As a fourth-grade teacher at Kingdom Christian Academy in Fulton, Melissa Leisinger knows what a benefit access to a private school education can be.
“What really I like about a Christian or a private school is the ability to challenge students above their means,” she said. “It’s a smaller class setting so that makes all the difference in the world because when you have 20 to 25 students it’s much easier. With the smaller setting I feel like the kids are learning better and at their best potential.”
She said private schools are also a great environment for teachers.
“I taught at a public school for several years and then I switched over to a private school,” she said. “I did enjoy my students in the public school setting. What I did not like was being governed by all the laws and everything else that has to be followed.”
Melissa believes that every Missouri student should have the same educational opportunities.
“I just believe everyone deserves the best that they can get,” she said. “All students across the state should be given the same opportunity, whether that is a public education, homeschool, virtual school, you name it. I want each child across the state no matter what level of income you’re at, no matter where you are, every child matters and I want them to all have that choice.”