What about Christian Schools? By Helen Lee

Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira, author of the newly released Grumble Hallelujah: Learning to You’re your Life Even When It Lets You Down, attended and graduated from Timothy Christian Schools in Elmhurst, Illinois—which is the same private Christian school she now sends her kids to as well as sits on the board of. After reading the results of the Cardus Survey, she decided to take some of her observations and questions to Matt Davidson, the Superintendent of Timothy Christian Schools (TCS). Their conversation follows:

The authors of this study challenged Christian schools to ramp up the academic. Of course, the city that TCS is in has impressive, competitive public schools and Catholic schools, and TCS “scores” better than both. What would you say to the Christian schools that struggle to maintain academic excellence along with everything else they offer?

I have been immersed in Christian education for over 30 years—as a child of parents in Christian education, as a student, teacher, coach, dean, principal and superintendent. Over the years I have observed a growing dichotomy between faith and excellence in many Christian schools. Rather than these two words being synonymous with one another, there appears to be a quasi-divorce between these fundamental building blocks of the Christian school movement.

I have often heard accusations that certain Christian schools are too academically minded, or place too much emphasis on athletics or the fine arts; thus diluting the vital spiritual mission. Then—on the other hand—I hear that some Christian schools are second-rate institutions regarding academics, athletics, fine arts, facilities, and so on. Parents send their kids there anyway—thinking that you must sacrifice a good education to get solid spiritual and moral training.

I am troubled by both these assumptions and stereotypes. The underpinnings of the Christian school must be both faith and excellence. God has called on us to put our trust in him—and God has also called us to excellence in all that we do so that our light will shine at its brightest (Matthew 5:14-16).

This is why Timothy Christian is committed to advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ through empowering and mobilizing “difference-makers” for him.  We want our students to give their very best in life and to give glory to God in everything (Colossians 3:23, 24).

It’s because we have pledged to be a school where Jesus Christ is preeminent that we are committed to excellence in every component of our school program.

The study counters the stereotype that Christian schools exist to indoctrinate students toward right-wing fanaticism and culture warrior-ness. Timothy Christian’s very mission is about transforming culture, which means we’re to be a part of culture, creating it, engaged in it, not at war with it. Why do you think Christian schools get this reputation? What can we do better as a community to dispel this stereotype?

Is it too provocative to concede that some schools have unfortunately earned this reputation? Even so, Christian schooling—when it is done right—sends out difference-makers committed to sharing the life and love of Jesus Christ with others. There is enough finger-pointing and Pharisee-ism in the world today.  The Christian school must be careful to avoid the creation of holy-huddles and a sense of self-righteousness. Yes, it requires courage and boldness to make a difference—but our “accent” must also be that of love.

The study says its findings “should also provide relief for those in larger society who are concerned about the polarization of society along the lines of religious conservatives versus secular liberals, as it is clear that Christian schools are a public good in many ways.” The authors write, “These findings should ferry us past this debate and also make us ask, ‘How can public policy better support educational pluralism as a means to improving society as a whole?’” What are your thoughts on that?

There are a few states that are leading the way in school choice. Regardless of state politics and policies, it is very important that the Christian school and the local public school develop a strong, collaborative relationship. We must avoid portraying the image of prideful elitism to our community.

It is always worth noting that there are many incredibly strong Christian families plugged in to America’s public schools. God gives parents the wisdom to determine the best place for their children to attend school. To offer a blanket statement that Christian education is where all Christian parents should send their children is biblically irresponsible, arrogant and naïve.

While appreciating churches that support the “salt and light” approach to Christians in public education, the authors propose that if churches are truly interested in bettering communities, they should support Christian education as a means to do so. I happen to agree with this, but hear little of it. What say you to this—about the importance of churches supporting Christian education?

Any church with an intentional commitment to their youth supports the concept of “Christian education.” Whether it be youth groups, mission trips, service projects, or even traditional Sunday School programs—all of this demonstrates a commitment to the basic idea of Christian education. The debate lies beyond that and on the issue of Christian day-schooling.

Should the local church support Christian schools, both financially and with a public endorsement? In my opinion, there is no universal answer to this question because not all Christian schools are necessarily making a difference.  The Church should be focused on winning the lost, training future leaders for Christ, and sending them out to their neighborhoods and the world. If the leadership of a church believes that a local Christian school is making an impact in achieving their goals, then they should prayerfully consider some form of relationship with that Christian school.

The study found that “Protestant Christian school graduates show significantly more adherence to the church teachings than that of their peers….” This troubles the authors because they worry about the detrimental “authoritarian culture at some Protestant Christian schools.” Timothy Christian has never felt like an “authoritarian culture.” It didn’t to me as a student—where I felt lots of room to question and doubt and push back (regarding faith or intellectual matters)—and it doesn’t now as a parent or as a board member. Why does Timothy feel different?

There are over 250 churches represented at Timothy Christian School. This challenges us to avoid an unhealthy emphasis on rules and regulations and even doctrinal controversy. It is our desire to “keep the main thing the main thing” by being a living curriculum for our students. The Christian life is a great adventure—not a boring observance of tedious rules.

The study’s authors suggest that the central question that Christian school advocates should ask themselves is this: “What is the purpose of Christian education?” How do you answer this?

Through a first-rate education program, the purpose of Christian education is to train, equip, inspire and—where appropriate—mobilize this generation to go into their neighborhoods, the marketplace, the church and ultimately the world to make a difference for Jesus Christ.