All parents want the best for their children, and providing a quality education that meets our child's unique needs is at the top of that list.

The education options available to your child when it comes to your child's education vary state by state, and the conversation of school choice can sometimes be controversial. At Parents for School Options, we aim to unpack what school choice really means and why this topic can be misunderstood.

Before we dive into what school choice is and address some misconceptions, let’s understand what school choice is all about. 

What Is School Choice?

School choice is the belief that every family should have the freedom to choose the best education for their child. That could mean a traditional public school, a charter school, a virtual or magnet school, a private school, a microschool or homeschooling!

Supporters of school choice believe that families, not zip codes, should decide where kids learn. In many cases, pro-school choice policies will allow families to use the public education funds set aside for their child and apply them to the school or program that fits them best.

At its core, school choice puts parents in the driver’s seat, giving them the power to find the right learning environment for their unique child. And in today’s world, having that choice matters more than ever.

America's Public Education Crisis

According to the American Federation for Children, a student leaves the public school system in the U.S. every single minute. 

It is no secret that our students are falling behind, and our schools are not equipped to meet many of them where they are. In several of the country’s largest cities, more than half of students fail to graduate. Our country also continues to fall behind over a dozen other countries in math and reading proficiency. The K-12 education system in America is in crisis, and parents are demanding more. 

Making Education Work For Every Student 

For most students in America, the traditional brick-and-mortar public schools are great and are able to offer a well-rounded education in a safe learning environment. However, these schools are not the right fit for every student. 

In many cases, the most vulnerable children (i.e. those with chronic illness who can’t attend in-person classes or those who experienced severe bullying and school violence) seek other options that offer a great education in an environment where their specific needs are supported. In addition, some exceptionally gifted children need a more advanced curriculum than their school can provide. School choice offers the flexibility for gifted students to pursue larger course loads or advance their education at a pace that works best for them. 

Now, let's address some common misconceptions about the school choice movement:

Common School Choice Misconceptions

Myth: School Choice Takes Money Away from Public Schools

A widely held belief is that school choice policies aim to drain funding from public schools.

The reality is school-choice advocates believe that that funding should follow the student. The goal is not to drain funding from public schools or reduce the amount allocated to students who elect to attend brick-and-mortar public schools. Public schools are funded on a per-student basis, so the idea is that if my child opts to go to the charter school down the road or to enroll in a virtual academy, those public dollars allocated to my student remain with my student. 

Myth: School Choice Only Helps Wealthy Families

Another common idea is that school choice mainly benefits families who can afford to pay for private schooling.

In reality, school choice advocates believe that we should level the playing field when it comes to equal access to high-quality education. Many programs like education savings accounts (ESAs), vouchers, and scholarships aim to help low-income families access better educational opportunities.

The Parent and Student Perspective 

School choice is not merely a policy issue... it is a deeply personal issue. We have spoken to hundreds of parents across the nation who have turned to another education option for their children and never looked back.

For Hannah, virtual school meant finding a safe haven from bullying and dyslexia issues. For Alison, public charter school meant giving her kids an education they were excited about. For Amy, homeschooling her children has meant ensuring her family values are reflected in their everyday curriculum... and lots of invaluable family bonding.

For many families, school choice can often be the difference between thriving and stagnating. At Parents for School Options, we share stories of real parents and students who are thriving because of the school options that have been provided to them.

By dispelling the misconceptions of the school choice movement, we believe we can focus on our true mission: ensuring every child, no matter their zip code, background, or ability, gets an education that matches and ignites their unique spark.