Family Spotlight: The McMillan Family
The McMillan family chose Ben Lippen School for their children in the fall of 2019. Find out what Mom Anne Stuart had to say about their experience.
What do you love about Ben Lippen School? Where do I start? I love the fact that my girls are nurtured and educated in a Christ-centered environment. I love that the teachers openly prayer for my girls, that contemporary Christian music is playing outside as they walk in every morning, that girls have an opportunity to play on varsity teams where “To God be the Glory” is the mantra. All of this while giving unparalleled academically challenging courses.
On a more practical note, I appreciate that Ben Lippen doesn’t “nickel and dime” you as I’ve heard some other schools are prone to do. Lunch is included as are most field trips and other expenses. I find that it is an amazing value and one that is worth every penny and so much more.
Why did you choose Ben Lippen for your children? My girls were in public school and although both were doing well academically, the overall environment was stressful and chaotic. Class sizes were averaging 30 students and I could tell that teachers were having a difficult time managing their classes and it was becoming very evident in my girls that it was affecting them. When my husband and I started to think of other options, there was really only one to consider and that was Ben Lippen. If we were going to make the financial commitment of private school, it had to be one whose views aligned with ours. I wanted my girls to be taught by believers and be nurtured and challenged by strong Christians who openly profess their faith.
In what ways have you seen your children grow in their faith as a result of their experiences at Ben Lippen? I feel that both girls are more comfortable talking about their faith- it’s not something that is only discussed at youth group, church or home. As with all of us, it is a journey and I know that the lessons they are getting from teachers, chapel and other students are seeds planted in their hearts and I can’t wait to see how these seeds grow as my girls begin their own lives away from us. Both of my girls have professed their faith in baptism and I know they will continue to grow in their relationship with God and I feel certain that what they are learning at Ben Lippen will carry them through their Christian journey.
What is the one word your family would use to describe the Ben Lippen experience? Nurturing
What would you tell other parents who are considering enrolling their children at Ben Lippen School?
- Change is unsettling. Even if your child’s school is only barely meeting your child’s individual needs (academically and emotionally), it’s still familiar and comfortable, BUT take a leap of faith and investigate other options.
- I was under the impression that sometimes small private schools are less demanding academically. This is not the case at Ben Lippen. Instead, with the small class sizes (8 students in one of my daughter’s AP classes), the students get a more intense education and can be challenged more appropriately. We have been thrilled with the level of instruction and commitment that these teachers have. Your child will be lovingly challenged and uplifted by a strong Christ-led faculty.
- PRAY! If you are even considering looking at Ben Lippen, it's very likely the Holy Spirit leading you. Do not think of finances first (I know this can sound cavalier to some) but trust that if God has placed this in your heart, He will find a way to make it possible. Trust in the Lord; if it is His will, He will provide a way!