christain preschool or city preshcool?

Question

I'm in a real pickle. I want to enroll my son in preschool. The preschool affiliated with the city shcools where I live don't seem to be real productive. I've heard rave reviews about the preschool at the Christian Academy where I live, parents I've spoken to have been very impressed with their childrens' progress and education. I want the best education for my child, so I am considering enrolling him here. The problem is that being agnostic, I want to raise him to be a free thinker and choose his own beliefs. How do I deal with questions from him about praying at school and the bible and god when I don't believe? I don't want him to feel that he has to believe these things that they are teaching him about god, after all, he is there for an education. I know this is a tricky situation but i'm willing to put aside my beliefs (or lack thereof) to benefit his learning. Any opinions?

Answer 1

I went to a private, religious university for five years and didn't change my religious beliefs. I was required to take many religious classes - several being world religion classes that focused on religions that I had never heard of. I am much more tolerant and I feel much more intelligent from learning of them. However, I am still the person I was prior to attending that university.

Your son will get his strongest base from you - his parent. If his best opportunity of learning comes from a private, religious institution and you can provide it. In my honest opinion - do it. You will be the one who will open up his mind and show him by your everyday example what being a free thinker and choosing his own beliefs really is. Preschool is not forever and he will have years to decide what his religious identity truly is.

You're agnostic. I'm Mormon. My brother went to a Methodist preschool (it was the best in my hometown). He turned out fine and chose his own road.

I think you'll choose the best for your son based on your maternal instincts. Good Luck. I hope that he is as loving as his parent is.

Answer 2

Okay, I will tell you first off, that just because a school is Christian-based, does not make it any better than public schools. I am a Christian and my son attended a private, Christian elementary school when he was in kindergarten. This school got rave reviews and was highly recommended. It was also fairly reasonable for a private school. My poor son had so much pressure put on him to excel, that he couldn't enjoy being a kid. He was 5 years old for crying out loud! He had 2 hours of homework each and every night, and we were told that if he couldn't master reading at the school's acceptable level (late 1st grade, early 2nd grade level), then he would flunk kindergarten. My sweet little boy threw a desk at his teacher because she humiliated him and made him stand in the corner with his back to the class when he misbehaved, as little 5-year-olds are prone to do.

We took him out of that school and enrolled him in public school. His teacher was so sweet and very good. My son is now 17-1/2 and he is a very bright student. He was in the gifted program at school but we pulled him out because it was just too much pressure for him. My point to you is this: look at how neat and tidy the place is. If it's TOO neat, then they are not letting kids be kids. If there is a lot of artwork and projects visible, that is a good sign that they are encouraging fun and creativity. Ask about their methods of discipline. Make sure you can agree with it. Ask about their teacher to child ratio. Preschoolers need more access to one-on-one attention at times than older children. Finally, if you don't want to have to deal with questions or issues regarding God, then a Christian preschool is not a good place for your son. They DO talk about God, and they reserve the right to do that, because they have given you full disclosure that it is part of their curriculum, when you enroll your child. If you are willing to be open-minded about it, then more power to you. If you see it as a potential problem, then I would find a different preschool. It's difficult for a child to have to adjust to a new school, once they have already started somewhere else. Once you find a preschool for your son, you should keep him there. Public schools really can be quite good, so I wouldn't worry so much. Good parents always want the best for their kids, so your concerns are valid. Still, I believe if you check out both preschools carefully, you will be able to feel good about whichever one you choose. Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

First, everyone thinks freely we all just don't see the same. I would be most concerned about my child's education and the quality of the education. Private schools produce far better results than public schools with less than half the funds per student. That's a shame but the way it is. Just tell your child he can choose his own beliefs and he will. You have far more power than any school could ever have in that department. However, I must disclose that I am a Christian. Nevertheless, like I said your child will more likely follow what you believe (or don't) than anything they pick up at school.

Answer 4

Dear Carrington-

Here is my opinion. I am a Christian. So you'd think my first response would be to put him in a Christian preschool. The thing is, I feel that if you can spend at much time with your child at home that is best. If you have to find child care for him because you work, the best place would be a Christian environment.

What brought you to the point of being agnostic? (just curious)

Children are a precious gift from God. The more time they have with their Mom nurturing and teaching them the better. No one can care for your child with the love and care that you have for him.

Anyway if it comes down to having to put him in pre-school, go for the Christian one.
Sincerely - Redeemed
ps I have stayed home with my kids for a couple of decades now. I have this incredible relationship with my kids, one that my folks and I never had. My daughters share everything with me cause I am available for them to confide in. I am not saying that working Moms can't have this type of relationship, I am just sharing what I have compared to what my Mom and I had when I was a teen (not so good!). Hope this helps.

Answer 5

I think you've answered your question, haven't you?

Just because it is a Christian School, does not necessarily mean he/she will become a Christian. Is the school providing a proper education for your child?

Here's the real question... Are you willing to really give your child a well rounded education or will you spite the child just because you choose not to believe?

Just because he/she attends, it does not necessarily mean that he/she will become a Christian. However, he/she may respect others having been exposed to Christian beliefs.

I think you do what is best for the child, personally. Putting the child in a school that poorly performs is not my idea of doing what's best for the child.

Answer 6

Christian preschool. Look at the results of the public schools compared to parochial or private schools. The public schools serve the lowest common denominator.

Answer 7

Ask that he be excused from the religious stuff.
If they are unwilling to do that, just simply explain to him that this is one of many religions and you want him to learn about it - that's why he's doing it, but you don't want him to feel he has to follow this one. Then teach him about other religions. Kids are like sponges. Just explain it to him and he will understand. Take him to a Buddhist temple. Let him speak with a Hindu. Etc.

Seriously, I think he'll turn out okay. I mean, look at all the houligans who come out of Catholic schools. I think that as long as you talk with him about it, he'll be just fine.

Answer 8

honestly, what does a kid REALLY learn in preschool? isn't it just for socialization? i didn't go to preschool, i don't even remember learning anything in kindergarten. but then, my parents taught me to read and count & all that before then.
i dunno, if you want him to go to christian school you could talk to him about it, that they'll be teaching him to follow A belief. another point, though, is whether or not the parents you spoke to are biased? perhaps they're hardcore creationist or something and they're pleased that they kids are learning all about god, and math and science may not be so important? just something to consider.

Answer 9

Don't put him in a Christian preschool. He won't be able to deal with the real world.

Answer 10

Remind your child that it's his/her choice to believe what he/her wants to, and put him/her in the best educational setting possible.

If that means a Christian school, by all means, do it.

Above all, love your child and remind your child to make thier own decisions.

True Christians are not indoctrinated.

Salvation is a gift, and a choice to accept it.

God Bless.