I was at the end of a long battle. A school had given my kindergarten child a medical diagnosis they were not qualified to give. Consequently, we had gone through months of tests accompanied by stress, anxiety, and fear about his future. So, when we found out nothing was wrong, we were both scared and relieved.
For obvious reasons, it was not an option for my child to continue in that school. I know enough to know that once a child is given a label, they are stuck with it for the rest of their life, and I was not willing to let that happen. Thus, I scheduled a meeting with the director of schools. I came into the meeting well-dressed, professional, kind, and intent on listening, no matter what kind of load of garbage they tried to give me. (Trust me. It was beyond anything I imagined).
As we moved toward the end of the conversation, I was informed in no uncertain terms that my son would not attend the school of my choice but theirs. I was lectured on how they were the professionals who knew best what he needed, and they would place him where they saw fit. I listened politely and responded, “That does not work for me. So, we need to seek another solution.” The director of schools was quick to retort, “It does not matter if it works for you. YOU DON’T HAVE ANY CHOICE.”
After saying something like, “The heck I don’t,” I stormed out of the office, picked up my phone, and called my wife. When she picked up the phone, my voice trembled when I sheepishly asked, “Do we have a choice?”
You see, at that time, I did not know. I thought my only option might really be to stay in a school where my son was not seen as a human being, but as a sum of money, a connection of grant dollars to fund an overinflated bureaucracy that perpetuates mediocrity. It didn’t matter if they changed his life for the worse forever. As far as the system was concerned, I thought they would get the check, and I did not have a choice.
For our family, that began the wonderful journey toward freedom, and we have not regretted one step. We have seen the trajectory of our family changed as we discovered the richness of our Christian heritage and the power of choice through our experience in private, Christian education. We have seen firsthand the transforming power that comes when students are seen as people and not merely test scores or sums of money.
Over the years, I have met countless parents who were just like us, full of fear and anxiety, wishing there was a choice, and longing for the freedom to do what was best for their child. And like us many have found such a place at Christ’s Legacy Academy. For well over a decade, CLA has partnered with families to equip the next generation of Christian leaders to impact the world for Christ. Many have wept with joy as they watch great lives grow here.
Come see it for yourself. Give us a call at (423) 649-0040 and set up your free educational consultation today. And remember, friends, you do have a choice.
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