The concept of private schooling is mentioned in various ways in the Word of God. Generallyexcept for those such as Moses and Daniel—these examples usually refer to spiritual rather than secular kinds of education.
Samuel was presented (“lent”) to Jehovah by his mother Hannah, taken into the temple as a child, and there Eli the priest became his “tutor.” The Apostle Paul was “brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers” (Acts 22:33I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. (Acts 22:3)). The principle of “private schooling” is used as a metaphor by the Apostle when addressing the Galatian believers. He speaks of a “schoolmaster” to illustrate how the law was used to teach men that liberty could not come by the law. It came by faith in Christ rather than by works. (See Gal. 3:24-2524Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Galatians 3:24‑25).) Both Moses and Daniel were sent (though unwillingly) to private, secular schools in Pharaoh’s and Nebuchadnezzar’s courts.
Because of the godless, immoral environments which exist in many public schools today, Christian parents may have to consider private schooling as an alternative means of education. However, here we repeat what has been mentioned in previous articles: It is vital that parents seek the Lord’s perfect will and wisdom in deciding how their children will be educated.
Some Historical Notes Until the early and middle 1800s, formal education was generally private in nature, a privilege reserved for those who could afford it or whose social position required formal education.
During the 1800s in England, a spiritual exercise developed among some who sought means to educate poor children, unable to afford formal education. Thus was begun what we commonly know as Sunday school. The education given in these early Sunday schools was often the only means by which children were able to learn to read or to hear the precious Word of God.
At the same time brethren were compelled to confront, in light of Scripture, the various systems of education which were being developed both public and private. In 1834, Mr. Darby made this statement to the Irish board of education concerning trends in public schooling: “Shall we as Christians [give in to] such a deliberate exclusion of the Word of God from the [educational system] designed for the instruction of children?” He was opposing proposed changes to the Christian content of the public school curriculum—changes suggested in order to appease leaders of the Roman Catholic clergy.
Another, Mr. Mackintosh, strongly opposed allowing unbelieving public school teachers or private tutors to educate the children of Christian parents. And both he and Mr. E. Dennett also warned Christian parents who were of wealthier means about the dangers of allowing unbelieving governors, governesses or other domestic servants to have contact with their children. It seems evident that many believers of this time were exercised concerning the kind of education and educators their children had and felt that separation from ungodly educational influences was important.
Today, such separation may be more difficult to achieve especially in view of mandatory educational laws. Thus home schooling or private schooling have become the chief methods that believers who choose to separate their children from the influences of public school can use.
Types of Private Schools There are many different types of private schools, ranging from elite, secular academies and military boarding schools to private, parochial schools run by specific church denominations. In between these exist many “flavors” of private schools.
It is critical that parents take time to clearly understand the mission statement and educational objectives of any private school to which they are considering sending their children.
The Issue of Separation
Separation from a climate of immorality and ungodliness causes Christians to consider private schooling. However, we would caution parents that Christian private schools are not infrequently used as a last resort by parents whose children have had serious discipline, moral or substance abuse problems in public schools. Thus the very influences that parents seek to separate their children from are brought into their classrooms in private schools. Parents must assure themselves that the private school they plan to use is not morally like the city in Proverbs 25:2828He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (Proverbs 25:28): “Broken down, and without walls.”
Another concern is whether a Christian school is funded and operated by a religious denomination. In such cases, the educational curriculum is often slanted towards certain sectarian doctrines which are not according to the Word of God. Second Timothy 2:20-21 gives believers instructions about separating from that which dishonors Christ in professing Christianity. A climate where doctrinal error thrives can be just as damaging to our children as one where worldliness and ungodliness thrive.
The Issue of Parental Involvement
There are, no doubt, many excellent private, non-denominational schools that are founded on and guided by biblical principles regarding morals and discipline. Such institutions allow and encourage reading the Word of God and prayer in an environment of godly reverence. This is a mercy of God.
But still it is important that in these schools, as in public schools, parents actively involve themselves with the education of their children taking part as classroom volunteers, knowing what their children are being taught, and developing a close working relationship with teachers and administrators. How important that parents—like the shepherds of Luke 2—keep “watch over their flock by night”!
The Issue of Finances
The cost of private schooling, where a suitable institution is available, normally is quite expensive. We would caution parents to carefully count all the costs spiritual and financial before committing to such training. Assuming a large debt load that causes strife, tension and unhappiness in the home is too great a price to pay for private schooling.
We do believe, however, that private schools are appropriate alternatives for those who have the financial means and feel that they have the Lord’s mind in taking such a step.
In Summary
In 1834 Mr. Darby closed his talk (referred to earlier) by saying, “I trust, therefore, that those who have the means will support an institution whose great object is to communicate that instruction which is based on the unmutilated Word of God. This is the day of decision.” We trust that Christian parents will seek the Lord’s mind in making such serious decisions for their dear children.
Ed.
Note: For further information, contact the editor.