1. Q: What about the need for Christian students to be "missionaries" - salt and light - in the public school system? (Isn't being in a Christian school a cop-out for those who should be sharing their faith in the government schools?)

A: From a biblical point of view, there is nothing wrong with a Christian student attending a public school. Likewise, from a biblical point of view, there is nothing wrong with a Christian student attending a Christian school. Each parent must decide if God has called him or her to attend a Christian school or a government school.

The misconception is common, among those who do not work in Christian schools, that Christian schools are filled with Christian students. While we strive to have a majority of students who place their trust in Jesus Christ, we still have students who are not (yet) part of the body of Christ. Many of our students are too young to fully grasp the gospel message. Others, while old enough, are still struggling with the claims of Christ. So, there is an opportunity - unparalleled in the government schools - to openly share one's faith in Christ; to openly pray with someone; to seek biblical counsel from faculty and staff who are allowed by their administration to share the teaching of the Bible with their students; and a host of other opportunities denied both students and staff in the public schools.

However, if one views the government school system as a "mission field", then one must also acknowledge that the "missionaries" (students) sent to the field must be prepared, equipped and supported while in the midst of that ministry. Few who argue the "mission field" position actually participate in the preparation, equipping and supporting of these "missionaries". Given the reality of the "Christian student in the public school" situation, the argument is revealed as nothing more than a convenient response for those who lack the vision or ability to provide a Christ-centered education for their children. Rarely does one encounter a student "missionary" who has been prepared for the task. (Church attendance, Sunday school classes and youth retreats do not qualify as preparation for this task - just as they do not qualify as preparation to go on the mission field with The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Presbyterian Church In America's Mission To the World, Wycliffe Bible Translators, or any other missionary-sending body. Think about it.)

We acknowledge that God calls some Christian students and staff to the public school system. It is our prayer that they (and we) will be faithful examples of Christ wherever He leads. However, God has called us to this task - providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment.

2. Q: Why don't you support the public schools?

A: There is a common misconception that those involved with Christian schools do not support the public schools. Like every other taxpayer, each person affiliated with a Christian school also helps to finance the government schools through taxation. Although we may be at odds with the philosophy of the public schools, Christians still support the government-run schools through taxation. This taxation is without the representation of our Christian world-view - in spite of the public schools' representation of anti-Christian views, like evolutionism, in the classroom.

Additionally, Hendersonville Christian School seeks to be on good terms with the people of the local public schools. We schedule athletic events with as many of the government schools as possible. Our students attend the churches of our community and have friends who attend the government schools. Civic and public service groups (e.g. Special Olympics) have used our facilities. We also invite public school students to participate in our NILD program and certain other events. (Check the calendar for the phrases: "the public is invited", and "visitors encouraged to attend".) We strive to build bridges with the greater community, within the bounds of biblical behavior.

There is no sense in which Hendersonville Christian School is in "competition" with the government schools. Our mission and purpose involves providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. The public schools cannot offer anything even remotely resembling this.

To put it in one sentence: While we do not willingly support the philosophy of the public schools, we gladly support the people there through special activities, wholesome association and prayer.


3. Q: Isn't the academic performance of Christian school students below that of public school students?

A: While there may be some Christian (or public) schools that deserve the reputation of being "underachievement schools", Hendersonville Christian School is not one of them. Our students consistently score above grade-level across the board. Our 2003 senior class has an average SAT combined score of 1107. (Our female students have an average combined score of 1202.)

4. Q: Why Hendersonville Christian School?

While other schools are increasing class size, and promoting it in the press as a good thing, we strive to keep our classes small. We believe that a smaller class gives both the student and the teacher a better opportunity to achieve high academic and interpersonal goals.

Likewise, while a new government school may provide one computer per 22 students, we have one computer per 5 students! Our state-of-the-art math lab has computer terminals with high-speed internet access allowing our students, under the supervision of an in-class math teacher, to advance as quickly as possible through a challenging curriculum. This means that each student in our math lab has a computer, and that they have a qualified teacher - not a facilitator - at their disposal.

We believe that it takes more than "the leadership of the faculty/staff" to enable students to distinguish themselves from their peers across the nation.