Monday, August 18, 2008

Why should I consider Christian education?


Ten Reasons Why You Need To Pray About It Today


Finances. Location. Perceived academic deficiencies. These are just some of the reasons parents spurn Christian education in favor of its public school counterpart. The DiscoverChristianSchools.com website addresses these and other concerns on the “FAQs” page. (Click here to read about some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Christian education.) But here we’d like to offer you ten solid arguments in favor of Christian education. There are plenty of others, both biblical and practical. But these are the most compelling.

1. God’s Word is taught
2. God commands us to teach kids through the Word
3. The school shares your values
4. Safety
5. Academic Achievement
6. Teachers love and fear the Lord
7. Individual Attention
8. Success after graduation
9. Peer Pressure
10. The State of Public Education

"A truly Christian education is possible only when Christian education underlies not a part, but all, of the curriculum of the school. True learning and true piety go hand in hand, and Christianity embraces the whole of life - those are great central convictions that underlie the Christian school." J. Gresham Machen

For a more detailed look at the “Ten Reasons”, http://www.discoverchristianschools.com/page.aspx?id=151173.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Affording a Christian School Education: Financial Assistance – Is It Available and Who/How Do I Ask?


John Fedele – National Director, DiscoverChristianSchools.com


As national director, one of the more frequent questions I receive from parents is “how can we receive financial assistance or aid to send our children to a Christian school.” This is an important consideration for many families as they look at the expense of a Christian school education in light of current economic conditions, rising prices, and especially if they want to enroll more than one child.

Let me first say that most Christian schools today offer some kind of financial assistance or financial aid program. Schools also may have multiple child discounts for families with more than one child. Each school is different, so a parent needs to inquire about financial assistance with each Christian school. Check with the admissions officer and if necessary speak to the administrator. I want to emphasize “needs to ask.”

In my experience as an Administrator and Development Director I have come across numerous parents who were either hesitant or did not ask because of not wanting to be viewed as needing financial assistance, or were simply “embarrassed” at the thought of asking. The purpose of a financial aid program is to assist parents, so why not inquire to see if you are eligible or even qualify?
Secondly, I have found that family members, (grandparents, in-laws, etc.) are many times looking for opportunities to bless someone in their immediate family. What can be more wonderful than helping a grandchild, nephew, niece or loved one receive a Christian education? It provides an opportunity to invest in the life of someone they truly love and care about. Your family members could be a great resource.

Thirdly, your church may have a scholarship fund or a program to assist parents who desire to educate their children in a Christian school. Don’t overlook your local church as a potential avenue of financial assistance.

In conclusion, I encourage parents to take these steps:

  1. Inquire at the Christian school about their financial assistance or scholarship programs. Ask the person in charge of admissions or the school administrator.
  2. Don’t rule out family members who may be able and wanting to assist you.
  3. Inquire at your local church about existing financial assistance programs or ministries.
  4. Get over any hesitancy or embarrassment on your part in asking, if you don’t ask, you may never be the recipient of a blessing!
Finally, make known your need to the Lord. Pray that He will supply the needed funding through his miracle power or through someone, He will!!

Saturday, August 2, 2008

The Big Idea


How does the idea of a Christian education sound to you?


To many of us, the idea of a Christian education for our kids sounds nice, wholesome, and yes, even spiritual. But in reality, few of us are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to send our children to a Christian school. After all, there is no guarantee for our kids attached! Some went to a school and turned out OK, and others who attended a Christian school or college may not be the picture of Christianity!

But none of that means you shouldn’t be thinking seriously about choosing a Christian school for your child. For more information about why you should at least think about a Christian education, and some big ideas for you to consider, visit our website at http://www.discoverchristianschools.com/.

We can help you find a Christian school and fulfill the directive we have been assigned as Christian parents.DiscoverChristianSchools.com - Where Christian education is priceless!