  After all, God doesn’t call every single person of faith to the pulpit or into the mission fields of Mexico.  Driscoll said it best.  [Loosely quoted] “We need less pastors and more people working normal every day jobs within society.”

I’m straying from my point as I always seem to do.  As I mentioned above, the religious right has been emphasizing the need for Christians to either home school our children, or send them to a private Christian school.  I think there are important factors not being considered.

If the parent plays an active role in the lives of their children then the issues brought forth by those who demonize the public school system become void.  How many strong Christians do you know who have graduated from the public school system?  I know a lot.  They plowed through school with honors and hold strong Christian values to this day.  There are others who had ups and downs.  Who doesn’t?  It’s grade school.  I can be included in this statistic.  Most of us regained our foothold.  Others did not.

Secondly, why are we putting undue pressure on parents with circumstances that are far different than those who can either afford to put their children through private school or live off one-salary to support a homeschooling household?  Private school costs are high.  And a one-salary household in 2013?    

Good parents feel enough pressure as it is.  We toil to provide everything our children need (emotionally and financially).  Many times, this means that both parents work to pay the bills with little free time of their own.  In the end, there is not enough time to dedicate to our child’s’ scholastic success, nor is there enough money left over to pay for private grade school education.

So what’s up with the guilt trip?

I don’t have anything against homeschooling or private schools.  I have great friends who have attended both.  If I had the money, I’d love to send my kids to private school.  The fact is that I don’t.  And my wife and I don’t have the time (nor the expertise) to guide our children through middle/high school lessons.  Truth be told, I don’t feel bad about it in any way.  And I am very happy for the parents and kids who are able to take part in such great schools.

For those who insist that I remove my child from the public school system:

Here is a reality.  Sin will follow every human being on this earth.  It doesn’t matter where they go to school.  It is my responsibility as a parent to rear my children under biblical direction.  If I don’t do this, then who is the real failure?  This guy.  Furthermore, how can our children show [this little light of mine] if it is hidden under the bushel we tend to bury them under?

I absolutely refuse to retreat from the public school system as if it were an untamed beast ready to devour my children.  This is why we prepare.  This is why we nurture.  This is why we pray and trust in God to protect the ones we love most.

Retreat simply indicates that we feel God isn’t big enough to handle the well being of our children.  O’ ye of little faith.... 

Take a moment to watch this video from Mark Driscoll.  It is a beautiful depiction of what it means to love a daughter the way she should be loved:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5mmer1cquw

Thanks,

Steven