What is in loco parentis?
How can teachers exercise delegated parental authority?
Classical Christian education makes a consequential claim about the purpose of schooling.
The responsibility for educating children belongs first and foremost to parents, who may entrust part of that responsibility to a school without surrendering their God-given authority.
In loco parentis is a Latin phrase meaning “in the place of parents.” This is not a one-way street. It is a partnership based on the foundational understanding that God gave children to parents and that it is the parents’ responsibility to educate and raise their children in the ways of the LORD.
Parents who want to use a local school to fulfill this responsibility should seek to understand the school’s mission and educational philosophy before enrolling their children. Then, they must support the teachers through high levels of trust, communication, and prayer. When needed, parents should patiently point out ways that teachers and administrators can improve the learning environment, but they should not seek to change the operational mission and vision of the school.
Teachers and administrators must provide the educational experience that was promised in marketing materials and during the admissions process. This involves the academic curriculum, Christian culture, discipline, discipleship, and communication focused on the development of wisdom and virtue. School employees should remember that they serve in a parental role for students and should always honor the promised partnership with parents.
The parental partnership established through in loco parentis at classical Christian institutions provides schools as important tools for parents to use as they raise their children. The practical challenge for schools is to turn a stated philosophy into habits that students experience every day.
How can teachers exercise delegated parental authority with humility and care?
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