Next week is National School Choice Week with over 21,000 events planned across the nation. School choice proponents highlight the choices parents and students have when it comes to the education of children. Depending on the state, school choices include public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, online learning, homeschooling, and private schools.
As parents, you have chosen a private Christian school because of its philosophy of education. The Bible clearly lays the responsibility of education on the shoulders of parents and the church. Nowhere in Scripture is the government given the responsibility to educate children. As with most Christian schools, BJA encourages critical thinking from a biblical worldview. God is truth—and apart from God, there is no truth. Therefore, true learning and understanding cannot occur when God is removed from education. God is the Author and Finisher of our faith. He is the great Creator. He is the Bread and Water of Life. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the Alpha and Omega. Jesus Christ is the foundation for Christian education.
Politically, there is increased acknowledgement that school choice benefits student learning. Additionally, we are entering a time of opportunity with regard to school choice. Together, as citizens of South Carolina and of the United States, we can have a part in encouraging our legislators to facilitate school choice.
At the federal level, Mrs. Betsy DeVos—who graduated from Holland Christian High School in Michigan and is a school choice proponent—is undergoing Senate confirmation for the cabinet position as Secretary of Education. While she faced strong Democratic opposition at the confirmation hearing earlier this week, a final vote will be taken on Tuesday where there is a strong chance that she will be confirmed. Senator Tim Scott is a strong supporter of Mrs. DeVos. Her leadership will strengthen the conversation regarding school choice at the federal level.
Since 2013, South Carolina has facilitated scholarships and tax credits for exceptional needs children attending private schools. This year, the program (now called Exceptional SC) will be brought to the South Carolina legislature for permanent passage. While it enjoys widespread support, it will be critical for each of us to contact our representatives when it is introduced.
God has blessed the United States with private Christian schools, but we should not take this privilege for granted. I encourage you to support appropriate school choice initiatives.
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