SCS Stories: Gartman Family
What do you love about Sheboygan Christian School?
What’s there not to love? Brilliant leadership, dedicated teachers, and a supportive board. Christ can be taught, discussed and glorified. We know our children are going to be challenged and nurtured at the same time. This is a very unique education.
Why did you choose Sheboygan Christian School for your children?
There was no other option to us. Our personal experience was one of depth in learning and searching the ways of God. Our church taught us that we personally desperately need a Savior. Christian education taught us that our society desperately needs a Savior. Christ came to redeem not just our souls, but creation, science and social structures as well.
In what ways have you seen your children grow in their faith as a result of their experience at SCS?
All 3 of our children have grown in their faith walk at SCS. Teachers have challenged them through the eyes of scripture. Prayers, songs and devotions were a daily part of their days at SCS. In difficult situations at school or in our world, the teachers made the most of those times to discuss how to react with grace like Christ.
Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…” We believe SCS seeks not only knowledge, but wisdom.
In what ways have you seen your children grow academically as a result of their experience at SCS?
The staff at SCS all have unique teaching styles and what a beautiful multi-faceted approach to learning our kids were blessed with. Two of our children have gone on to Christian colleges where they feel they were well-equipped.
While SCS is a small school, it consistently strives toward meeting the needs of whatever gift level they are at. We don’t look so much at the breadth, but the depth of learning that takes place there. Most other academics appear shallow compared to what is learned at SCS.
One of our key values is partnership. How does SCS partner with your family to raise and educate your children?
The SCS staff and administration are highly communicative about the education of our children. They are very approachable and challenge our children the same we would want to see them challenged. Moments of prayer, spiritual encouragement and other developments at the school are communicated well to us as a family, so we can take part in those critical points and influences in our children’s lives.
Secondly, our children are broken, just like us. SCS families and individuals are not perfect. The school even rebukes our sinful tendencies. This is very important.
What sets SCS apart from other schools?
We could write a few pages on this! As mentioned before, we seek depth in learning. Other schools tout programs and additional class choices. SCS offers integrated faith learning that challenges and perks our children’s souls. Ultimately, arming our children with spiritually critical thought is what we want for our children so that they can serve the Lord with greater service and sacrifice. SCS is a place where academics are important, but Christ is vital.
What would you say to a prospective family considering enrollment at Sheboygan Christian School?
Yes, there is a financial cost involved, but God gave us kids to raise, so why not bless them with the best we can offer? Be patient with the school and its community. When broken individuals come together for a mission like this, it’s not always easy nor is it perfect. But we value and appreciate all that SCS provides.