SCHOOL CHOICES

When most of us were growing up, our parents had a relatively simple decision to make concerning schools. With few choices available and district boundaries strictly in place, most parents chose the school that was closest to their homes. This is not the case today. Parents are given broad and diverse choices of schools for their children. 

I have been in all three facets of education. Even though I taught in public and private school settings, most people assume I would recommend homeschooling to all families since I am currently homeschooling. This is not the case. There is not a one-size-fits-all formula. Each family has different needs. This is why it is imperative to seek the Lord’s guidance to understand His direction for your child.

School Choices by Jan Sheble helps parents choose the best type of schooling for their specific situation, whether that might be public schools, private schools, or homeschooling. Lists of questions in the book help parents determine if they can afford to spend the time and money required for private education or homeschooling. School Choices also gives parents tools to evaluate the quality of public and private schools by asking about accreditation, teacher credentials, and curriculum. My favorite part of this resource is the author's unbiased pros and cons of each of the three educational experiences.

TLC'S TEN SUGGESTIONS FOR CHOOSING A SCHOOL

Here are some suggestions to help you make a decision if homeschooling is not an option:

DO put your child’s needs ahead of your own wants.

DO find a school that compliments your child’s learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses.

DO take the school’s curriculum and class sizes into consideration.

DO pray individually for each of your child’s school decisions. A family may choose to put their children in separate schools. God knows what is best for each of your children. Trust His guidance.

DO consider the school's means of transportation.

DON’T assume the school you decide on for one school year will be the only school your child will attend for several years. You will be going through many seasons of life. Expect changes to be made to accommodate those seasons.

I speak from personal experience. When God called my son to attend private school after five years of homeschooling, I mistakenly believed that God wanted my son in private school for the rest of his education. I was completely surprised (but thankful) when God brought him back home the following school year. Now when people ask me about my future plans for my children’s education, I only discuss one year at a time.

DON’T expect one type of school experience to be perfect. Each type of school setting has pros and cons.

DON’T choose a school for social positioning.

DON’T assume a private school is automatically better than a public school.

DON’T feel guilty if you place your child in a public school. There are Christian teachers in public schools, too. (I was one of them.) It may make you feel better knowing that ninety percent of Christians send their children to public schools. God may be using your child to follow the Great Commission of being the salt and light to the world.

I have a close friend that could not understand why God was leading her to remove her children from a Christian, private school that the family loved and place them in a public school quite a distance from their home. After being obedient to the Lord and not questioning His guidance, she withdrew her children from their existing school and placed them in the public school across town. Several months later God’s purpose was revealed when my friend began a mother’s prayer group that met each week at the public school. Sometimes God may move our children to use us.

If you feel the Lord leading you to homeschool, you will be joining an educational movement that is rapidly growing at a rate of ten to fifteen percent annually. Lisa Whelchel’s So You’re Thinking About Homeschooling introduces fifteen real families and shows how they overcome the challenges of their unique homeschooling situa-tions. This book deals with common questions of time management, teaching weaknesses, and outside responsibilities, as well as children's age variations, social and sports involvement, learning disabilities, and boredom.

I highly recommend So You’re Thinking About Homeschooling to all families who are considering homeschooling. Lisa Whelchel is one of my favorite authors who writes in a conversational manner. When you are finished reading her book, you will feel like you just had coffee with a friend.

I thought you might appreciate hearing from the heart of a homeschooled student. My son is thir-teen and has been homeschooled for eight years.

REASONS TO HOMESCHOOL

By Conley Chilver

Homeschooling is extraordinary in several ways. Going to school was good for me, but I believe it is better to be educated at home. Here are some reasons why you should consider homeschooling. 

First, homeschooling can save money and time. An average student in a school setting in the United States requires an estimated amount of ten thousand dollars or more per school year to pay for the buildings, teachers, and curriculum. On the other hand, a child can be homeschooled for an average of five hundred dollars per school year. It also takes about six hours for a student to complete his work in a school setting. For a homeschooler, it takes about three to five hours per day.

Second, homeschoolers have more time with their friends and family. When I went to school for one year, I had little free time. Usually a child comes home from school and has to complete homework. When I am done with my homeschool day, I have no homework. In addition, I get extra time each day since I do not have to spend time traveling to and from school. Homeschooling allows me to spend hours with my friends playing outside and more quality time with my family at night.

Third, there’s no need to wake up early.  When I went to school, I woke up at six forty-five on school days. Now, I wake up at eight o'clock on school days. I also have a more relaxing bedtime routine, which I enjoy since I am a night person. 

In conclusion, I believe homeschooling is better than attending school in many ways.  My favorite part of being a homeschooled child is getting to spend more time with people. Homeschooling is the way to go!

THE TOP FIVE REASONS

I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING

by Tamara L. Chilver

(5)The teacher-student ratio can’t be beat!

(4) I can adapt the curriculum to meet my children's specific needs.

(3) Integrating God in our school lessons is always encouraged.

(2) I have the opportunity to instill the love of learning.

(1) I am the recipient of hugs and kisses all day long.

I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

~ Isaiah 48:17

Teaching

with

TLC

Please help share this website

with others.

Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. EST

on Christian Television

Network in Southwest Florida.

CLICK HERE to view LIVE on-line for tutoring, homeschooling, and parenting tips.

COMING SOON!