5 Myths of Education
Myth Two

Christian Schools Shelter Children from the Real World

Many people believe that Christian schools are an artificial environment – a bubble – that ultimately produces students who are naïve and vulnerable against the “real world.” In reality, Christian schools expose students to harsh truths in a strategic manner in partnership with parents. Employing this strategy protects the innocence of children without sidestepping real world issues such as postmodernism, drug and sex education, evolution, and materialism.

Confronting issues at age appropriate times, Christian schools offer a biblical perspective and help each student to develop their own Christian worldview. Through this approach, students are equipped with tools needed to make godly decisions both as a student and as they navigate adulthood.

While the connotation of “living in a bubble” is generally perceived as a negative, does “training in a bubble” carry that same negative sentiment? No eighteen year old military recruit, for example, is shuttled from the recruiter’s office directly to the battlefield. Recruits are sent to boot camp where they are put through artificial experiences that are designed to simulate what the soldier may experience in battle. Boot camp prepares soldiers for real life in a sort of bubble with the aim of releasing them into the harsh reality of battle fully prepared to confront every situation with success.

Likewise, the Christian school is a training ground for young Christian students – providing challenging opportunities in the areas of faith, virtue, and knowledge that are designed to prepare the student for the challenges that each student will face in life.

During a child’s formative years, he or she is continually inquisitive, seeking answers from peers and elders alike. According to scripture, Christians ought to seek counsel with a high degree of discernment:

“Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join in the company of mockers. Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on his
teachings day and night. He is like a tree that is planted beside streams–a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” Titus 2:7-8

“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” James 3:1-2

In light of the truth found in this scripture, Christian school faculty understand the importance of their mission, and they embrace their responsibility prayerfully.

Christian schools do offer a safe haven for students to explore, learn, and develop a biblical foundation for their lives. Unfortunately, we live in a world in which children are barraged with social challenges that can have long term effects on their character and/or behavior. Although Christian schools cannot promise freedom from negative peer influence, it is comforting to know that children in a Christian school are learning alongside other children who are most likely being raised in homes that demonstrate the love of Christ and that exemplify Judeo-Christian morals. Surrounding children with as many believers as possible during this vital training period is clearly biblical:

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20

There are no guarantees that a child will become a follower of Christ based solely on their school environment, but don’t you want to give your child the very best opportunity to hear God’s Word daily and believe in it by attending a Christian school?

Many of our myths were inspired by and taken in part from Cherokee Christian School’s “10 Most Popular Myths Christian Parents Believe” Used with permission.