Light in the Darkness: Public School and Our Christian Kids

Christians have nothing to be smug about; we are not righteous people trying to correct the unrighteous. Just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. -R.C. Sproul

Public schools often have a bad reputation, especially these days when it’s not uncommon for the environment to be increasingly hostile toward believers. Living in Western Washington, we’re no strangers to feeling a little out of place when it comes to our values and beliefs. My husband and I were raised in the greater Seattle area and went to public school there. It wasn’t perfect and we did grapple with swimming upstream when it came to many issues, but we were both confident in our faith and the foundation we had built. We are raising our four sons a bit south of there, which we have really enjoyed! It’s been a good fit for our family since my husband got out of the military when our first two were little. They each went to a private, Christian preschool, which we loved. Before we knew it, it was time to make the decision for kindergarten…homeschool, send them to private school, or brave the wilds of the public school system?!

“God didn’t call you to be liked. He called you to be light. And light, by its very nature, makes darkness uncomfortable. If you feel out of place…you might be doing something right.”- unknown

It’s a very personal decision for families to make, and there are a lot of variables! Location, finances, schedules, and environment just to name a few. We’ve had a few, short bouts of homeschooling over the years (our kids are now 4, 8, 13, and 15), but ultimately, we landed on public school. I know families that homeschool and love it as well as families with kids in private schools that they have great things to say about. So, why did we choose public school? The short answer is that we want them to be able to thrive in the world they’re going to be launched into.

That doesn’t mean kids who are homeschooled or go to private school won’t thrive. There are so many positives when it comes to homeschooling and private schools! Both of which we considered due to those pros. At the end of the day, we felt that nothing would prepare them as well as growing up with a wide range of kids and teachers from all walks of life. Being exposed to a diverse community in our school district reflects the society that they’re going to be a part of. Knowing that it was our influence and foundation in Christ that matters the most, we trusted this to be the path that our kids were going to travel down.

I know there are some very negative stereotypes when it comes to public schools. I understand if it fills you worry that they’ll be so influenced by those who believe differently from them, they might lose sight of who they are and who we’ve raised them to be. I know families who have homeschooled or gone through private school and had negative experiences and outcomes. Nothing is certain and we can’t know what the outcome will be. We can make the best decision with the information we have, and trust God with the rest. As long as our kids are thriving emotionally, socially, and academically, that’s what matters and gives us confidence in our decision. Daily communication with our kids helps us know where they’re at and what they’re seeing and hearing. Having those very open discussions when certain things come up has given our kids a lot of confidence in who they are and what they stand for. They aren’t afraid to question things, and I admire the way they’re already thinking for themselves.

They have gravitated to like-minded friends but also have friends from other religions, friends who believe different things than they do, and friends who come from very different backgrounds and families. Wealthy, poor, and everywhere in-between, public school has them all. As hard as it’s been for them to see their friends hurting who come from abusive or broken families, to hear kids say they have no food at home, to see kids who can’t afford shoes for the next sports season, or to know kids who don’t believe in God, it has already taught them so much and given us countless opportunities to have deep conversations. They have an understanding and appreciation for who we are as a family and also empathy for kids who don’t have the support they need. The potential for outreach is huge, and I’ve been so proud of their big hearts when they come home concerned about someone who needs help. It’s also been encouraging to see when they’ve made the decision to boldly wear their cross necklaces and “Jesus is King” shirts, knowing that it could be received with hostility by some of their peers.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

For what it’s worth, almost every teacher our kids have had after eleven years so far in this school district, has been encouraging, supportive, and passionate about what they do. Many coaches and staff members at their schools are phenomenal role models and have been solid leaders for our children. Sure, our kids have witnessed and heard some crazy things, I’m not going to sugar-coat that. Things that my husband and I, of course, wish weren’t even topics or concerns for children, but it’s real and it’s the world we’re living in. We’d rather them have to stand up to adversity in these formative years when they have our support and guidance, than be sheltered from it until they are out in the world and we can’t be there.

We feel that any challenges they may face when it comes to public school are preparing them for their purpose and are helping shape them into strong, stead-fast, courageous men. We know that they will eventually face battles we can’t fight for them, but we trust that through faith, prayer, and our influence, they will know they are never alone no matter what adversity they face. (Isaiah 41:10)

We’ve had some bumps along the way and I don’t think any school year will be perfect (no matter what educational route you go), but I hope that if you’re considering public school or if you’re your kids are already on that path, you’ll feel confident in your decision. Believe that through prayer you will know what is best for your family. If public school is the best option, then don’t worry about the stereotypes and trust your influence in your child’s life. Look for the good, look for the opportunities to help them grow and to understand others, and lead by example. Show them what it looks like to have courage to go against what’s popular or easy, especially when it conflicts with their beliefs.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Prayer for our children at school:
Lord, please protect them from all harm. Help them be a light to others and to honor you with their words and actions. Give them the confidence, wisdom, and strength that they need. Help them to feel your presence and rely on you always. Amen!