It is convenient for families, it is free (except for the taxes you have paid), it has many helpful special education services, and it can offer many unique, fun programs for children. Children with physical challenges will often find an excellent program tailored for their needs. Funding comes from the government, therefore, monies are often available for unique, cutting edge programs. It also provides a well-rounded curriculum, and when monies permit, art, music, and sports activities are also available. A great number of teachers in the public school system have been there for many years, and have the benefit of experience to give to your child.
Disadvantages: Public school education has changed dramatically over the last several decades. Even the assurance that your child's teacher is a Christian does not mean your child will get a Christian education. Public education is built on an entirely different foundation than a true Christian education. See The Case for Christian Education for a detailed list of the foundational differences.
In addition, because of government regulations, school systems have many restrictions. Therefore, our children are unable to receive a 'complete' education in the truest sense of the word. Academic facts are taught, but any facts related to Christianity seem to be simply omitted! Textbooks rarely mention traditional families as the norm. In 17 years of teaching, I have yet to come across a story in a reading or social studies textbook that has a family attending church. You will, however, see and read references about other religions such as Islam, Indian, Hindu, etc. Illustrations in textbooks do not ever (in my experience) show families going to church, praying, or reading the Bible.
History has been 'rewritten' in a manner of speaking. Many major religious events which shaped the course of American history have been watered down, if even included. Did you ever read the account of George Washington's miraculous survival of many Indian arrows? Did you know that both President Washington and the Chief who fired the arrows declared it was a miracle and the Indian gave his life to God as a result? Are you aware of the former presidents who declared that our nation's constitution would be ineffective if this country refused to acknowledge that God rules in the affairs of men? Have you ever heard of the "Great Awakenings?" (These were very large religious revivals which historically changed our country and for decades were written in history books). Sadly, all of these historical events and many others are simply omitted.
In social studies, the particular textbook I used when teaching in the public school gave an interesting definition of a family: "A family is whoever lives with you." Is this really what God says a family is? Doesn't this open the door to people redefining the family to suit his/her own preferences?
In many school districts, teachers and substitutes are told that there will be no mention of your particular religious beliefs, and you may not not offer to pray for children. Recently I attended a substitute teacher training session for a public school system. Among many other prohibited behaviors, we were told you must never touch a child--not even a pat on the shoulder!
Much reform is needed, and some positive changes are taking place. But the public system is a far cry from a true Christian education, and without a major revival and intervention from God, can never be a truly Christian institution.
My goal in presenting the disadvantages of a public education has not been to
tear down the American educational system, but rather to alert parents to the
foundational difference a Christian has with the world system of education. I
respect the many dedicated teachers who are working within the public school
system. They have an extremely hard job. I, personally, remember what it was
like! As Christians, it is our duty to remember to hold these teachers and the
school systems they represent in prayer.
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