It amazes me how little research we do before deciding where little Susie or Johnny will attend school.  We spend more time deciding what car, refrigerator, t.v., new couch, etc. we will buy. To get the most for our money a smart consumer will read consumer reports, shop around, compare the brands, talk to people and get their opinion on the quality of the product and then based on the data will make an educated decision on where to purchase their new product. 

Shouldn't we spend even more time investigating and researching the school choices before deciding where to send our children?  Where do we begin?  Well what are your core values?  Which school choice will complement and uphold your family convictions?  What is the driving force for each school choice or system?  What is their educational philosophy? Do you know their agenda?  This is something you should begin doing when your children are small, better yet before they are born.  It is a huge, life impacting decision.  Remember, little Johnny or Susie will be in that place for 7 hours a day, 5 days a week, 36 weeks out of the year for 13 years.  They will be influenced by the agenda, ideology, and educational philosophy of whatever school choice you decide on. 

After my children entered the school system, I began reading about homeschooling, which led me to read about other school choices and from the research and data I collected and shared with my husband, homeschooling was an obvious choice for our family. Homeschooling was the only educational system wherein our values and family convictions would be upheld and supported.  The educational philosophy started by the pioneers of homeschooling fit our family's core values.  There is no hidden agenda in our homeschool, only to follow the Lord's command to teach our children from a biblical worldview in every subject and throughout the day. The homeschool environment nurtures our values, beliefs and educational philosophy.  

I encourage every family to view your child's education as more important than purchasing a new home, car, etc. Do your research, gather the data from the different school choices offered and make an educated decision on your child's future. 

In Him,
Renee