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"I'm so stressed!" my friend Joan exclaimed. "I don't know what to do about school for Jenna. My husband went to public school, so he thinks that's where we should send her. But my best friend says we should enroll Jenna in a Christian school, and my mom thinks I should homeschool her. I don't know who's right!"
It's easy to be overwhelmed by all the educational choices available today. But take heart. Here are several insights to help you as you ponder the options:
Consider your child's unique needs.What's your child's social, emotional, and physical maturity level? Is she academically in line with her peers? How strong is her faith? Does your child have unusual gifts (i.e., in music or the arts)?
Often children have distinctively different needs. For example, my friend Sally's eldest daughter, Beverly, did well in public school, but her younger sister, Emily, struggled with the social pressures there. So after one year, Sally and her husband decided to send Emily to a smaller private school where she's now flourishing.
Take it a year at a time.Don't feel pressured to decide a long-range plan before you actually need to. A friend whose son is three already is being nudged by others to put her son in a Christian school when he turns six. She doesn't need to make that decision now. Instead, she simply says, "Thanks for the input. I'll keep your advice in mind when we decide. But for now, we're taking it one step at a time."
Check out available resources.How do the options actually compare? How are the public schools in your district rated? What about the private schools? Is there a local support network available for homeschoolers? Ask yourself if the cost of sending your child to a Christian school is worth the sacrifice. Is it more important to spend now, or save for your child's college education? Also assess your own strengths and weaknesses. Do you really have the time, energy, and temperament to homeschool your child?
Do your own research.While friends' insights can be helpful, it pays to do your homework. After all, who knows your child better than you? Make a point of visiting the principal of the school you're considering. Sit in on a few classes. Walk the halls and observe the students. Ask for class syllabi, if available. Talk to current students and recent graduates. Ask for observations from a youth minister who's acquainted with students in the school. Then check with other parents whose kids have attended the school.
Consider your family distinctive.Deeply committed Christians, Bob and Mary have a distinct passion to reach out to the poor—and they wanted a school that emphasizes social outreach so their son would have opportunities to care for the poor as well. They sought a school with an integrated learning program in which their son's faith would be supported, but where he'd also be challenged to think through why he believed as he did. The Christian middle school they chose reflects their unique family commitment.
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