Christian Parents and Education: A Shared Call 

Scripture is clear that parents are entrusted with the primary responsibility for the nurture and formation of their children. In Ephesians 6:4, Paul exhorts parents to bring their children up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Christian education, therefore, is not merely about academic preparation, but about shaping hearts, loves, and loyalties in response to God’s grace.

The second principle of our Educational Creed states that, 

“As believing parents we have Christ’s comforting assurance for our children that theirs is the Kingdom of heaven and that He will bless them when we bring them to Him (Mark 10:13-16). Expecting fulfilment of His promise and obeying the command of His apostle, we endeavour to bring our children up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4). Since the responsibility for this task has been placed on our shoulders as parents, we gladly accept responsibility for that part of the education which takes place outside our homes in the school. We consider the establishment of parent-controlled Christian Schools, which are to assist us in the work of Christian nurture and education, to be our God-given privilege.”  

This principle speaks from a Reformed theological understanding of covenant children which teaches that God, in His grace, binds Himself to His people through covenant promises that extend to believers and their children (Genesis 17:7; Acts 2:39). Children of Christian parents are not outsiders to the faith community; they belong within the covenant family and are to be nurtured as those who are called to know, love, and trust the Lord. 

This does not mean that faith is automatic or inherited. Rather, it means we raise our children with prayerful expectation, trusting God’s promises, teaching His truth diligently, and calling our children to respond in repentance and faith. We teach them not as strangers to the Gospel, but as those who are being lovingly invited into a lifelong relationship with Christ.

Faithful training of children, then, involves instructing them in Scripture and shaping them daily through conversation, discipline, example, worship, and prayer both in the home and at school.

At Donvale, we affirm that God has given parents the primary responsibility to care for their children and to make significant decisions about their education and upbringing. When parents choose a Christian school, they are not handing over that responsibility but inviting others to assist them in it.

The establishment of parent governed Christian schools is therefore understood as a God-given privilege. Our College exists to come alongside families, supporting parents in their calling by providing an education that is grounded in God’s Word. Together, we seek to help children discern the meaning and structure of God’s creation, so that they may learn to live wisely, faithfully, and obediently within it.

Teachers, leaders, and families work best when this partnership is marked by shared convictions, open communication, and mutual trust. As a school community, we aim to reinforce what is taught and modelled at home, helping students grow in discernment, character, and faith so that they may be equipped to serve Christ in every sphere of life.

As shared in the Network’s article last term on our vision and parent partnership, Christian education flourishes when school and home are aligned—walking together with intentionality, humility, and prayer.