Very Conflicted over Sending Child to Christian Preschool

Updated on October 25, 2010
S.M. asks from Keller, TX
8 answers

I'm just looking for some advice. I am a stay at home mom of four kids. None of my kids ever went to preschool, thats why I stay home. My 3 year old son though recently has been begging, literally throwing tantrums over wanting to go to pre-school ever since his older sister has gone off to Kindergarten. My dilemma is this, I am Catholic, unfortunately where I live there is no Catholic Preschool, and we are on a waiting list for St. Francis. However a friend of mine is Catholic and told me about a pre-school that her kids go to in Trophy Club, Lake Cities Church of Christ. I loved the looks of the school and everyone was extremely nice. My son really wants to go. I already signed him up and Monday will be his first day. I just recently started reading up on their beliefs and am concerned because a strong Catholic upbringing is important to us. They assured me that their 15 minutes of Chapel and teachings will be non denominational. For us though a private mothers day out program is all we can afford about $140 a month. He really wants to go but now I am unsure. Please just let me know what you think or if you have had any experience with this.

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So What Happened?

Thanks so much for everyone that responded. It was very helpful to hear others point of view. We are going to go ahead with sticking with our decision to send our son to the school. I really liked it there and I can tell that overall he will learn a lot and most importantly he will be getting that social interaction he has so been wanting. Now if only I get through the anxiety of sending my little guy off to school. Thanks moms!

More Answers

G.W.

answers from Dallas on

Christian preschools do not teach theology nor doctrine. They simply teach that God created the world, He loves each of us and takes care of us, is a comfort in times of need and sent his Son to live on the earth for awhile to teach us more about himself and how to be more like him. Now, there very likely will be a time where Jesus's death on the cross is taught in a very gentle way but obviously that is the basis of the existence of the Christian faith so if one doesn't believe or agree, then that type of preschool is not appropriate for his/her children....a secular option is better. While there are some fundamental doctrinal differences between Catholicism and Christianity, I believe the core foundations I mentioned above are the same so I wouldn't think there would be too big of a problem for you. Obviously, taking your child to your home church for regular worship plus what you teach at home will make up what you feel is missing. I think you'll be fine :-)

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T.T.

answers from Dallas on

Both of my kids have gone to a "Church of Christ" school for the last 3 years. If that school is anything like the one my kids go to it is absolutely non-denominational in its teachings. I have sat in on several Chapel days and they are more of a school assembly with some Christian songs and short lesson (ex: this week was the value of kindness). I think that your children would do fine with this.

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C.H.

answers from Dallas on

Both my children went to the First United Methodist Church MDO program in Frisco and loved it. I had my reservations also because we are Baptist however you're correct, the chapel time they had, was nondenominational.

The kids really got a lot out of the program and I'm glad we decided to do it.

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R.F.

answers from Dallas on

S.,

As a practicing Catholic who educated all three of my children in Catholic schools from pre-school through high school, I understand your desire for a strong Catholic upbringing. However, as Catholics are Christians first, and doctrine second, I would have no problem sending my little one to a pre-school of another faith (as long as it was Christian-based if was to have any religious affiliation). At that young age, all that is really taught in any Christian faith is the existence of God, Jesus Christ and (in some cases) the Holy Spirit; good vs evil; and, how special we are to have someone so wonderful who cares for us. There are very little particular beliefs taught. You thought the school was fine. Go with that until you have something different happen to change your mind.

Good luck to you and enjoy your "free" time!
R. F.

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B.C.

answers from Dallas on

When mine was 3, she went to a Lutheran Pre/Private school and I grew up baptist. She loved it, and I never had any issues with what they taught. Go for it!

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S.L.

answers from Dallas on

i'm a catholic, raised Protestant...and send my kid to a Jewish school that goes up to private 1st grade. he loves it from the social point of view. the education can't be beat. should i deny him a great education and great friends because i'm afraid of one religious service a week? NO. and neither should you! Christians should be tolerant. this would be a great way to show that tolerance.

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K.A.

answers from Dallas on

Hi,I too have a 3 yr old,who as well has been begging to go to school. I am a stay at home mom and thought it would be great for him to do a MDO program for him to be with kids his age and socialize during the day. We are wanting to spend about the same amount as you. I am also Catholic and was leary about looking at other churches,although I called a few. I was shocked that the price of a churchs mothers day out was as expensive if not more then a private preschool. I called one today and their mothers day out was 380.00 for two days ,5 hours a day. Plus supply fees. Seems a bit steep to me. I live over in the Heritage Area of Keller. I am wondering if you chose a MDO yet for your 3 yr old? If so,where? Since it seems you were in the same boat i am now going thru with price,etc. I was looking for a 3 day a week program for him. Of course,we want a nice/safe/clean enviroment for him!:) If any moms out there had a great experience within this area,I welcome all suggestions!:)
Looking forward to your reply:).

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M.C.

answers from Wichita Falls on

Hello S.,
I am a Catholic School teacher. Two of my children attended Baptist preschools. It was a wonderful atmosphere! I say, go for it and he will be just fine.
YOu sound like a fabulous mother! God has blessed you with the gift of caring for your children, that is for sure! Good luck!

www.mycmsite.com/marycluley

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