public preschool vs. christian preschool?

Question

Christain preschool or city preshcool?
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

In our area, there are Christian preschools that are very religious based and others that our not much at all.

As a Christian I would choose the Christian school. But that is not your case, you really need to follow your gut instinct. And you also need to remember that it is JUST preschool....... The main idea here is to learn how to co-exist with other children their age and learn to listen to adults other than their parents.

Our preschool is religious based, but they also focus on developing the whole child: Emotionally, educationally, spiritually and physically. Look at the philosophy of the school, not just the label that goes with it. Ask to sit in on a class to observe.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You're lucky they have a city preschool. Anyways, I went to a Christian preschool. They didn't push Christianity all that much actually. My memories of it consist mainly of rolling around in the tires they had for us to play with and sitting in a circle singing and stuff.

It's really not a big deal. If you don't put them in a Christian kindergarten and elementary school, they're not going to be around Christianity that long anyways.

For the short time that your kid may ask about Christianity, that gives you an opportunity to teach your child to keep an open mind. It's not like Christianity is all bad. The morals conform to what a civilized society expects. If you're the type that thinks you should be able to drink, do drugs, and screw whoever or whatever you like, well, maybe that preschool's not such a good idea.

Answer 3

I think i have similar beliefs to you. I personally don't have any children but i think i am a fairly clear thinker. That being said, i think i would go with the public school. Apparently that is against popular belief. Just the same as my religious beliefs. But anyway, i think the most important thing for someone that age is to learn people skills and the basis in dealing with the other kids. You can teach him the scholastic part that he would probably learn at the Christian school. I really dread that situation when it is time for me to deal with it due to the amount of pressure society puts on people to be religious and believe. Best wishes with your child and i hope what ever decision you make turns out well for you. I think the most important thing in a child's growth is you. Sounds like you believe that as well because you seem to be thinking your decisions through pretty well! Good luck again!

Answer 4

I would approach both schools the same way. I would take into consideration all the things you have heard about the two schools, but base your decision on your own research.

1. Do both announced and unannounced school visits. Schools should welcome both.
2. Talk to the directors, ask for a handbook that outlines what their core teaching values and goals are for the children.
3. Ask to see lesson plans. Make sure they include a wide variety of activities. (You can ask the director about the amount and way religion is handled at the private school.)
4. Find out the teacher to student ratio.
5. Ask about how teachers handle discipline problems.
6. Find out if they are accredidited by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)

I would go for the school that offeres the most positive, fun, environment for the child. At this age, school shoud be all about fun. If your childs first introduction to school is a negative one, that may effect later experiences. I would also say, if you are put off of a school because of what they teach, those negative feelings may effect your child. For example, if you put the child in the school and then tell them (at such a young age) that they should not believe what the teachers are teaching, that may be very confusing. Jsut make sure you are able to incorporate your belifes with what is being taught at the school in a positive way (no matter what school it is).

Children from very religious families go to public schools and learn about things that their parents would never condone, likewise many children attend schools that teach faiths different to those they practice. To me, it is more about the over-all quality of the school.

Sorry for being so darn long-winded! Good luck!

Answer 5

Your child will have plenty of time to form his own opinions and beliefs about religion later. For now, while they might mention God, say grace, etc., the biggest thing they'll really be teaching him is "Christian" values that are compatible with living gracefully and peacefully on this earth, regardless of religion---things like "do unto others."

If they offer the best education, I would go with that.

Another thing to consider is that the people teaching the public preschool also have their own core beliefs, and while they may not be able to call their gods by name in that setting, it still influences how they teach.

Finally, my kids are much older and in public school, and I am constantly horrified by the way their teachers try to push their own beliefs about social issues on my kids. Through open communication with my kids, I'm able to counteract that, and I'm proud to say that my kids have the courage of their convictions and stand up to their teachers.

If you are sincere when you say that you'd like your son to choose his own beliefs, then you should want him to experience many religions along with a religion-free existence (which he's getting at home) so that the choice is an informed one.

Answer 6

I am a Christian, and I think Christian education has hampered students' abilities to think freely. I went to public school, and I think the education is as good or better than that at a private school. Besides, preschool is quite early to seriously think about advanced educational development. At that point in age, a child needs to learn how to develop socially more than academically (just my opinion). Public schools give kids more of a realistic view of the real world. Unless you're planning on private school for the entire duration of your child's academic life, you might as well start them early in the public system. I've seen many kids suffer great shock in the transition from private to public school. As far as the free thinking goes, if you want your child to be able to make his own religious decisions, it is his right to be exposed to religion early on in order to come to a decision on his own.

Answer 7

I think you should go with the Christian preschool. I just lost my 16 year old daughter due to a surgery that went wrong and I know she is in heaven because of her beliefs in Jesus. Faith in God is not something to fool around with and to let a 3 year old choose. This is life and death and in the end we will go to heaven or hell. Give him the best education possible and by all means if you can't teach him about God let the church school. You need to find out all you can about God because someday we will stand before God and He will ask us why He should let you into His Heaven and you will need to give an account. I challenge you to read the Bible and ask God to show you who He is. Best wishes on your endeavors.

Answer 8

If you do decide to enroll him in the christian school they will pray and teach him stories of the bible. If you can accept this then send him there. If you can't look for a private preschool.

Answer 9

I personally would rather have a public school... I went to public schools and there is nothing wrong with it. At a preschools age play is learning... I learned this in a child care class I took. I am child care certified!

Answer 10

we don't have public pre school in my area ,, other than like head-start which is ghetto,, my kids would not go at all before they went to that,, my 4 year old goes to preschool now at a church,, they do a good job,, but I will insist on him going to public school after that,, of course I made sure we live in a good school system ,, the private school kids are over sheltered and become the bad rebellious kids later in life ,, !