Sat
Jul
01
2006
Are Christian school really Christian?
As a ‘consumer’ of two Christian schools over the school life of our children, this whole issue is an excellent one to think about.
Michael Jensen is doing that right here.
I haven’t posted yet, but here in Oz, the whole ‘public v private’ debate is something of a vexed one.
Michael’s discussion is focussed on the question as to whether Christian schools really have Christian values, or are they just “blandly middle class”?
But other questions that come up are: “As a Christian I really support the Scripture in public schools as a highly valuable ministry, but what about the values that public school promote (or don’t promote)?”
and: “I want the best schooling in a values sense for my kids, so where so I send them?”
For the record, we started with public schooling, but moved to Christian private when we started in ministry at Mt Druitt, and the local public schools had major problems in a number of key areas.
The two Christian schools that we have used have been (relatively) low cost ones.
Most of the time we’ve been pretty happy with the result, and our kids have never lacked a ‘real world’ angle on life, while they have clearly benefitted from the better academic facilities, and have had good opportunities to develop Christian leadership skills.
But I’m also pretty happy that this is our last year of school fees!
Please feel free to comment below, or on Michael’s site.
Disclaimer: These comments are very specific to the situation in Australia, and should not be applied to the education scene in other countries.
Comment
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I have some experience teaching in both private and public schools. I did 8 weeks prac at 2 Catholic systemic schools (systemic meaning they are part of a group eg Parramatta Catholic Education Office), as well as a year in a govt school.
The main difference that I found is that in private schools there is more of a care factor from the parents. Because of this the students are more motivated to achieve in whatever facets the school promotes. There’s some accountability because you are paying that bit extra.
Some private education is very affordable and I believe they provides mre opportunities for our kids. If things remain how they are now when i have kids then I would be pushing towards some sort of denominational private education.
— Tim Haynes · Jul 1, 08:55 AM · #
The the phrase ‘more’ opportunities is the key. It’s interesting that many studies seem to indicate that private school students do not do any better academically than public school kids.
So perhaps it’s sometimes a case of more opportunities – but not taken up by many!
Much of Michael’s blog is concerned with the issue of Christian values or just middle class values in our Christian schools – and that’s an interesting point in itself.
— NeilA · Jul 1, 12:47 PM · #
Number 1 daughter is enrolled to start yr 7 (next year) in an overtly Christian school (one of the schools under the oversight of the Sydney Diocese).
We’ve been delighted by the open-ness of the Principal when he addresses gatherings of prospective parents, especially when he’s been asked about just how ‘Christian’ the school is, and whether the children will be taught Christian values and content. I’m sure that a significant proportion of prospective parents have been put off by his frank replies and commitment to a well rounded education that teaches kids to live out the motto: ‘In God my Joy’, and to prioritise their lives according to JOY: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself third.
I contrast this with my own high school experience at a very prominent private boys school. Although ostensibly an Anglican school, football (the Rugby type) was clearly the religion when I was there. I got a great (secular) education at that school—and I’m sure the nature of the education offered catered very well to the expectations of the parent body: “let’s give the boys a good education, but not too much of that Christian stuff, if you don’t mind”.
I must read what MJ has to say. Sounds like he’s hit a vein of truth.
— Richard · Jul 1, 01:19 PM · #
This is a topic on which some Christians have VERY strong views. Personally, I had a good experience in public schooling and so I’m inclined to take my children there (well, that and I don’t want to spend the money!). Elise went to a private christian school where she seemed to have many negative experiences, but she still thinks our children should go to a private school. It seems that generally people want to give their children what they had themselves.
The other alternative that I had never heard of til the last couple of years is homeschooling. Generally, home schooled kids come from very conservative christian homes. From this group I have often heard that homeschooling is God’s plan for the family (which suggests doing otherwise is disobedient). Whilst I think it is important that parents DO teach their children, there are many things Elise and I couldn’t teach our childrean and requires a professional educator. Its funny how people who are for homeschooling don’t think this includes tertiary education!
Overall, I think the important thing is that parents take RESPONSIBILITY for their child’s education
— David Corless · Jul 5, 01:13 PM · #
I wouldn’t say I have VERY strong views on it, but it can be a complex issue. Neither Rob nor I had private schooling, so we are perhaps a little different.
What does distress me is the dilapidated state of our public schools. I would be reluctant to send my kids to (say) Pendo High given the appalling state of the infrastructure, and given the fact that I have another option.
Home schooling does have it’s place, and not just in ultra conservative Christian homes. Missios and other in unusual ministry circumstances have home schooled, and we considered it when we moved to Mt Druitt – except that Ron was getting sick by then.
But you are spot on when you say that it is the parents responsibility for that education. It actually was one thing that attracted us to Tyndale, as it sought to practice that in the context of being a Parent Controlled Christian School.
— Neil · Jul 5, 02:21 PM · #
Neil it’s interesting that you talk about the delapidated state of our public schools. It wasn’t only the topic of Education reporter, Marilyn Parker’s column in today’s Daily Telegraph, but also it was one of the lead stories in Nine’s news.
There are definately good schools in all sectors of education. I had mostly good memories from Greystanes High School. From all accounts I hear that good things are still happening there. When I was working at Merrylands last year my main thought was, this place should be knocked down and built again.
So by taking responsibility, check out the school before you send children there. Have a look in classrooms, talk to teachers, even talk to students.
When I have children I think what I would do is look at all schools that are local, disregarding their denomination or association. It may take some time, but I have alot of time to refine my plan.
— Tim Haynes · Jul 5, 04:06 PM · #
Tim, you said:
Just a thought: “denomination or association” can actually be very important in that it can determine the values that the school imparts – and that seems to be something at the root of Michael Jensen’s article.
— Neil · Jul 6, 04:02 PM · #
And some of the comments to Michael Jenson’s blog point out that there are good Govt Schools and bad Christian Schools (and vice versa). so checking them all out you are able to see which school are actually teaching the values that they profess to be teaching. For some it is just a facade.
— Tim Haynes · Jul 7, 07:15 AM · #
As one who went to Pendo High School 16 years ago, I agree with your comment, Neil! About the only thing that looks new as you drive past is the sign on Binalong Rd. The classrooms were old and tired and depressing back then.
I think the comment made in the press about the impact on environment on learning is right – whether the govt will spend the money to make such a drastic overhaul of public school infrastructure is another thing entirely.
— zog · Jul 12, 01:30 PM · #