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Here we report the findings from a survey conducted throughout the month of June 2008.  The results from this Anonymous Education Survey have been published by the Bethel SDA Elementary School, Home and School Marketing & advertising commission, to gather candid and honest feedback.  During that time, a total number of 32 respondents answered survey questions about their true private feelings on Christian education.  Survey results were tallied by Sis. JoNise Caleb.

• Family values and principles.
• Significant factors that determine school preference and/or enrollment
• Viewpoint on the correlation of the church, home and school.

Results of Christian Education Survey

 Total number of surveys collected = 32

Question #1: I am a

• Male =  5
• Female =  27

 Question #2: My age is

• 18 – 30 =  5
• 31 – 40 =  11
• 41 – 50 =  3
• 51 – 60 =  9
• 61 and older =  4

 Question #3: Do you have children?

• Yes =  24
• No, but if I had =  9

Question #4: My children attend:

• Adventist school =  23
• Public school =  3
• Private / Christian school (non- Adventist school) =  1
• Home school =  1
• No school age children =  4

* Note: Some participants made multiple selections

Question #5: Indicate the number of children that are in the following grade level:

• Pre-kindergarten =  1
• High school (9-12) =  1
• Elementary (K-5) =  10
• Middle school (6-8) =  3

* Note: Some participants made multiple selections

Question #6: How satisfied are you with the SDA education system?

• Very satisfied =  11
• Somewhat satisfied =  16
• Somewhat dissatisfied =  2
• Very dissatisfied =  0
• Don’t know =  2

 
Question #7: How familiar are you with SDA schools?

• Not a former student, but very familiar =  6
• I’m a result of Adventist Education =  12
• Somewhat familiar = 10
• Not familiar with Adventist schools = 2

 Question #8: Do you believe the quality of SDA schools has gotten better, gotten worse, or stayed about the same over the last few years?

• Gotten better =  6
• Gotten worse =  9
• Stayed about the same =  7
• I’m not sure =  5

 Question #9: Finish this sentence: Christian education is…

• A necessity / requirement =  28
• Simply a recommendation =  1
• An alternative to public school =  2
• I have never given it thought =  0

 
Question #10: Finish this sentence: Adventist education is…

• Optional for parents as God has given YOU these children to raise as you please =  4
• A spiritual obligation =  26
• Only for the children of the wealthy members and church leaders =  0
• Good if everyone can afford it =  2

 Question #11: In your opinion, Adventist education is academically ________ worldly education.

• Same as =  1
• Better than =  26
• Ok, but not as good as =  4
• By far worse than =  0

Question #12: How important is it for today’s youth to learn about Christ every day of the week?

• Not that important, as long as they attend church on Sabbath =  1
• More important than anything =  24
• Somewhat important =  1
• Equally as important as getting a good academic education =  6

 Question #13: Arrange in order from 1 to 5 what is most important in your life, being #1 the most important and #5 the least: (# in parenthesis represents number of responses)

• Education                 1 _(3)   2 (26)  3 ____ 4 _(1)_  5 __
• Great career             1 ___   2 ___   3 ____ 4 ___    5 __
• Spirituality                1 ___   2 ___   3 ____ 4 ___    5 __
• Physical appearance1 ___   2 ___   3 ____ 4 ___    5 __
• Financial stability     1 ___   2 ___   3 ____ 4 ___    5 __

 
Question #14: Finish this sentence: My child does/will not attend an Adventist school because…

• Too expensive =  3
• The public school across the street is more convenient =  0
• The private school s/he attends is prestigious and more academically sound =  1
• Never really thought about it =  3
• No response = 25

Remarks (10):

• I can do all things through Christ.  If I really want to help, God will provide the means so that some child can be completely educated.
• I no longer have school age children, but all 3 of my children is a product of SDA Christian education.  This was a vow I made to God when I came into this church.
• If you love God and you follow His plan, then giving the best education, that is based on God’s plan and that is an Adventist education.
• Adventist school is very important in this time.  I, however, would like to see more extracurricular, such as music, etc.
• My son attends Bethel SDA.  I think the school needs more structure for the kids, organization and method, grading, and better management.
• I think the school needs a more pleasant secretary/receptionist.
• I strongly believe in Christian education, however I am not satisfied with Bethel School.  If my son does not improve I intend to move him.
• SDA education is the only way.
• Adventist school does not make provision for those who really cannot afford a Christian education anymore.
• After this presentation [I]will give it some serious thought.

 Question #15: How would you rate the performance of the following using A, B, C, D, or F?

* Numbers represent total responses for each answer option and those who did not respond.  The most selected response is enlarged.