Key facts to consider before enrolling your child in a Christian school
Choosing where your child will be educated is probably one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make. Children are impressionable. So how should you give your child the best impressions and the best atmosphere that will inform his perception of himself? To help you sort through all the different thoughts out there, here are a few things to consider before you sign the enrollment papers.
Christian education
A Christian school is a facility that encourages character development as well as academic excellence in its students. Moral education involves matters of the heart, mind and acts as the foundation of your child’s character. A good Christian school is one that pays attention to the formation of a disciplined and self-aware heart, as well as to book learning. If the school you’re considering lacks in these areas, you need to ask the tough questions or find a different facility entirely.
Christian education is often based on the principles of the Bible. However, not all schools are the same. When deciding which school will be the best option for your child, pay attention to the details. Find the mission statement and fully understand the goals the school seeks to achieve. Form a relationship with teachers and staff members. These individuals will be the role models your child will learn from. When you visit a potential Christian school, listen more than you talk, this will give you an idea of the attention your child will receive.
When should my child start kindergarten?
The National Center for Education Statistics found conclusive data on this topic. Judging by what the statistics are based on, it will probably never be conclusive. This fluctuation is mainly due to parents making decisions based on what is popular. Since the popular vote changes, this can leave a responsible parent scratching their head. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, here are two key facts and questions to ask yourself:
1. What is my child’s cognitive and social maturity?
You should be wondering how quickly your child makes friends and how easily they interact with others, peers and family members alike. Also, what about cognitive development? Does your child have trouble learning new concepts and tasks that she will encounter in kindergarten? If she can’t answer easily, an evaluation may be worthwhile.
2. If I start my son now, what will his life be like in grades 7, 8, and 9?
You must pay attention to the community around you. If parents in your area send their children away at age four and you decide to let yours grow up another year, will they feel out of place as the only 13-year-old in eighth grade? The National Center for Education Statistics shows that children who fall behind for these reasons end up gaining skills faster once they start, thus becoming stronger readers and more academically astute 9th and 10th graders when everything is said and done.
Like a good coach, you know your child best. Do your due diligence and listen to your instincts.