The Blessings of Public School

Yes, there are many Myths and Lies about Homeschooling. If you are a homeschooling family like we are, you may also be like us in how we can get defensive about our education choice.

But just as irksome (or more!) are those homeschoolers who bash public schools.

Here are some myths and half-truths that I have seen homeschoolers express, either overtly or covertly:

1. Homeschooling is THE biblical way to educate your child. I dealt with this in Response to "A Case for Homeschooling."
2. Our country would be better off if more families, or more "Christian" families homeschooled. This ignores the great things that are going on in public schools.
3. I need to be concerned with my own children. While this may be primarily true, we also have the responsibility to pursue the well-being of others. (See Philippians 2:4).
4. Every family has the choice whether or not to homeschool. While this may seem true in theory, in practicality it is not. At least, that is what we have found to be true as we've lived in Allendale, SC, and have been very involved in the local schools and the families who depend on them. 
5. Public schools are out to ruin my child's faith. This statement made me lose respect for one candidate for the State Superintendent of Education. Believing this is a result of parenting out of fear, instead of out of faith.

Maybe I'm thinking about this because our oldest child (our daughter, Hannah) is entering in the 8th grade. She has expressed interest of going to a "regular" high school. In her words, she feels that it will best help prepare for for college.

And while we have loved having her at home, and my wife has seen the blessings of being her primary teacher, Hannah is probably correct. It will be a honor and pleasure (if not a challenge) to walk with her as she more and more engages the "real" world.

I appreciate this post from Tim Challies, 10 Lessons from 10 Years of Public Schooling. You'll want to read the full-article (no matter where you fall on the education spectrum), but here are the ten lessons that they have learned.

1. Develop and deepen convictions.
2. It is possible.
3. The family goes to public school. 
4. Don't send your kids as evangelists.  
5. Be open to alternatives. 
6. It takes a church. 
7. Your teachers are your friends. (Great counter to point #5 above.)
8. Prepare for difficulty.
9. We are all homeschoolers. 
10. Enjoy it. 

It's a enlightening and gracious article, and you should check it out.

What about you? What has God taught you about your education choices? I would love for you to share your thoughts, even if we don't agree!


Related Links:

• Homeschool vs Public School: A Few Thoughts  
• Why Public School -- Part 1 and Part 2    

**image courtesy of mokra via rgbstock.com