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 either a public school or a Christian school. Each parent must decide what kind of school God has called their child to attend.

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--unavailable 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 biblical teaching with their students; and a host of other opportunities denied both students and staff in the public schools.

If one views the government school system as a "mission field," however, 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, 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 challenge, just as they do not qualify as preparation to go on the mission field with a missionary-sending organization.

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. God has called us, however, to the task of 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. In some instances, this taxation funds the public schools' representation of anti-Christian views, like evolution, without the equal representation of a Christian worldview.

Additionally, Hendersonville Christian School seeks to be on good terms with the people in 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 public schools. Civic and public service groups (i.e. Special Olympics) have used our facilities. We also invite public school students to participate in our Discovery Center P.A.S.S. Program and certain events. 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 involve providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment. The public schools cannot offer anything even remotely resembling a Christian school program.

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 schools that deserve the reputation of being underachieving schools, Hendersonville Christian School is not one of them. Our students consistently score above grade-level across the board.

4. Q: Why should I choose Hendersonville Christian School?

While other schools are increasing class size, we strive to keep our classes small. We believe that a smaller class gives both the students and the teacher a better opportunity to achieve high academic and interpersonal goals.