It has been said that if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you always got.
Human nature tends to follow the crowd. We are afraid of change – of being different or of doing things differently. But without innovation, we wouldn’t have seat belts, the heart transplant, or the internet. Innovation can be positive, and doing things differently hugely changes not only our lives but also the world around us.
This concept applies to education, too. It’s easy to ‘go with the flow’ and send our children off to school when they are of age, entrusting them to the care of their teachers. But is this what’s best for them? Is it effectively preparing them to live and work in today’s world? Have we considered whether there is a better way?
There are alternatives that we, as parents, grandparents or carers, could – and should – consider before making a decision regarding our children’s education. Each child is an individual, and each education experience should be individualised.
So, what are the options?
1. Consider home educating
Although homeschooling sometimes gets a bad rap, many well-known people were educated at home, including Sir Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, Tim Tebow, and Bethany Hamilton. The reasons to choose to home educate are varied and could include:
- Your family values or lifestyle
- A negative school experience -- e.g. bullying
- Your child not making progress in a traditional school setting
- Wanting to provide additional areas of study
- Freedom to choose a curriculum
- Living abroad
- And many more
Whatever your reason, home educating is worth consideration. Weigh up the responsibilities and benefits, and if you opt for this approach, pursue it wholeheartedly and with excellence.
It also helps to connect with a home school support service and other home-educating families. To find out more about about how Christian Education can help with this click the button below.
2. Enrol in a Christian School
Independent Christian Schools provide a great alternative for families who do not feel that home educating is the best option for their children, but who are looking for an education that matches their family values. Another benefit is that many Christian schools are smaller than traditional schools, affording your child/ren more individualised attention in their learning. Research also shows that students in Christian schools are more tolerant of differences and, therefore, bullying is less prevalent.
If considering this option, research the schools available in your area. Look at the curriculum offered, the core values and ethos, and the approach to learning. Take time to meet with the head teacher (and possibly the governors) to see if the school will be a good fit for your child/ren.
Christian Education supports a number of schools around the UK and Europe. Click the button below to find a school near you.
3. Start a Christian school.
No school where you are? Have you considered whether you could start a school or tuition centre in your area?
Many schools are born when parents and churches recognise a need in their area. This is a fantastic option to consider if you want to provide an alternative learning environment not only for your own children, but also for the children in your community.
While it may sound scary, it doesn’t have to be a daunting process! You could start small by running a tuition centre a couple of mornings a week and work your way up to providing a full education solution for students in your area. For more details on what is involved in this process, click the button below. Christian Education is here to help you through the process.
In conclusion:
Don’t limit yourself or your children by doing what has always been done. Take the time to seriously and prayerfully consider what the best option for your family is – and then step out in faith and dare to be different.