Public, private, homeschool, or online? A guide for Christian parents

On this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman talks with Dr. Ryan Denison and Steph Thurling of Christian Parenting about one of the most important decisions parents face: choosing the right schooling path for their children. They explore public, private, online, and homeschooling options, especially in light of the post-COVID education landscape. 

Drawing from personal experiences and Steph’s recent parenting podcast series, they offer biblical wisdom and practical guidance to help families make decisions rooted in faith rather than fear. Whether you’re weighing options for the first time or rethinking your current choice, this conversation will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and a Christ-centered perspective.

Topics

• (00:25): Discussing school options for Christian parents
• (02:10): Personal stories and experiences with school choices
• (11:10): Biblical principles in education choices
• (16:16): Exploring the Christian Parenting podcast series
• (21:21): Choosing the right school district
• (27:41): Challenges and changes in public schools
• (32:23): Concerns and misconceptions about public schools
• (34:41): Transitioning from public to private schools
• (36:23): Homeschooling during COVID-19
• (38:48): Challenges and realities of homeschooling
• (46:06): Online schooling as an emerging option
• (47:43): Building community in different school settings
• (52:17): Avoiding judgment in school choices
• (56:10): Resources and final thoughts

Resources

• Ask Us Anything: [e-mail]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Christian Parenting Education Series Playlist
• School Simplified Digital Guide
• A Great Cloud of Witnesses: Prayer Journal 
• Christian Parenting Podcast
• Should I send my kid to private school? - Christian Parenting
• Why I chose to put my kids in public school - Christian Parenting
• Why should I homeschool? - Christian Parenting 
• Schooling options: Preferences rather than requirements- Christian Parenting
• How the body of Christ can help local school districts

About Dr. Ryan Denison

Ryan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.

About Steph Thurling

Steph Thurling is the Executive Director of Christian Parenting and host of .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}