In conversation with parents looking to enroll their children in our school, many questions come up: what is the average class size? Do we offer opportunities to be involved in drama, music and art? What sports teams do we have? Do we have up to date science labs? What about laptops? Will my child be ready for college or university upon graduating from Redeemer?
These are all things to consider, but Christian parents know they are not the most important factor. The mission and purpose of any Christian school is to nurture students’ faith. While we all want our children to receive a solid academic education, and Redeemer certainly delivers that, an education which denies God or diminishes His importance, misses the mark.
Christian parents understand the powerful role schools play in a child’s development. School administrators, the teachers in front of the classroom and peers all help a child decide what is and what is not important.
At home, Christian parents are intentional about teaching their children their beliefs and values, and they want to partner with a school that helps support those beliefs and values. When a school’s value system, ethics and beliefs differ from what is being taught at home, conflict can arise. But when teachers and parents share the same worldview, rather than undermine each other, a greater foundation can be established for the child.
Education is the product of the belief of those who have written the curriculum as well as the beliefs of the teachers presenting the curriculum. Allowing their children to conform to secular society’s values and standards is not what most Christian parents want.
Is your child’s school environment helping support your role as a parent?
We encourage you to look at a website called: whychristianschools.ca There you can watch videos of Christian parents talking about their decision to send their children to Christian schools. There are also videos of Christian teachers explaining how they want to come alongside you and help build a strong Christian foundation for your child.
The Bible makes it clear that everything falls under God, including education.
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Col. 3:17
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10a
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
“For by Him all things were created: things in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Col. 1:16-17