Reviews Book Review Watch Video
"Over the past two decades, we have witnessed David and Kelli's wise, biblical, and practical approach to raising their own children and countless others. You are holding an excellent tool, a must read for all parents who want to raise kids who will find and fulfill their God given destiny."
Sam and Kathi Katina - The Katinas (Christian Music artists, www.thekatinas.com)
"'Going Public' provides a Christian framework to not only succeed in the public schools - but to thrive. While many Christian families fear the negative influence of public schools, the Pritchards remind us that we don't have to "take God into the public schools" because He's already there! Finally - a positive, practical book that encourages us to work together as a family and impact our schools and communities for Jesus."
Kjel Kiilsgaard - 27 years as a public high school teacher and coach
Leslie Kiilsgaard - High School Counselor
"Going Public" is the right book at the right time for frazzled, frantic and unfulfilled parents. I have known the Pritchard family as pastor and friend for over twenty years. Their insights and experiences will bring purpose and peace to many lives.”
Darcy Fast - Pastor, Centralia Community Church
"David and Kelli Pritchard have been modeling what good parenting is all about for the last 20 years. Their methods are based on sound principles that will work in any culture, and with any type of children. We love the practical "nuggets" like how they decide who sits where in the family car. Overall, you will be blessed as you read their parenting strategies based on the concept that children are most fulfilled when their parents are in control."
Don and Robin Stuber - 30+ Years in youth ministry
"As a Coach, I am always looking for examples to devotion and self-control, so that I can relate these excellent qualities to the team. Kelli and David Pritchard and their family are perfect examples of those qualities. One can witness tremendous commitment observing Kelli and David’s marriage. They are the real deal. What you see is what you get with the Pritchards. David and Kelli are constantly working on their marriage as they communicate and organize their relationship with each other and with their children. The Pritchard’s demonstrate devotion to teach other as well as living their faith through marriage. One of the best expressions of this marriage would be the discipline towards excellent quality of life that each of their children demonstrate. I personally know all eight of the Pritchard children and have taught and coached two of them. They are all the ‘cream of the crop’. Within days of moving to our school district, the four oldest children became natural leaders on their respected teams and in their respected classes. The Pritchard’s offspring reach for the highest stars, knowing if they fail they will still hit the moon. Even through the hardships of a large family and the schooling ages, one can witness a maturity in all of the Pritchard children. Alyse, Krista, Tavita, Jordan, Tana, Danielle, Keila and Sina all demonstrate a discipline lifestyle that is a by-product of a faith filled marriage and learned self-control."
Jonathan B. Randall - PE Instructor, Head Football & Baseball Coach, Clover Park High School
"If you want to find out what marriage and parenting is all about; just watch David and Kelli as they interact with each other and their children. I have know them for several years now and have had a chance to watch them in action. One of the things that strikes me the most (having spent many years working with teens) is the love and respect that their children have for them. We live in a generation where this cannot be said in many families. I believe that the children's love and respect is a reflection of the the love and respect that they have received from their parents. I have also watched David and Kelli as a couple. I've been married for 38+ years and there has not been a time that I have not felt convicted regarding the way that they love and treat each other. If the proof is in the pudding, you only have to watch the Pritchard family to see a model of a family that loves each other and the God who created them. David & Kelli, know that those words come from my heart. If I didn't mean it I would not have written it. I love you guys. You and your kids mean more to me than you will ever know."
Bill Paige - VP and Special Assistant to the President of Young Life
"What’s a Christian
parent to do when it comes to School Choice? Should Christian parents home
school, send their children to Christian school or public school? Unlike some
clothing choices: one size does not fit all. However, for parents choosing the
public schools for formal education, 'Going Public' is a must read. The book
points out that over 47 million of our nation’s students attend public schools,
equaling 89% of our children and is, in fact, where 80% of our Christian
families send their children.
'Going Public' points out that the key to raising children in the knowledge of
the Lord may not focus merely on the location where formal education takes
place, but where the informal education takes place as well: in the home during
non-instruction time.
Parents need to saturate their homes with the Truth of their faith 24/7 and play
a major role in daily formal education whether that training takes place
exclusively at home, in a
Using Biblical truths and practical examples, David and Kelli Pritchard have
succeeded in writing a “how to” book about thriving in public schools."
Finn Laursen - Executive Director, Christian Educators Association International (www.ceai.org)
"The greatest testimony of David and Kelli's parenting is, of course, their children; spend a few hours with any of them and it will be clear how much they respect, trust, love and 'believe in' Mom and Dad."
Hunter and Lauri Lambeth
"It is with great pleasure that I recommend Dave & Kelli Pritchard to you. As their pastor I have had many opportunities to observe their lives up close. I have been in their home, watched them try to fit their whole family in one pew at church, sat with them to ask for advice, cheered for their children playing basketball and football, and observed them teaching and ministering to many people. They are an amazing couple with children who love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Dave & Kelli have a unique blend of passion and compassion for Jesus, for life, and for people. I describe them as people magnets. I know that God will use the principles they have built their lives and family upon as they share them with others."
Dr. Jim Kennington - Lake City Community Church, Lakewood, Washington
"God brought David and Kelli Pritchard into my life at a time when a betting person would have said the odds were against me. The Pritchards showed me that even if the odds were against me, God was for me. David and Kelli opened their home and their hearts to me, allowing me to watch and learn how a Godly family lives and loves. I continually thank God for showing me through the Pritchards all I could hope for, desire and have in a family."
Michael DeGraw - one of the teenage boys the Pritchards took in while living in Centralia
"There are three things that are immediately discovered when one walks into the Pritchard home: the value of fun and the overwhelming presence of love. The third is kids; lots and lots of kids. Many of these are “not their own,” but because they believe every child is of great value and worth, their home is a refuge for many who have been forgotten. It is within this context that they have chosen to raise their family. It is within this context that their children have learned selflessness, responsibility, kindness, respect, moral and ethical purity, and love. It is within this context that they have learned that it is ‘better to give then to receive’ because they have been able to give to 'the forgotten' who their lives have intersected with and they call them 'friend'.”
Steven R. Ridgway - Executive Director, The Northwest Network Foundation
"Having known the Pritchards for more than 16 years, we flew our newly-married son and his wife to Centralia, to experience a few days in the Pritchard home. As a result, and with some direct mentoring by Kelli during one or two 'challenges' as young parents, Ben & Jennifer have a great marriage and excellent parenting skills. Their two young sons, Owen and Gavin, are fine examples of "the Pritchard method". Last year Ben and Jennifer moved Owen from a Christian pre-school to the local public kindergarten. Now our younger son, Kevin, and his wife Erin, are ready for the same 'pilgrimage'. 'Going Public' offers you a glimpse of life with the Pritchards. Thank God and thank you David, Kelli and family, for showing us all what God intended marriage and family to look like in this crazy world!"
Mick & Jenny Daly - National Marketing Directors, NSA LLC