At the beginning of January, Spunky asked the question “Why do we educate?”  I’ve never really put my thoughts to a formal testing ground prior to her post.  As I read what she had to say I was nodding in agreement.  I could probably say without a doubt that most parents don't consider enough “why” their child should be educated.  For me, I saw “education” as very one dimensional.  You go to learn “book stuff”…four plus four, the freezing point of water, the Alamo….etc.  Why?  So you can land a good job and have normal conversations with others….right?

So what does a “well-educated” High School grad look like?  Do we look at their high school transcript to determine that?  Some colleges do.  What do most parents feel a “well-educated” child will be?  Does that stump you?  I’m sure it does for most.  It did me when Spunky first asked the question.  I pondered for a bit before reading on.  It occurred to me that I wasn’t seeking a “well-educated” child; I was seeking a “well-rounded” one.  One who is wise about far more than “book learnin’”.  One who has a firm grasp on the spiritual as well as the mental and physical.  It’s why we chose the following mission statement for our school:  “At RPA we strive for physical, mental and spiritual excellence.”

Spunky has her own answer to the question:

"My children's success is not determined by a degree or a dollar. That a well educated child is one who knows and loves the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength, and loves their neighbor as themselves."

I agree with that whole-heartedly.  Yes, kids do need some “skills” and “knowledge” to function in the world today but more important to me than those, is their relationship with God Almighty.  Spunky says it is her “desire to have wise and not just ‘academically successful’ children.”  I also agree with this statement.  That is our desire as well.

If you haven’t thought about this, it might be a good idea to ponder it some.  What do you consider a “well-educated” child?  Like Spunky, I think once we’ve established that, we are better equipped for making the best, most informed decision regarding the education of our children.