The Education Dilemma

The debate over where Daniel would begin Kindergarten began a year and a half ago. Public school? Private school? Home school? The options were limited. We live in a relatively rural area on the Alabama/Mississippi state line, near Columbus, MS. I had heard good things about the public schools in that area of Mississippi. The public schools in our county, however, leave much to be desired. The one private school that is close to us didn't seem ideal for our family either and if we chose a public school in MS, there was the whole issue of us living in AL and seriously lying about that so we could be in that school district. Then there were several private schools in the Columbus area. One of those might be an option. And, lastly, there was homeschooling...

I believe that parents are the very first and, when done prayerfully and fervently, the very best educators for their own children. So, I began to research homeschool ideas. I talked to several parents who had homeschooled their children, even some of my peers, and drew from their experiences. I weighed cost, benefits, current issues, curricula, legal aspects, etc. I am certain that Daniel and I would have done well educationally. I had all the facts.

Then I began to research the private schools in the area. One was too small and offered inconsistent educational opportunities. One was too large and was very exclusive. One was Catholic. One was a very small school seemed to ignore the social status and influence and offer opportunities uniformly.

So I was educated. My husband and I weighed our options carefully. We prayed for an answer. We prayed constantly for safe, educational, worshipful, God-centered environment where Daniel could learn academics, life lessons, and spiritual lessons. We prayed and prayed. One part of me felt as though I would be doing Daniel an injustice by keeping him home for school when he is such a social child. I never felt peace about it.

The answer to our prayers came two-fold: First, no school situation will be perfect. We had to choose the BEST option for our family. Every school has problems, but some problems are worth dealing with. The second part of our answer came with a visit to Daniel's current school.

When Daniel and I first visited the school, we were made welcome. And the school (staff, teachers and administration) went out of their ways to make us feel as though we belonged. Even the students nodded politely in the hall or held doors for us as we toured. The curriculum used at the school was the curriculum I had settled on should we homeschool. But I remained skeptical so we kept on praying. I dropped back in at the school twice more to see if the atmosphere was always the same or if they were putting their best foot forward because we were on tour. Daniel and I met with the elementary school principal. She was lovely and assured us that Daniel would be loved from the very first day. After several visits to this quaint little school and reading the handbook, mission statement, and other documents, we felt a nudge in that direction.

We enrolled. I began praying for Daniel's teacher immediately. I prayed that God would prepare her heart and hands to love Daniel and teach him in all aspects. And I prayed that God would make Daniel receptive to her love and teaching.

We went to the Open House for new students where we met Daniel's teacher and other students' families and felt right at home. It was the very same atmosphere and feeling that we'd had on every other occasion we'd been to the school. I decided that what you see is what you get.

The first day of school came. I walked Daniel in. He kissed me goodbye and sat to play with his friends. His teacher assured me that he would be fine and I never looked back. When I picked him up that afternoon, Daniel spoke the words that brought great peace to my heart. He said, "Momma, I feel like I've been at church all day! Everybody loves me! I can't wait to go back tomorrow!" Saying he felt as though he'd been at church spoke great volumes about the teachers at this school. He felt comfortable, loved, safe...

After Daniel's first year there, I can confidently say that Daniel is receiving a quality education centered on Christ. He's learning to live and love others. I couldn't imagine him being any other place, even homeschooled. If you live in the Columbus area and are looking for quality Christian education, I encourage you to visit this school. If you're interested or just curious, leave a comment and I'll be glad to share everything I know about it. Keep in mind that what might be right for my family may not be right for yours but at least know your options.