Going Public: Your Child Can Thrive in Public School

by Dean Merrill, David Pritchard, Kelli Pritchard

Book Overview

"Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Taking this verse at face value provides the perfect opportunity to prove it in the educational setting of our children, say the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830745777
• ISBN13: 9780830745777
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Regal Books
• Length: 219 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 18 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Postsecondary to Grade 5

Customer Reviews

Well worth the read!

I read this book when it first came out. I loved every minute of it. Wonderful stories about the Pritchard family and great advice for Christian parents who need a little help and encouragement while raising their children. I highly recommend the book to those who are considering public school. (and it's also a wonderful book for those who have children in private school)

A must-read for any Christian parent

I grew up attending Christian schools all the way through grad school and always had a "fear" of the public school system. Nevertheless, before having children of my own, I taught in the public junior high for 6 years alongside my husband who continues to teach in our local middle school. Over the years, we have observed several Christian students in the public system remain strong spiritually, morally, and academically based on family approaches and beliefs similar to the Pritchards'. (Sadly, MANY of my Christian school classmates have walked away from the Lord in their adult lives or have compromised in some way.) Now that I have two young children of my own, I knew I needed to prepare for the possibility that we would not afford a Christian education. Reading through this book, I received MUCH more than advice on how to help my children survive in public schools. The Pritchards give biblical counsel, practical tips, and helpful "catch phrases" on how to train children FROM INFANCY ON into strong, godly, healthy adults. They use the challenges their children face at school as a means for training their kids to face the challenges of this world. While advising the reader on what key areas to focus on in developing their children's character, the Pritchards weave in godly counsel regarding everything from unfair grading practices and classroom distractions to bullying, persecution, and sex ed. Be warned, that the Pritchard's counsel is based firmly on biblical principles. Readers who tend to cater to their kids or to make excuses for rambunctious behavior might feel some conviction at their straight-forward talk. At the same time, it is clear that they have a playful, loving relationship with their kids...just one balanced by authority and respect. As the Pritchards are essentially dealing with character development, this book would be useful for ANY Christian parent--regardless of the school system they choose!! I highly recommend this book and consider it an invaluable parenting resource.

Wonderful Book!

I am so happy I found this book! As a former homeschooler, I can honestly say I appreciate the information in this book. Our children are now attending a "struggling" public school. I'm so proud of them and the lessons they've learned, how they interact with others, and the respect they show their teachers. God has blessed us with wonderful, caring educators who truly want the best for our children. We had to discontinue homeschooling because I had cancer and had to have treatments. I'm terribly disappointed in the number of Christians who wrongly try to twist Scripture to say that ALL parents should homeschool because it's in the Bible. I'm also tired of Christian parents who believe it is their duty to "remind" us that our children won't be as bright as homeschooled children, nor as godly. Sorry you feel that way, but our children are doing fantastic! They have straight A's and are very grounded in their faith. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU David and Kelli Pritchard for this book. I believe God is bigger than public education, what we (as parents) teach our children is the most important thing, and that our children CAN thrive in public school.

Awesome book. A must have for parents!

This is a very well written book with great practical ideas for helping navigate your kids through public school. I highly recommend it for all parents.

Timely book, Important subject, Well-written. . .

I received an advance copy of Going Public and read it with interest. As a parent of 3 young boys, I have agonized over the school decision -- home school, Christian school, public school. . . Like all parents, I just want what is best for my kids. The Pritchards make a good case that public school CAN be the best option -- and they give helpful ideas of how to "homeschool" alongside public education by making the most of teachable moments, getting involved, and guiding your child through the tough decisions and situations that he or she may face in that environment. The concept is that giving your child the chance to make good choices and stand up for their values when the stakes are low is an invaluable gift -- so that as an adult, when the stakes are much higher, they will already have the confidence and the ability to do so. I was very encouraged, and send my sons off to public school with more tools and more confidence than I had before reading this book.