School Decisions 2.0

In the US, we had many conversations—as a couple and also with friends—about whether to send our kids to a public or private school.  Here in Nicaragua, we are involved in many of the same debates, but instead of Christian vs. public, the two contenders are English-language schools vs. Spanish-language schools.  There are obviously pros and cons to both. Here is a sample debate to give you a feel for some of the issues that make this decision tricky.  Andrew will play the role of the open minded optimist, and Ruth will play the role of the negative pessimist.

Andrew:  I think we should have the kids attend Nejapa (which is Nicaragua Christian Academy’s Spanish language campus in Managua) so that they are fully immersed in Spanish and will eventually become fluent.

Ruth: But what about their English language skills?  Will they learn to read well in English?  Will they learn proper grammar?  Will they receive the same quality of education they would at the international campus? Will this mean that we will end up homeschooling on top of sending them to school? I don’t have the time or patience for that!

Andrew: But think of all the meaningful relationships that they could build with Nicaraguans classmates and teachers…

Ruth:  Can you imagine walking into a classroom where you know no one, and no one speaks your language.  I don't think I’d make any friends… I would just lock myself in a bathroom stall. 

Andrew: Kids learn languages so quickly and have the gift of developing friendships with no words.

Ruth: But what about the fact that the Nicaraguan schools are on a whole different calendar… you wouldn't even have the same summer break.

Andrew:  Yeah, that would be a pain…

This is obviously not a real dialog, but reflects many of the views we have spoken or heard.  What is real is the fact that it is hard to make these decisions that have such significant long term effects on our kids’ lives.  It is hard to know what challenges will push them to eventually being better people and which ones will just simply push them over the edge.  For now, we are trying to find a balance.  Henry and Mae attend NCA International where most of their instruction is in English, but for an hour (Henry) or two (Mae) a day, they are getting excellent Spanish instruction.  They both attend Sunday school at our Spanish speaking church where we hope and pray that they are being challenged to use their Spanish and build some of those meaningful relationships “Andrew” referenced earlier.  Charlotte just began attending a Nicaraguan preschool, where we hope that because of her young age she will learn Spanish quickly and develop a good bilingual base.  As all parents do, we pray that we are making the best decisions for our children, and are so thankful that really all we have to do is place them in God’s hands and have faith that although we don’t always know what’s best, He does.