Testimonials & Articles from PoP Parents
"When our son brings home his school papers with not just any smiley face sticker...they often say 'Jesus Loves You'...we knew Prince of Peace was the school for us."
"My daughter thanks me for sending her to this school!"
PAY NOW OR PAY LATER:
Choosing a Private School for Your Child
We have two children - one attends a public school and one goes to Prince of Peace Lutheran School, St. Cloud. Our children have different learning styles and blossom in different atmospheres.
We chose Prince of Peace Lutheran School for our son. The school is across from Gold's Gym on County Rd. 120. It offers interdenominational admission for pre-school through eighth grade students.
We believe the investment in our son's education is about paying now or paying later. Parents of public school students already pay for many expenses. To us, paying "tuition" was secondary to meeting our son's learning style and needs.
Some items to consider when you visit schools include:
- Your child's needs and their attitude about school: If your child's needs aren't being met, you will see it in their schoolwork and attitude. You are their best advocate to determine their needs. Children thrive in the right setting.
- Class size and teacher: We chose a private school student-teacher ratio of 1:16 over a higher public school ratio. Our son's teacher got to know him quickly. Her teaching experience, sensitivity, gentle guidance and individual attention have helped him flourish. She knows him and makes him feel special -- every day.
- Your child's learning style: Is your child a visual, auditory or "hands-on" learner? What other venues help him shine -- sports, music, theater? (Prince of Peace has competitive sports teams beginning in fourth grade.) Does your child need more space to enhance concentration and comfort? Observe a teacher and class in session.
- Spiritual and school environment: Prince of Peace Lutheran School is based on Trinity Lutheran School's 115-year history and offers a loving, faith-based community. It feels like family. It's a place where each child's growth and happiness matter.
Time is your child's gift. So are his faith and education. Choose wisely to make your investment for him pay forever.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Finding the Right School for Your Child
In the world of "online" everything, it can be easy to forget one of the most important things your child needs: education that's "in line" with their needs. Not all children learn the same way. But they thrive in the right educational setting.
So here's a twist on education: do your homework to find the school that best meets your child's unique academic, spiritual and social needs. You know your child best. You are his best advocate.
One of our children attends a public school and one goes to a private Christian school. When we explored schools, we considered many factors. Among the most important was how each child felt about school. We asked questions such as, "Do our children anticipate or avoid school? Are they curious about what they are learning? Motivated? Bored? Struggling? Frustrated?" Your child's attitude and homework will tell you a lot. It's your job to know and listen. Teachers can't do all the work.
Be aware of your child's learning style. Is he a visual, auditory, kinesthetic or "hands-on" learner? Look for a school, classroom and teaching style that fit his learning style. A "hands-on," multi-sensory learner may be bored if he sits in a chair most of the day.
What kind of classroom environment does your child need? Our son once said, "I can't hear myself thinking in class. It's too loud and people are so close to me all the time." He needed more space to enhance his comfort and concentration. We found a classroom that's carpeted, not tiled. It's spacious and has several different work areas.
Other items to address include the teacher's instruction style and experience. Do they mesh with your child's learning style? Will his class size allow enough individual attention? This may be especially important if your child is more introverted. Observe a class if you can. Seek input from parents and school administrators. Look for a teacher who will build your child's academic and personal strengths, and help him turn "challenges" into assets.
Determine the strength of the curriculum, too. Review the textbooks and know the school's educational goals. Curriculum includes physical education. Our fifth grader is highly kinesthetic. He has physical education classes and recess every day, plus after-school competitive sports programs with his peers. Sports help him shine and challenge him to work hard.
Only 6 percent of schools nationwide now offer physical education five days a week. Yet exercise boosts brain function and enhances cognitive development, according to Dr. John J. Ratey, a Harvard Medical School clinical associate professor of psychiatry.
Find a school that enhances your child's interests. Our high school daughter is creative. She thrives on the arts. Her school offers excellent musical, theatrical, writing and digital media programs.
Finally, consider how the school's nurturing, respect, discipline, beliefs and values match your child's needs.
Once you've done your homework and chosen a school, be actively involved in his education. Thank teachers for investing so much in him - and support your school. Your child's self-esteem and future are on the line.
Prince of Peace Lutheran School4770 County Road 120, St. Cloud, MN 56303
Phone: 320-251-1477 | Fax: 320-251-8996
Email: Office@PrinceOfPeaceLS.org
Soaring on eagles' wings - Isaiah 40:31
