Parents who take the time to educate themselves will find that they have more legal latitude than they may think when it comes to the care of their children, whether it be vaccinations, educational options, or anything in between.
If you choose to educate at home, you should have the tools to do so with confidence and excellence. That means knowing the law in your state and county and following it closely. We can help empower you to use your constitutional rights without fear so you can teach and guide your children as you feel led by the Lord.
At the same time, should you choose the public school system for your children, you don’t forfeit your parental rights when they enter the classroom. You may review what’s being taught and at times opt out of lessons that violate your beliefs. In some instances, you can be notified in advance if a course covers topics you consider too extreme.
By law, you always have access to your child’s records—academic, disciplinary, or otherwise. You may withhold your child from school for religious observances. Any tax credits or vouchers available for private schools must be equally accessible for secular or religious schools.
But it’s not just the parents’ rights to be considered here. Students in public schools are not to be prohibited from talking about God in class assignments or making Him the focus of appropriate extracurricular activities. Young people must be able to pray, share their faith with friends, or express pro-life views on a T-shirt without fear of reprisal.
The Bible is clear that the responsibility of parents in teaching their children is all-encompassing. Deut. 6:6-8 says, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.”
Our attorneys are on hand to answer any questions parents may have, and several of our existing print resources address these issues as well.
