Chapter 9 Christian Parents Education Options
Legal / Political Mandate
Humanist Public Schools
Humanist Private Schools
Christian Private Schools
Christian Home School
Home School Resources
Classical Christian Education – Caldwell Academy
History
Classical Christian Foundation
Statement of Faith
Conclusion
Legal and Political Mandate
Now that we know both, “What does the Bible say about our parental responsibility to educate our children?” AND, “How do we fulfill our responsibility in light of our personal and cultural situation?” Now we have to see how, as Christian parents, to educate your children in the context of, “What are the legal and political mandates in the US? How can we conform the law and still fulfill our Biblical responsibility?” As long as established law does not violate our conscience or violate God’s law, we should obey it. Education is compulsory in all US states. However, the laws differ from state to state. Common throughout the US is: children have to be in school from ages 5 or 6 until ages15-18. Truancy laws enforce their attendance. For example: here is the North Carolina statute.
Article 26. Part 1. Compulsory Attendance. § 115C-378. Children required to attend.
(a) Every parent, guardian or custodian in this State (North Carolina) having charge or control of a child between the ages of seven and 16 years shall cause the child to attend school continuously for a period equal to the time which the public school to which the child is assigned shall be in session.
In the US today, as parents, you have at least four options to educate your children.
1) Public schools -Humanist Foundation
OR
2) Private schools – Humanist Foundation
OR
3) Private Christian Schools – Biblical Foundation with two forms Traditional or Classical
OR
4) Christian Home School, teaching yourselves based on a Biblical Foundation.
Christian parents can choose any one of these options, or they may change from one to another as their child grows. For each education option we’ll review advantages and disadvantages. If you want to know more about the development of US public education use this link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_education_in_the_United_States
Public schools in the US were based on a Biblical foundation until the early 20th century. Led by John Dewey and other humanists the education system began to change to a Humanist foundation starting with the issuance of the first Humanist Manifesto in 1933. By 1959, when I graduated high school, Humanism had taken full control of US public education. If you want to see the difference between the two systems compare the McGuffey readers of the 19th century to the “Dick and Jane” readers of the 20th century. Public, private and home schools can be based on Humanism or Biblical foundations. Here are the education options available in the US today.
Humanist Public Schools
Almost all US public schools use a foundation of Humanism that impacts teaching in all areas. A major advantage of public schools is that it costs parents nothing above the normal taxation paid already. If you choose this option, as a Christian, you must monitor the material your children are taught and read. In addition, you must work to build the Biblical foundation in your children, Pay particular attention to social studies topics, particularly sex education materials. For example, many schools use a book that promotes lesbianism called, “Heather Has Two Mommies” that many Christians find objectionable. If you use an education option that uses Humanism as a foundation ask at the end of every week what they studied and learned. You will frequently find you must do some “undoing” in several subject areas. Careful monitoring is critical in this option. This is a very difficult battle for Christians that have high intensity or high travel jobs, requiring long hours away from home and family. Christian children can survive public education but it is a difficult battle and many will abandon the faith who are schooled in this arena of education.
Humanist Private Schools
Parents choose Humanist private schools for many reasons, here are four: 1) higher academic standards than public schools, 2) strict discipline (military type academies), 3) more controlled environment (purportedly fewer drugs, sex, violence, etc.), 4) elite atmosphere (they often have high costs of entry, bonds, etc.). These schools will have all the same issues itemized under the public schools above. If you consider this kind of school read carefully ALL the descriptive information you are given.
Christian Private Schools
There is a very wide variation in quality in private Christian schools, so as a parent you must carefully evaluate the quality of education the school you choose will provide. I’ll give you two methods to evaluate them. First: What is the depth of the Christian foundation? Look for statements of faith, catechisms and other indications of how they teach doctrine. They MUST teach using at least the following list of fundamentals as foundations, or they are not teaching orthodox Christianity.
The Bible is inerrant – it is without error and is sufficient for faith and life.
The Bibles historical accounts are all literal – particularly Christ’s miracles, Creation in 6 days…
The virgin birth of Christ – Born of the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit.
The bodily resurrection of Christ – Jesus rose in a physical body alive from the grave after being in the tomb for three days.
The physical return of Christ – Jesus in a physical body will return to Earth.
The substitutionary atonement of Christ on the cross – Death on the cross is sufficient to pay the sin debt of all who will be saved.
Other particulars may vary from school to school like Baptism mode, and age, infants or believers, OR eschatological position, premil, postmil, amil. I don’t see these other particulars as show stoppers but if you have a strong personal preference examine them also.
The second area to peruse carefully is the textbooks used by the school. In most subjects, the school should use books published by Christian publishers. In the homeschool section, I have a list of recommended Christian publishers. In some cases, a secular publisher may be OK, but their use should be rare. Almost all secular books published for public education will have some content that is opposed to the Christian worldview. If you live in an area that has more than one option, I recommend the Classical method first, before the Traditional one.
Christian Home School
Christian Home Schooling is the last option you can choose and in my personal view the most Biblical. Your situation, location, and many other factors may not make it possible, but I suggest you at least look at it before rejecting it. There are options and resources like co-ops, working with other parents, support groups, etc.
One of the help groups, I’m familiar with which has helped many homeschool families is Classical Conversations. Their stated mission is: “We believe that every child is uniquely and wonderfully made and that parents can be the best teachers for their children. Through our Foundations, Essentials, and Challenge programs, we support parents and students along the journey of homeschooling. We’d love to have you join us!”
https://www.classicalconversations.com/
If you want to begin home schooling here are two websites to get you started.
http://www.wikihow.com/Homeschool-Your-Children
In most states, there is a statewide group that can help you with the legal requirements. Every state is different so be sure you know and conform to the law before you begin. There have been cases when Public Educrats had parents arrested under the truancy laws because they didn’t obey the starts laws for home schooling, so be careful you know and obey the law. If you live in a state where you have to establish your homeschool under the private school law the Home School Legal Defense Association HSLDA is a good help. https://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp They can supply all the local and state information you will need.
Home School Resources
The excellent homeschool website Bright Hub Education lists the major Christian homeschool publishers. Here’s their list of resources, published with their permission. http://www.brighthubeducation.com/
Alpha Omega Publications publishes a wide range of Christian homeschool books and materials. The company’s LifePac is sold per subject. Each LifePac package includes a teacher’s guide as well as several smaller workbooks instead of one large workbook for the year. Alpha Omega also publishes Horizons Math and Horizons Phonics, as well as a computer-based program called Switched On Schoolhouse and a web-based program called Monarch. https://www.aophomeschooling.com/
A Beka Books is a well known Christian homeschool publisher. (Pensacola Christian College) The company offers a complete line of curriculum choices for students in preschool through 12th grade, as well as their fully accredited correspondence school. Every course is taught from a Christian perspective. Parents can order complete kits to cover all subjects for a grade level or choose to order each course separately. http://www.abeka.com/
Bob Jones University (BJU) Press offers a full line of curricula for every grade level. This Protestant Christian company uses a mix of hardcover and paperback books, workbooks and textbooks. In addition to the homeschool curricula, the company offers students the option of distance learning through the website, by using a specialized computer hard drive or by using DVDs. http://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home
Christian Liberty Press offers a full line of curriculum that may be purchased by entire grade level or individual subjects. This company is more affordable than others. For example, the entire second-grade kit is priced at only $165. http://www.shopchristianliberty.com/homeschool-information/
Sonlight is one of the most well-known publishers of Christian homeschool materials. This company offers a complete curriculum kit for each grade, including daily lesson plans and all reading material for the school year; however, this can be costly to parents. Many parents choose to purchase only the instructor’s guide from the publisher, then borrow the readers from the library to save money. http://www.sonlight.com/
WinterPromise is another Christian company that offers a complete curriculum in a box. The program utilizes a wide range of Christian books in its studies, includes lots of hands-on activities and crafts. Each core curriculum focuses on one facet of science or history. For instance, the Kindergarten curriculum, Animals In Their Worlds teaches all subjects but is themed around animals in their habitats. Children using Winter promises Hideaways in History program will build what the company calls “learning play spaces” related to their studies. http://winterpromise.com/
There are many other Christian textbook publishers for to list here, but the above-mentioned are among the most popular among homeschooling experts and parents. Many of them offer sample pages on their websites to help you determine whether their programs and texts are a good fit for your homeschooling family. Homeschool conventions are another great way to see a publisher’s books in person and meet company representatives who can give you a better idea of the philosophies promoted within the materials.
Classical Christian Education – Caldwell Academy
More than 20 years ago, in its early years, I was on the Board of Caldwell Classical Christian School in Greensboro, NC. It’s stated purpose is: Caldwell Academy’s purpose is to assist parents from a Biblical perspective in the instruction of their child by providing a Classical and Christian education. Here’s a link. http://caldwellacademy.com/
History
A local group of parents with a vision for a classical Christian community school began Caldwell Academy in the fall of 1994. They sought to establish a school that would assist parents in providing children with the tools to learn for themselves in the context of a Biblical worldview.
A planning team of approximately thirty families representing thirteen area churches worked for several months to prepare for the arrival of students in August 1995. Caldwell Academy began with sixty-three students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Classes were initially held in space rented from a local church. In the summer of 1999, the school moved to its permanent home on Horse Pen Creek Road in Northwest Greensboro.
Classical Christian Foundation
Established in 1994, Caldwell Academy is distinguished by our offering of a Classical education in the context of a Biblical worldview. The goal of a Classical education is to teach students how to learn for themselves by equipping them with the tools of learning. An early emphasis is placed on basic learning skills, followed by formal instruction in logic, and finally by development of life-changing verbal and written mechanisms of expression in each subject studied. The goal of a Christian education is to teach students that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Students are encouraged to develop a genuine and meaningful relationship with God through the Person of Jesus Christ. Students are taught to think about all of life, including every academic subject, within the framework of a Biblical worldview.
Caldwell Academy is truly unique in the North Carolina triad (Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem) in its offering of a Christ-centered, Classical education from kindergarten through grade 12. Our passion and desire are to equip our students with a Biblical worldview and with the tools of learning to be effective and winsome discerners and communicators of God’s truth. Based on the centuries-old model of education called the Trivium, Caldwell’s goal in the Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric schools is to teach students the proper use of the tools of learning.
Statement of Faith – Introduction
At Caldwell Academy our board and staff are wholeheartedly committed to the central and foundational beliefs and principles of the Christian faith. Our statement of faith sets forth what we believe represents historically orthodox and key elements of the Christian faith. The substance of these statements is what will be considered primary doctrine at Caldwell Academy and will be taught in various ways through all grade levels. When non-primary doctrinal issues arise, they will be referred to the family and local church for final authority. Caldwell is a diverse school representing many different churches and denominations and therefore our families have a variety of beliefs and convictions. As we seek to build Christian unity among students and families in the school, we pray that our school will never drift from stressing the central doctrines that promote the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Statement of Faith
- We believe the Bible to be the only inspired and inerrant Word of God. It is the only ultimate and infallible authority for faith and practice.
2 Timothy 3:15-16; Luke 24:27; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Revelation 22:18; Hebrews 1:1
- We believe there is one living and true God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 John 5:7; Matthew 28:19
- We believe that the Lord God is creator and sustainer of everything that has been made and sovereign over all things. God is holy, righteous, just, good, loving and full of compassion.
Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11; Psalm 93; Exodus 34:6-7
- We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
John 1:1; Luke 1:27, 31; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 2:4; Romans 3:25; Luke 24:6; Acts 2:23; Mark 16:19; Acts 1:11
- We believe in the full deity of the Holy Spirit, acknowledging Him together with the Father and Son in the works of creation and redemption. We believe that for salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is necessary.
1 John 5:7; Matthews 3:16; Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4; John 3:3; Ephesians 2:4-5
- We believe that salvation is by grace through faith alone. This saving faith is in the sacrificial and atoning life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:1; Romans 5:8-10, 19; John 11:25
- We believe that faith without works is dead. Repentance, obedience to God’s commandments, love, and good works are the school of saving faith.
James 2:8; Hebrews 13:21; Matthew 5:16; Luke 13:3; 1 John 2:3; 1 John 3:11; Matthew 5:43-44
- We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by Whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
Romans 8:2, 9-11, 26-27; I Corinthians 12:4-11; Galatians 5:16-26; Philippians 2:12-13
- We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost – they that are saved to the resurrection of eternal life and them that are lost to the resurrection of everlasting damnation.
I Corinthians 15:12-28; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5; Philippians 3:20-21; John 5: 28-29; Matthew 25:31-41
- We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 4:1-6; Philippians 2:1-14; I Corinthians 12:12-26
Conclusion
I’ve shown the Biblical Mandate to educate your children and given you an organized method to implement it. You know your own family situation so you must choose which of the options you use to educate your children. I have taught at a Community College for more than ten years, and I’ve seen many public high school graduates come to college that:
can only read at a fourth-grade level,
can’t do simple math with things like fractions or percentages,
don’t know how to express themselves in writing,
don’t know how to express themselves in speech,
have a sixth-grade vocabulary,
AND have little to NO critical thinking skills.
If that’s not enough of public school failure, they almost never have the ability to plan work or manage their time. Many are overwhelmed by the work assignments from the first day of class. A great many spend one or two semesters taking remedial work in writing, reading and math BEFORE they can begin curriculum studies. Here are some examples from students during my years of college teaching.
A student was assigned a persuasive essay on Capital Punishment to take a position, pro or con, justify and defend it. “How do I write that kind of an essay? I never wrote an essay in high school.” This student was referred to the writing center and about four weeks later turned in a “B” paper.
Students in a Business Law class were polled which debate topics they would prefer. “Thinking about these debate topics hurts my brain. Can’t we do something easier?” The topics were: sex selection abortion, gun control, and education vouchers. These topics the result of student choices from previous semesters?
After plagiarizing answers to homework, the student said. “I just copied the right answers from the internet.” NOTE: they were warned about plagiarism at least twice when the classes began.
At the beginning of each semester, I have all students in every one of my classes the students read several sentences from cases or illustrations in the textbook. Most semesters I’ll identify several students with real reading issues. They will labor reading or read one word at a time. I make note and privately refer them to the tutorial center. In most cases, as the semester progresses their skill improves dramatically. If we can improve their reading skill in weeks why didn’t the public schools teach them to read for the 12 years they had them.
Now it’s your choice how you educate your children. I hope this book has helped guide to a good decision. I pray the LORD bless you and your children.
Charlie Liebert
