Many Parents Prefer An Urban Christian Education For Their Children

By Frances Richardson


Schools that provide schooling based upon very specific religious principles is not a new concept. In time gone by only the rich could afford to have their children educated. In time, many churches and religions started to offer the masses a basic education. This was often the only chance these children would get. It is not surprising that these schools included religious instruction as part of their curriculum. For many parents today, an urban Christian education is still the best option.

Numerous devoutly Christian parents are not satisfied with the schooling offered by government schools. They want their children to get an excellent education based upon the very ideas underpinning their faith. This is not possible in government schools. They have to accommodate learners from every conceivable background, faith and culture and they cannot afford to show preference to any particular religion.

Devout Christians, Jews, Moslems and people from other faiths have realized that they will never introduce religious studies in government schools. The only solution open to them is to establish private schools. The curriculums of these schools are firmly bedded in the principles of the specific religion that established the school. Admission to these schools require parents to accept the fact that religious instruction is part of the curriculum.

Perhaps it should not be surprising to learn that these schools have soared in popularity. After all, they generally produce much better results than government schools. They have good facilities, they maintain strict discipline and they offer their students teaching by well qualified teachers. The classes are smaller and the staff is motivated. This, parents believe, is the best environment for learning.

Government schools, on the other hand, are struggling. There are too few teachers, a serious lack of resources, not enough facilities and low morale. Alcohol and drug abuse, even at school, is common. Violence is also common and teachers have to deal with large groups of students. It is very difficult to maintain disciple and in such an environment decent schooling is very difficult, if not impossible.

Private schools based on religious principles have many outspoken critics. They say that it is not healthy to shield learners from other religions and cultures. The dogmatic approach of these schools stifles creativity and the ability to develop independent thought. Critics also accuse these schools of indoctrination and of creating a conception with their learners that they are better than others. This is an unhealthy system, they say.

Naturally, supporters of religious schools do not concur with the critics. They say that it is their right to determine the faith and principles according to which their children are educated. In a free society one does not have to agree but one has to accept the rights of others. Parents of children in religious schools generally want their kids to learn in a well ordered, professional environment with a reputation of producing good results.

Private schools, even religious ones, are not wholly independent. They still have to comply with the general guidelines of the educational authorities. Like government schools, they are subject to inspection and even intervention from the authorities and they have to follow certain rules and adhere to certain official regulations.




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