As our family thought through our educational options, we realized that each decision will require a sacrifice of either time or money. I wanted to share a deeper look on how we evaluated each choice based on those two criteria and ultimately decided to homeschool.
Public School
Obviously public school is free so there is zero financial sacrifice. However, gone are the days when parents can send their kids off to school and trust that their minds are simply being filled with math and grammar and the like. While I do believe that there are many -perhaps even most- public school teachers who are committed to simply educating, there is no longer any doubt that the public-school system employs many activists who are set on indoctrinating the young minds that cross their paths and molding them into the social justice warriors of the future. Too many of these activist teachers have been caught on video admitting to as much to believe that they are isolated incidents. A simple look through Libs of Tik Tok's feed is a real eye-opener.
Is your child’s teacher one of them?
Hopefully not.
But you will never know unless you invest time outside of school hours. It is vital for anyone who chooses this option to ask their children detailed questions about what they learned each day and to look over the assignments they have been given.
For me, this choice was an easy no-brainer. Some of the videos that have surfaced of these activist teachers demonstrate that they are not above using deception. Again, I am perfectly aware that not all public-school teachers fall into this category and that most probably do not, but I have no desire to play Russian roulette with my child’s mind.
Private School
Private school clearly requires a significant financial sacrifice. However, as long as parents thoroughly vet the institution upfront, those who make this choice will need to invest very little time during the school year. I would definitely caution any parent who makes this decision to not completely let their guard down, but daily check ins are likely not necessary.
Personally, I have four children and did not want to take on such a significant financial burden. I am hopeful that one day the school choice movement will gain momentum so that private school is a viable option for all families.
Homeschool
Homeschooling requires the most sacrifice as both time and money must be invested, but in my opinion, it is also the surest way to ensure that your children share your worldview.
Are there exceptions to this rule?
Absolutely!
But I trust Proverbs 22:6 that if I “train up [my] child in the way he should go…when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
I believe if homeschooling is done properly and faithfully in a non-toxic home that the Lord will honor that work.
My family obviously settled on homeschooling. If you would like to read more about what I love about it so far, check out this blog post.
I want to emphatically state that I have no desire to convince you to homeschool your children. This is simply MY choice given MY unique circumstances. YOU make YOUR choice according to your own convictions and circumstances.
I do, however, want to encourage everyone to take the decision seriously. It breaks my heart to hear stories of parents who hardly know their grown children because they unwittingly handed their young minds over to a system with ulterior motives. In their defense, up until recently the activism being done in the school system was subtle. Now it is completely unmasked, and we are without excuse.
Even though it can be overwhelming to see so much rot in our cultural institutions, I always try to remember that we are blessed. We know exactly what we are facing and can be on guard.
Good luck as you make your decision! And always remember that your children are in the Lord’s hands!
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