School choice: Public school vs. Christian school (Part 2)

Part 1 of this series introduced the key factors Raleigh Christian parents usually consider when choosing a school for their child. Some of these factors include:

Academic reputation and college preparation
Ministry opportunity
Worldview and moral training
Cost
Convenience
School and classroom size
Special programs to meet each child's unique areas of giftedness or need
Physical, spiritual and emotional protection

Part 1 compared the academic reputations of various Wake County public schools and Raleigh area Christian schools and alluded to some ministry opportunities for faithful followers of Christ within the public school system. This installment will consider two of the largest differences between public and Christian schools: worldview and cost.

In a country where "freedom of religion" has come to mean "freedom from religion" or more accurately, "freedom from any Christian reference", public schools struggle to remain religiously neutral. The general idea is that public schools should supply neutral facts and methodologies to train the mind while parents and churches provide spiritual and moral training outside of the classroom. However, a Biblical worldview suggests that pure religious neutrality is impossible.

"He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (Matthew 12:30, NASB)

The Bible also teaches that the mind, body and spirit are not mutually exclusive. What happens in the mind affects the spirit.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2, NIV)

"6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:6-8, NIV)

For the 4,269 homeschooling families in Wake County (2010-2011 school year statistics), homeschooling is the ideal solution because the child's primary spiritual teachers can simultaneously infuse Biblical and moral training along with the academic training. When homeschooling is not an option, Bible-based Christian schools are an excellent alternative for training students within a Christian worldview. In a Christian school, students should be taught Biblical truth without being confused or frustrated by theories that conflict with their value system.

The majority of Christian parents still choose public school for a number of valid reasons which will be discussed in more detail in the remainder of this series. One very real consideration for Christian parents is the cost of sending their children to Christian school. Tuition and other admission fees for Christian schools in Raleigh range from $4,500 to $18,000 per year per student. These fees do not include additional costs throughout the year for field trips, fundraisers, lunches, and other special programs. In addition, Christian schools do not provide free bus service and may be located much further away from the child's home than the base public school making transportation costs considerably higher as well. After paying taxes to fund public schools, many Christian families simply cannot afford to send their children to private Christian school.

A number of other Christian parents, who possess the resources to send their children to the most expensive Christian schools, still choose public school with admirable motives. These parents are very involved in their child's public education and must not express any apathy whatsoever toward the moral relativism that results when God is removed from the classroom. Intentional Christian parents teach their children to challenge such ideologies and to logically defend their belief system. Devoted Christian parents must faithfully teach their children to view life from an eternal perspective and inspire their children to continually build and nurture a personal relationship with Christ. Intentional parents pray without ceasing for God's protection over their children and ask God to place His passionate heart for the lost within their children. Moms in Prayer International, formerly Moms in Touch, unites Christian mothers in heartfelt prayer for school children while providing a strong support system for Christian mothers. To locate a group for various schools across Wake County, visit the Wake County Moms in Prayer group locator.

Part 3 of this series will continue evaluating the differences between public schools and Christian schools with special attention given to convenience, governance, and size.