Is It Really True that You Get What You Pay For?

When looking at schooling alternatives for your child, you will find yourself with two options:

1. A free option
2. A tuition-based school

An immediate list of pros and cons for each option may come to mind, and the idea of monthly or annual tuition may land heavily in the “cons” column. But there are several factors that you may not have yet considered.

‍

Free Options

While paying nothing for something may sound enticing, keep in mind that you are giving up quite a bit in the process. As the parent, you may find yourself with a lot of responsibility: finding the right curriculum, creating a schedule that works for each student, teaching (including more complex topics like geometry and chemistry), disciplining when your students fall behind or aren’t working, record-keeping, and more. It can feel like you are working multiple full-time jobs.

Pursuing a free schooling alternative may also land you in a difficult situation when your student begins preparing for life after high school. Not earning an accredited diploma can close a lot of doors for your child just as they are getting ready to start their adult life. A diploma is likely needed for college and university admission, joining the military, and possibly even long-term, high-paying employment. Be wary of online “diploma mills” as well, which may be promoted as a last-minute way to receive an accredited diploma; there is a reason diploma mills are not a standard in the industry.

Free options through the local schools also may not be in your child’s best interest. Even when something is labeled "free," there is always a cost associated. Taxpayers pay for free education, which allows lawmakers to influence what is taught. 

‍

Tuition-Based School

As a parent, you want to be sure that the education your child receives is equivalent to the tuition paid. Areas to focus on include:

• An accredited program
• Caring and qualified teachers
• Accountability systems 
• A Christian curriculum that prepares students for their next steps academically, spiritually, and socially

Concerning moral teaching, God has given parents the right to determine their child’s learning rather than strangers. The right for parents to choose an education for their children was first declared at the United Nations General Assembly: “Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.”1 The child is not the mere creature of the state; those who nurture them and direct their destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to prepare them for life2. 

How do Enlightium Academy parents feel about the choices they've made?

• “The classroom setup does not work for everyone. Some people are more likely to learn online where they are actively learning.” Parent of a 9th-grade student, United Arab Emirates 

• “Just the fact that Enlightium Academy is Christian-based and many online schools are not. Our student needs a good spiritual background to succeed in life, not just his academics.” Parent of an 8th-grade student, Tennessee 

• “In addition to being a Christian school, we liked how well it is organized and put together. As indicated by the website, Enlightium Academy is organized and put together and has far exceeded our expectations in various ways.” Parent of a 1st-grade student, California

‍

Since 2003, Enlightium faculty and staff have served partner schools, hybrid, online, and homeschool K-12 students. With parental support, excellent instruction, and a personalized approach to learning, Enlightium equips students with the academic, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed in life. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288 or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com. 

Resources:

1. United Nations Human Rights Committee (2018). Universal declaration of human rights at 70: 30 articles on 30 articles - article 18. Washington, D.C.
2. Vryhof, S. C. (2005). A System where everyone wins: The legitimacy of faith-based schools in a system of choice. Educational Horizons. Eerdmans.