Private education vs Public education

[Chris]

Hi I am thinking about sending my 2 girls to aprivate school next year, an Anglican one nearby which has really nice grounds ans facilities. I am not very convinced the public school is all that good.
I was after advice from other parents who have made this choice to use private education and if they think it is worth it.

 

[theLords]

My advice is to pray about it, brother. Seek the Lord's will on the matter. If this is His will He and you align yourself with it He will provide the way for your daughters to be able to attend. He will open all the doors.

Are you mostly considering a private education because of the trouble associated with public schools?

 

[Chris]

My advice is to pray about it, brother. Seek the Lord's will on the matter. If this is His will He and you align yourself with it He will provide the way for your daughters to be able to attend. He will open all the doors.

Are you mostly considering a private education because of the trouble associated with public schools?

yeah because of rough surrounding neighborhood around it parents swear at young children. the school is not as well equipped as the private one. the private one has more trees, and gardens it feels more pleasant. there is at least a balanced education incorporating more religious studies. both my young girls say they are christian in belief. one is 10 and one 7 so i thought they might like a christian school

 

[theLords]

It sounds like a good opportunity for them in that case :yes

 

[Nick]

It's not that clear-cut really. Christians can grow and have a benefical time in both private and public schools. The private school is better resourced - so what? Public schools are not that bad.

Your main concern should be how your kids are going to be better wittnesses for Christ and to be able to grow. A private school (especially a religious one) is going to be more sheltered. That can be a good thing for younger kids, however for those in high school not really. A sheltered school-life is not necessarily wise. The real world is going to hit them eventually and they need to be prepared for it. Getting exposed to it in a school envrionment is a safer option, however you're going to find this in public schools more than private schools.

Another interesting point, on average, students from public schools do better in the HSC and at university than students at private schools, despite private students having paid (in some cases) $20,000 per year for all these flashy resources and buildings. You've got to ask yourself - is it really worth it? There can also be a lot of peer pressure in terms of money in a private school, as they are generally more materialistic, generally attracting the higher socio-economic parents. You need to be prepared for that, apparantly it can get quite nasty.

Even in the best religious private schools, there are many people there that are not Christian, and are openly atheist. Don't be deceived that it's going to be like a youth group with lessions.

Now yes, I did to go a public school - all 13 years of my education. However, I know many people who have been to private schools and so I know what goes down in them.

Coming back to my original point - where is better for your children to go in terms of living for Christ and growing in their walk? That's for you to decide, however I"d lean towards public schools. There is a higher proportion of non-Christians there that really need salvation. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't Christian groups and all that there. In my grade of 200, at least 50 were committed Christians. That was a very solid base for us to be good wittnesses for Christ, and honestly it was amazing. Yes, people in private schools need saving too, but I think there is more of a priority for public schools.

The presumption that there are more alcohol, drugs, smoking and sex in public schools I don't think is a fair one at all. The number of crazy parties that have at least a few of the above, that are hosted by private kids is amazing.

 

[jasoncran]

while i cant speak for the education system in aussieland. but in america if you have christian children in the govt schools. prayers and i mean prayers go up.

it depends on the parent and what the lord leads,but i do see nick's point we cant hide from sin as sin will find a way to tempt us.

 

[Nick]

while i cant speak for the education system in aussieland. but in america if you have christian children in the govt schools. prayers and i mean prayers go up.

I can understand that. I get the feeling that in the US many of the "religious right" really don't like public schools. This is not really the case in Australia.
But for once, we're talking about Australia here.

it depends on the parent and what the lord leads,but i do see nick's point we cant hide from sin as sin will find a way to tempt us.

Very true. One may be lead to a public school or one might be lead to a private school. I just feel that we are needed in public schools more, but having said that, as I said above, private schools have some sinister sin workings in them also, but what makes private schools more dangerous is that it's not as obvious.

 

[jasoncran]

i cant say that is always the case here in florida but yes i can see it happening.

 

[Mike]

We had our children in private Christian school until our oldest started public high school (not sure how that works in Australia). We don't regret anything in what we were led to do. Money well spent! Besides all the benefits of having a Christian influence at school, there's the close-knit family that we formed with the families. Our school was attached to our church, so this was even more so.

I can't comment on public school in Australia, but as theLords said, it's something to pray on. We've heard so many stories over the years. Somehow, when it seemed impossible to imagine, they were given the means to make it happen. Either way, the Lord will have them where He wants them to be. :amen

Just don't go into a Christian school with any delusions that there won't be trouble. Some of the kids were at our school because they were forced out of public school by their own behavior, and they brought that baggage to ours. It's good that they were there for their sake. I'm saying there will be trouble anywhere they are at. Probably less than public school, but not perfect in private/Christian. (I'm sure you know this) I really believe in the end, it comes down to faith at home and how locked in the parents are with their kids and teachers. It seems most of the time, it's the disconnected parents that have bad experiences in either case.

Blessings on your decision.

 

[Mike]

Something I meant to add. When our son went to public high school, we really appreciated how great his private education was. He is so far ahead of other kids in his grade. He's taking honors classes and pulling all A's. And I don't think this is the extreme example.

Just something to add, but there are benefits to being planted in public school too.

 

[Nick]

We had our children in private Christian school until our oldest started public high school (not sure how that works in Australia).

In Australia (or at least NSW, which is the state in which Chris and I live) we have 13 years, Kindergarten to Year 12. High school starts in year 7, so that is a great time to switch either way, if one is so inclined. Some private schools also start in year 5, and others go the full round of K-12. Another popular switch is year 10 or 11.

I can't comment on public school in Australia, but as theLords said, it's something to pray on. We've heard so many stories over the years. Somehow, when it seemed impossible to imagine, they were given the means to make it happen. Either way, the Lord will have them where He wants them to be. :amen

Just don't go into a Christian school with any delusions that there won't be trouble. Some of the kids were at our school because they were forced out of public school by their own behavior, and they brought that baggage to ours. It's good that they were there for their sake. I'm saying there will be trouble anywhere they are at. Probably less than public school, but not perfect in private/Christian. (I'm sure you know this) I really believe in the end, it comes down to faith at home and how locked in the parents are with their kids and teachers. It seems most of the time, it's the disconnected parents that have bad experiences in either case.

Blessings on your decision.

Very true, and I agree. Let the Lord lead you either way. Neither ways are really bad choices.

 

[Chris]

In Australia (or at least NSW, which is the state in which Chris and I live) we have 13 years, Kindergarten to Year 12. High school starts in year 7, so that is a great time to switch either way, if one is so inclined. Some private schools also start in year 5, and others go the full round of K-12. Another popular switch is year 10 or 11.


Very true, and I agree. Let the Lord lead you either way. Neither ways are really bad choices.

i think im taking a punt on a job I start in a few weeks. its one of those things all roads seem to lead there. we have lot of exrea curricula activities at the moment tuition, dancing, art,music. I was just talking to a students mum that took her boy to the same school and made my mind up aparrently there is excelent behavior and lots of parent teacher interaction concerning childrens performance so yeah i think it will happen job dependent.

 

[Nick]

i think im taking a punt on a job I start in a few weeks. its one of those things all roads seem to lead there. we have lot of exrea curricula activities at the moment tuition, dancing, art,music. I was just talking to a students mum that took her boy to the same school and made my mind up aparrently there is excelent behavior and lots of parent teacher interaction concerning childrens performance so yeah i think it will happen job dependent.

I'll be praying for your decision and the Lord leading you.

 

[Lance_Iguana]

From what I understand, people over think this issue. Its not the school, or the resources that actually makes education work. Its having an environment that enforces the kid's knowledge. You can have a school that has the best text books, teachers, gym equipment, and building in the entire country, but still not get your child to care about the subject matter.

This is where the parents come in. It won't matter whether your send you kid to either program as long as you keep up and back up your kids. It dosen't matter if the kids more information in a private school, what matters is how they learn to use it and being shown they have a support system.

To be honest, even if you are taking advanced classes, most of what you learn will be retaught in College as a freshmen any way. So basically, make sure your kid is grasping the basics and understands critical thinking and study structure. If the kids can understand this then learning comes more natural no matter the environment.

 

[Nick]

From what I understand, people over think this issue. Its not the school, or the resources that actually makes education work. Its having an environment that enforces the kid's knowledge. You can have a school that has the best text books, teachers, gym equipment, and building in the entire country, but still not get your child to care about the subject matter.

This is where the parents come in. It won't matter whether your send you kid to either program as long as you keep up and back up your kids. It dosen't matter if the kids more information in a private school, what matters is how they learn to use it and being shown they have a support system.

To be honest, even if you are taking advanced classes, most of what you learn will be retaught in College as a freshmen any way. So basically, make sure your kid is grasping the basics and understands critical thinking and study structure. If the kids can understand this then learning comes more natural no matter the environment.

I haven't agreed with you in a while Lance, so it's time for us to agree again .
I've emphasised on this forum in the past the importance of critical thinking, and I"m glad you brought it up. And it all starts at home.

 

[Lance_Iguana]

:D Thank you Nick.

 

[Chris]

It's not that clear-cut really. Christians can grow and have a benefical time in both private and public schools. The private school is better resourced - so what? Public schools are not that bad.

Your main concern should be how your kids are going to be better wittnesses for Christ and to be able to grow. A private school (especially a religious one) is going to be more sheltered. That can be a good thing for younger kids, however for those in high school not really. A sheltered school-life is not necessarily wise. The real world is going to hit them eventually and they need to be prepared for it. Getting exposed to it in a school envrionment is a safer option, however you're going to find this in public schools more than private schools.

Another interesting point, on average, students from public schools do better in the HSC and at university than students at private schools, despite private students having paid (in some cases) $20,000 per year for all these flashy resources and buildings. You've got to ask yourself - is it really worth it? There can also be a lot of peer pressure in terms of money in a private school, as they are generally more materialistic, generally attracting the higher socio-economic parents. You need to be prepared for that, apparantly it can get quite nasty.

Even in the best religious private schools, there are many people there that are not Christian, and are openly atheist. Don't be deceived that it's going to be like a youth group with lessions.

Now yes, I did to go a public school - all 13 years of my education. However, I know many people who have been to private schools and so I know what goes down in them.

Coming back to my original point - where is better for your children to go in terms of living for Christ and growing in their walk? That's for you to decide, however I"d lean towards public schools. There is a higher proportion of non-Christians there that really need salvation. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't Christian groups and all that there. In my grade of 200, at least 50 were committed Christians. That was a very solid base for us to be good wittnesses for Christ, and honestly it was amazing. Yes, people in private schools need saving too, but I think there is more of a priority for public schools.

The presumption that there are more alcohol, drugs, smoking and sex in public schools I don't think is a fair one at all. The number of crazy parties that have at least a few of the above, that are hosted by private kids is amazing.

I grew up in a really rough neighborhood in a few of my schools as a kid at the age of 6 I was chased down the road by a big kid with a knife, I fought my way through the rest of school a nice sensitive kid had to become what I didn't want to be to survive. to this day because of what was done to me i carry it all as potential violence. even as a christian, underlying stuff done to me can come out in adult life. It tool a lot to try to reverse it all.

Now why would I want my 2 sensitive little girls exposed to that crap? undisciplined brats being allowed to get away with anything in public schools the teachers can't control them and don't care. where I live gangs of 13-14 yo children steal money from international chinese university students at knife point. I went down to the shopping mall nearby the school to find a young mother with a baby who had 2 children from the school with her she was smoking with the baby and to the 5 yo children "Dont you walk across that road you f**** lilttle f****wit." she intelligently instructed the child she was minding.Who does that to a young child?

The problem is naughty children in classes require more of the teachers time so what happens is more time is spent by teachers attempting to get the students to do the work and be quiet rather than teach the lesson. The good behaved kids suffer because of the naughty ones and grades suffer which is what I am seeing now with my eldest. we pay for external tutoring to make up for a poor effort on the teachers part a year ago who didn't focus on math enough. In private schools discipline requires less time and more time is spent on the lesson . My best mate is a teacher in a christian school he told me about this. aparently the teachers take more interest in reducing bullying too.

I don't want my 2 sensitive little girls to live with the scars i do I don't think i can remember ever liking school at all.

I thought I could at least give them that, nice childhood years and memories.

 

[Lance_Iguana]

Personally I would recomend you move, but the practical option is that if you send you kid to public school, you help them through their problems and keep up with their studies.

No matter where you go, kids will have some form of problems. The scars you are talking about are what formed you and taught you how to be as an adult. Our lives influence us. That's about all I can tell you.

 

[farouk]

My advice is to pray about it, brother. Seek the Lord's will on the matter. If this is His will He and you align yourself with it He will provide the way for your daughters to be able to attend. He will open all the doors.
..

theLords:

Yes, many Christians are very burdened about these matters.

For some, homeschooling isn't a practical option.

But yes, it is the Lord who opens up the way, (and closes others). Cf. 'he that hath the key of David' in Revelation 5.

 

[Chris]

Personally I would recomend you move, but the practical option is that if you send you kid to public school, you help them through their problems and keep up with their studies.

No matter where you go, kids will have some form of problems. The scars you are talking about are what formed you and taught you how to be as an adult. Our lives influence us. That's about all I can tell you.

Im going to pray for direction and security in new employment.