Parents and grandparents today face more educational choices than many of us grew up with. Years ago, the usual question was simple: “Which public school district do you live in?” Today the conversation often includes public schools, charter schools, private schools, Christian schools, classical schools, online schools, homeschooling, and school choice programs.
Choice can be a blessing. But it can also be confusing.
A charter school is a public school. It is usually tuition-free, publicly funded, and open to students, though it may operate with more independence than a traditional public school. Charter schools often have a particular focus: college preparation, language immersion, STEM, arts, character development, or serving a particular neighborhood. The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools describes charter schools as public schools that give parents another option for their child’s education. A private school is different. It is not operated by the public school district. It may be independent, Catholic, Lutheran, evangelical Christian, Jewish, Montessori, classical, college preparatory, or built around a particular educational philosophy. Private schools usually charge tuition, though scholarships and Wisconsin school choice programs can make some private schools available to qualifying families. Wisconsin’s Private School Choice Programs include the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, Racine Parental Choice Program, Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, and Special Needs Scholarship Program.
A Christian school is a private school with a Christian mission. But even here, Christian schools are not all the same. Some are connected with a church or denomination. Some are independent. Some emphasize classical education. Some are more traditional. Some are highly diverse, serving families from many backgrounds. Some are deeply connected to the city and see education as part of a larger Christian witness.
Eastbrook Academy in Milwaukee is one example. It describes itself as an independent Christian K4-12 school, inspired by the classical model, located on the northeast side of Milwaukee and sharing a campus with Eastbrook Church. Its stated aim is to support families in both academic and spiritual development. Eastbrook Academy also describes its connection with Eastbrook Church’s mission: “to proclaim and embody the love of Jesus Christ in the city and in the world.”
That phrase is important: In the city and in the world.
For Christian families, education is never only about grades, test scores, sports, or college preparation. Those things matter. Excellence matters. Discipline matters. Reading, writing, math, science, history, music, art, and athletics all matter. But Christian education asks an even deeper question: What kind of person is being formed?
A child is not merely a future worker. A child is made in the image of God. A child has a mind, a heart, a conscience, a soul, gifts, weaknesses, questions, and a calling. Education, at its best, helps a young person discover truth, develop character, love what is good, serve others, and understand that life is lived before God.
That does not mean every Christian family must choose a Christian school. Many faithful Christian parents send their children to public schools, charter schools, private schools, or homeschool them. God can work in all these settings. I have known strong Christian students and teachers in public schools. I have known families who saw the public school as part of their mission field. I have also known families who believed a Christian school was the best place for their child’s faith and learning to grow together.
The issue is not simply, “Which school has the best reputation?” The better question may be: “Which school will help this particular child flourish academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally?”
Parents might ask:
What does this school believe a child is?
What does it teach, not only in its curriculum, but in its culture?
Are teachers respected and supported?
Is there order without harshness?
Is there kindness without softness?
Are children challenged?
Are they known by name?
Is faith added on as a decoration, or is it woven into the life of the school?
In Milwaukee, school choice has opened doors for many families who otherwise might never have been able to consider a private or Christian school. The Milwaukee Parental Choice Program was created in 1990 and allows eligible Milwaukee families to attend participating private schools through an educational voucher.
This has made the education conversation much broader than it once was.
Still, choice alone is not enough. Choice must be joined with wisdom.
A school can have an impressive brochure and still lack warmth. A school can have high test scores and still fail to shape character. A school can use Christian language and still need to be examined carefully. Parents and grandparents should visit, ask questions, pray, talk with other families, and watch how adults treat children.
For Christian grandparents, this is also a place of prayer. We may not be the ones making the final school decision, but we can pray for wisdom, protection, good teachers, good friendships, and open hearts. We can encourage without controlling. We can help financially if God leads. We can support parents who are trying to make faithful decisions in a complicated world.
The goal is not simply to get children into “the best school.” The goal is to help them become the people God created them to be.
A good education should help a child read well, think clearly, speak truthfully, work diligently, love neighbor, respect authority, ask good questions, and live with purpose. A Christian education, at its best, goes one step further: it helps a child see all of life under the Lordship of Christ.
That is no small thing.
In the end, private schools, charter schools, and Christian schools are not just labels. They represent different visions of education, childhood, community, and truth. For families of faith, the decision deserves prayer, careful thought, and a humble dependence on God.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
And perhaps that is the heart of it: not simply choosing a school, but helping form a life.
Several churches and other non profits have summer programs for children.
This is just one. I had a personal tour this morning and observed what was going on for almost 3 hours! Children even get breakfast! Well run.
An interesting Milwaukee inner city program
JK4K Summer Scholars Program summer program
Summer Scholars is the premier program of Jacarrie Kicks for Kids, serving as the gateway to our enduring relationship with Milwaukee’s youth, whom we honorably refer to as Scholars. This exceptional, high-quality, 5-week, all-day summer program caters to students from kindergarten through 12th grade in Milwaukee’s central city. Our curriculum is meticulously crafted to unlock each Scholar’s potential, nurturing character, positive self-image, and the leadership skills essential for cultivating a growth mindset. This program is dedicated to deepening each Scholar’s faith, empowering them to overcome community-wide challenges. Through a blend of experiential learning—including classroom instruction, hands-on activities, and field trips—Scholars are encouraged to translate their values into action. Additionally, our curriculum focuses on developing literacy and math skills to further core educational advancement, preparing our Scholars for the upcoming school year and preventing the summer slide. Recognizing the importance of childhood joy and discovery, Summer Scholars also offers sports, arts, field trips, and numerous other activities in a safe, nurturing environment, ensuring our kids can truly be kids!
