What school will be best for my children?

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Jul 8, 2010
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#21
I do. I'm not ashamed of that. But one concern of mine is to not make ppl think that I've been brainwashed by them. That seems to be the prevailing opinion (I worked at a Wendy's near the school, and some of my customers basically told me that Steven Jones brainwashed me! lol). Actually I do not take everything I hear and just believe it. I evaluate all of it, believe what I determine to be true, & I have disagreed with my teachers on some things.
I dont know about the teachers themselves but I have read the rules, dress codes, expectations and such...just does not seem like an enjoyable place in my opinion.
 
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bonnie2

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#22
I dont know about the teachers themselves but I have read the rules, dress codes, expectations and such...just does not seem like an enjoyable place in my opinion.
It probably would not be enjoyable for you. And that's okay- seriously- I view those things as corporate standards/ fences, like I have my own personal ones. My personal standards are not entirely the same as the standards at BJU. But they are fairly close, so I don't mind the ones at BJ. I do realize that not everyone puts the same limitations on themselves, as long as you are surrendered to what God wants you to do and basing the standards you do have on the Word, that's the important thing. And everything else falls into place if you are really doing that.
There will always be some difference between Christians about a lot of "gray" areas, although I believe some things are pretty clear.
Anyway, for me (maybe partly because I don't mind the rules and expectations- like I said because they are close to the ones I have for myself) I really love it at BJU. The teachers care about me. When I was going through a lot of doubt about God one of my teachers took time out to counsel me about it and even took me to lunch one time. There are a ton of Christians from all over the US and other countries, you can find great friends who will encourage you in your walk with God. And I'm learning a lot too, both academicallly and from all the great preaching there! I thank God every day that I get to go there. But I know it's not for everyone.
 
Jul 8, 2010
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#23
Thats awesome that you are havng that kid of experience there and I agree it is the proper approach for some people. I just dont think I would rally like to Homogeny of the campus. If everyone is doing the same thing there isnt much to learn. Im sure Im over-generalizing and I know there are different people from different walks of life there. I just cant picture it being as diverse as my campus, simply because it is a christian university. Personally I love the diversity and getting to knwo people with different culturees and beliefs and such. I m not sure what BJU offers in that sort of aspect. And the dress codes...sadly and the music were the worst two in my opinion andwould in themselves be reasons i wouldnt attend, but as you said it isnt for everyone.
 
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schoolmarm

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#24
homeschoolers can go to most any college as long as they have a good transcript and do well on ACT and SAT. And believe me, most do very well. It is all in the paperwork that is kept. All states have good homeschool support groups. HSLDA.org has a list of them.
 
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sandstorm7

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#25
homeschoolers can go to most any college as long as they have a good transcript and do well on ACT and SAT. And believe me, most do very well. It is all in the paperwork that is kept. All states have good homeschool support groups. HSLDA.org has a list of them.
Sure homeschooling is possible and sometimes more effective on an academic level... but I think children need to be exposed to the real world at some point. The pressures faced from other students, the social skills developed... it's all part of a necessary growing experience. My aunt and uncle homeschool all five of their children, but I convinced my one cousin who was about to enter highschool to give the public school system a try. I learned so much about who I was as a person while attending highschool. I made amazing friends, had many learning experiences, and even discovered several different hobbies and subjects I was passionate about. I think that by homeschooling all the way through highschool you risk losing some of those opportunities. It also prepares them well for university.
 
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bonnie2

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#26
Thats awesome that you are havng that kid of experience there and I agree it is the proper approach for some people. I just dont think I would rally like to Homogeny of the campus. If everyone is doing the same thing there isnt much to learn. Im sure Im over-generalizing and I know there are different people from different walks of life there. I just cant picture it being as diverse as my campus, simply because it is a christian university. Personally I love the diversity and getting to knwo people with different culturees and beliefs and such. I m not sure what BJU offers in that sort of aspect. And the dress codes...sadly and the music were the worst two in my opinion andwould in themselves be reasons i wouldnt attend, but as you said it isnt for everyone.
You're right in a way, there is not as much diversity of beliefs, standards, or goals in life. In those areas, many of us students are on the same page (though not all). However, people are still diverse (personalities, backgrounds, tastes, even cultures- there are people from around the world, I have several Korean friends for example)- it's not boring or anything.
 
Jul 8, 2010
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#27
You're right in a way, there is not as much diversity of beliefs, standards, or goals in life. In those areas, many of us students are on the same page (though not all). However, people are still diverse (personalities, backgrounds, tastes, even cultures- there are people from around the world, I have several Korean friends for example)- it's not boring or anything.
I see your point. it doesnt sound as horrible for the people that choose to go there. I can honestly say its not the school for me but everyone is different.
 
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bonnie2

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#28
Sure homeschooling is possible and sometimes more effective on an academic level... but I think children need to be exposed to the real world at some point. The pressures faced from other students, the social skills developed... it's all part of a necessary growing experience. My aunt and uncle homeschool all five of their children, but I convinced my one cousin who was about to enter highschool to give the public school system a try. I learned so much about who I was as a person while attending highschool. I made amazing friends, had many learning experiences, and even discovered several different hobbies and subjects I was passionate about. I think that by homeschooling all the way through highschool you risk losing some of those opportunities. It also prepares them well for university.
I agree somewhat. I would never look down on or stereotype homeschoolers (I'm not saying you are either, sandstorm- but some do). However, opportunities to practice social skills are less. I was homeschooled till 8th grade (yes, I'm willing to admit it lol) and when I went to a Christian high school I didn't really know how to talk to ppl. It took several years for me to get out of my shell. I really respect parents who homeschool, they are going the extra mile to do what they think is best for their children. However, I basically disagree with the approach, especially if there is a Christian school available. Friends are important at this age, and it's also important for kids to have the chance to make friends who will build up their faith/ standards, not tear them down. And that chance is slim at a public high school. I would say Christian school is probably the best way to go.
 
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sandstorm7

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#29
I agree somewhat. I would never look down on or stereotype homeschoolers (I'm not saying you are either, sandstorm- but some do). However, opportunities to practice social skills are less. I was homeschooled till 8th grade (yes, I'm willing to admit it lol) and when I went to a Christian high school I didn't really know how to talk to ppl. It took several years for me to get out of my shell. I really respect parents who homeschool, they are going the extra mile to do what they think is best for their children. However, I basically disagree with the approach, especially if there is a Christian school available. Friends are important at this age, and it's also important for kids to have the chance to make friends who will build up their faith/ standards, not tear them down. And that chance is slim at a public high school. I would say Christian school is probably the best way to go.
Yes, I was in no way saying that homeschooling is wrong. I can see first hand how benefitial it can be by looking at my cousins. They're all pretty young still, and I think it is doing much more good than harm. However, in the case of the oldest cousin who is entering high school, I think that is a good time for her to be reintroduced to the school system. She has been homeschooled until grade 8 like you, but I think having the high school experience will be really benefitial to her. I think I would draw the line for homeschooling at high school.
 
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schoolmarm

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#30
but I think children need to be exposed to the real world at some point. The pressures faced from other students, the social skills developed... it's all part of a necessary growing experience.


Homeschoolers get exposed to everything the world has to offer if done correctly... My girls know all about the world...they see it everyday. They have experienced in church as well as out of church. And before you say,"in Church", the statistics same behaviors are the same in church as out of church...doesn't say much for us Christians sometimes, but it is truth. And most home schoolers are very prepared for college.
As to social skills, my girls have them...they can talk to adults as well as kids their own age. If parents who homeschool aren't socializing their children, then they are doing them a disservice, but we always socialized them. Most of the homeschool kids I know are very social.Point is, we choose whom to socialize with, rather than being forced to socialize with those we don't agree with.
Yes, I am very passionate about schooling...I would homeschool mine again if I wasn't running a small school. The public arena is not where I want my kids.
 
Jul 8, 2010
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#31
However the forced socialization is necessary since you never know who you will have a desk next to. Or who youre next client will be. you cant live a life of solely Christian contact.
 
Jan 20, 2010
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#32
I wouldn't be allowed at Bob Jones lol, I have tattoos..and my hair doesn't usually appear too natural..lol

thats cool that you enjoy it though, I enjoyed school..until 7th or 8th grade lol..then things went downhill from there..now attempting the GED. got great scores in everything, 'cept, I couldn't do the math to save my life...at least i don't have to take all the tests over again.
 
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bonnie2

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#33
I wouldn't be allowed at Bob Jones lol, I have tattoos..and my hair doesn't usually appear too natural..lol

thats cool that you enjoy it though, I enjoyed school..until 7th or 8th grade lol..then things went downhill from there..now attempting the GED. got great scores in everything, 'cept, I couldn't do the math to save my life...at least i don't have to take all the tests over again.
I know a guy at BJ with tattoos...students aren't supposed to get them but I think they do make exceptions in some cases :) just saying.
 
Jan 24, 2009
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#35
life school
coz if u for exampel put your kids in closed school and wanted them to learn only what u think is (best for them to learn) they will want to know more and more about the things u dont allow them to learn so let your kids learn evry thing ;)
 
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Saint

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#36
I've been to both private and public schools, and i've found that in public schools can very easily corrupt teens if they don't firmly believe in God before they arive. Long before. And I've found that many private schools can cause a teen to become lukewarm with God, which is far worse, if they do not have a firm passion for God before they get there as well.
 
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bonnie2

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#37
I've been to both private and public schools, and i've found that in public schools can very easily corrupt teens if they don't firmly believe in God before they arive. Long before. And I've found that many private schools can cause a teen to become lukewarm with God, which is far worse, if they do not have a firm passion for God before they get there as well.
You know what, you're absolutely right. I was pretty naive and innocent when I started going to a Christian school in 8th grade, and I saw a lot of stuff there that should never have been going on among Christian young people...and that is almost more damaging because it's so easy to be like, so-and-so does it and they're a good Christian. And hardly any of my peers were really passionate about God, in fact no one really talked about God. (actually it is not that common even at BJU but I do appreciate my few friends who are comfortable talking about God, and it should be that way.) The focus tends to be on other things like clothes and guys (or girls for guys I guess :)) Yeah, I guess what the teenager brings to the school is more important than the type of school. Definitely, they need a firm passion either way like you said.
 
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Gabriel777

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#38
If the teen has a great foundation in Jesus then it doesn't matter where you put them. I also have been to both public and private and i must say that i rather be in a public school. In public schools you learn how they world is and you get to compare their ways with scripture and discern whats right or wrong. In private schools they teach you the bible but then the hypocrisy to the max makes you turn away. I'm for public schools. But make sure when your kid comes back from school ask him what he learned and tell him to compare with the bible.
 
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bonnie2

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#39
If the teen has a great foundation in Jesus then it doesn't matter where you put them. I also have been to both public and private and i must say that i rather be in a public school. In public schools you learn how they world is and you get to compare their ways with scripture and discern whats right or wrong. In private schools they teach you the bible but then the hypocrisy to the max makes you turn away. I'm for public schools. But make sure when your kid comes back from school ask him what he learned and tell him to compare with the bible.
Well, I would disagree with this statement actually. It does make somewhat of a difference. If there's no other choice, make sure the kid has a good foundation and put him in a public school, but there will be more influences there that will tear away at his faith than at a Christian school. Christian schools have a lot of good things like teachers who care about and mentor their students and chapel messages that encourage students to have a relationship with God. Sure some of the kids are hypocritical or ungodly but it has to be worse at a public school. And most teens are not wise enough to compare and discern using scripture...they would have to be really mature that way or their parents would have to really be on them about everything, as you mentioned...and sometimes teens just don't tell their parents everything, especially stuff they learned from their peers. Even if a teen started out determined to do right and compare what he's learning with scripture, there's always a possibility that those influences will take his focus away from God. So I would say definitely go with the Christian school if possible.
 
Jul 8, 2010
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#40
Well, I would disagree with this statement actually. It does make somewhat of a difference. If there's no other choice, make sure the kid has a good foundation and put him in a public school, but there will be more influences there that will tear away at his faith than at a Christian school. Christian schools have a lot of good things like teachers who care about and mentor their students and chapel messages that encourage students to have a relationship with God. Sure some of the kids are hypocritical or ungodly but it has to be worse at a public school. And most teens are not wise enough to compare and discern using scripture...they would have to be really mature that way or their parents would have to really be on them about everything, as you mentioned...and sometimes teens just don't tell their parents everything, especially stuff they learned from their peers. Even if a teen started out determined to do right and compare what he's learning with scripture, there's always a possibility that those influences will take his focus away from God. So I would say definitely go with the Christian school if possible.
I think the big difference is you expect ungodly kids in public school. I could see how ungodly/hypocritical kids in a christian school could be worse. "I mean they are getting away with it in a christian school right? so it must be okay." Though one day your kids will need to deal with non-christians. Rather get it done sooner than later.