Christian schools? (Colorado Springs, Monument, St. Mary's: homes, elementary school, college)

[nitsirk77]

Hi everyone! I love this forum. We are moving to Colorado Springs this summer and I've been doing a lot of reading on here. I see a lot of information on the public schools, but was wondering if anyone could tell me about christian schools? I've looked a few up, but am curious about personal experiences more than anything. Thanks for your help!!

[otowi]

I have an African American friend who had her kids in Colorado Springs Christian School for elementary. She said racism was a problem and she felt the kind of Christianity practiced there was a holier-than-thou one and not what she was looking for. She didn't think behavior or academics were better than public schools. I had a friend who went to St. Mary's High School and she said it was pretty much like any other high school, just a bit smaller. I taught at Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy for a few years. While it is not a religious school per se, and is in fact public, when I was there it was very much like a religious school in many ways - the board and many staff were largely bordering-on-homeschool evangelical Christian types. I didn't like some of the games they played with lotteries and retention to inflate their testing scores, but I felt maybe for primary grades it would not be a horrible school for many average kids. I don't have much experience with other options, except hearing that they're closed whenever the weather is iffy.

[froggin4colorado]

I have heard the same thing from other kids and parents about the Christian schools- very hypocritical and not worth the extra money. From what I understand, the teachers also get paid less. The teachers I have met who work there are working on certifications, or it is a step to getting into the public system where the money is at.

[FunBunch7]

As a Christian myself, I have given some thought in the past to putting my kids in a Christian School...but the reason I don't and in fact I'm very passionate about it is this...

The world in which our kids must "compete" is is NOT a Christian World. If the kids go through K-12 then even go to a Christian College with "like minded", "safe" people always around, what will they do when they go to work for XYZ Company and there's corporate back stabbing and a dog-eat-dog mentality? What will they do when faced with the secular world in any number of situations? It's not to say that they won't come accross temptations such as drugs, promiscuity, etc even if they are in a "Controlled" environment like a Christian School. I jest feel that to make the largest impact, I want my kids to be an influence on those who have never heard of Christ. For some people, my kids are the ONLY Bible they'll ever read. If I put my kids in "ABC Christian Academy", it stands to reason most of the kids there if not all, already have positive influences in their life.

This is just my own personal opinion and I do not mean to offend anybody who may have their kids in a Christian school.

[elevenpast]

I'm planning on moving to Colorado Springs in the next few months and I want to send my children to christian school. They are both early elementary school age. I've seen CSCS and Pikes Peak CS online, are these the best options? I've been to greatschools.com, but I'm looking for some current feedback. Location isn't too important as we haven't commited to any specific areas yet, however my job is near Monument. Thanks

[otowi]

I don't know if you are interested, but there is a pretty substantial Catholic school system in the Springs.

[froggin4colorado]

Go with CSCS is you are insistent with choosing a private Christian school. Its on the northern end of town and the commute won't be bad. FYI-Monument schools are excellent too. I personally would choose D38 over CSCS or any other private/charter school here in town.

[otowi]

There was an article about a newer "Christian" school in today's paper: Students gain outdoors skills, time at home | school, students, home - Top Stories - Colorado Springs Gazette, CO

[elevenpast]

Originally Posted by froggin4colorado

I personally would choose D38 over CSCS or any other private/charter school here in town.

I appreciate your comments. Can you elaborate on this?

[otowi]

Here in CS, with private/charter schools you never really know what you're going to get into - there are some quality problems, as well as some fly-by-night for-profits, and people with agendas, agendas, agendas right and left. Public schools, while not all equal, are decent for the most part, and some quite good - with more offerings for all levels and interests than the privates and charters. Colorado Springs is not like some parts of the country where you have to put your kids in private school to get a good education or protect them from ultra-dangerous elements. Here, imho, the privates and charters are often behind the public schools in many ways. I am sure each parent that is interested will find what is best for his/her child, whatever that might be.