A Conversation Worth Having
I don’t typically wade into political discussions because I want this school to be a welcoming place for all families, regardless of their beliefs. However, as National School Choice Week arrives, and with the latest education data now available, I feel compelled to share my thoughts.
The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data has revealed that only 31% of fourth graders and 30% of eighth graders are reading proficiently. That represents a continued decline, with reading scores dropping 10 points since 2019. Math scores, while showing slight improvement since 2022, remain three points below pre-pandemic levels.
With test scores being the primary way we measure public school success, this raises a critical question: Are our current education systems meeting the needs of students? And if they are not, should families have the ability to seek better options?
The Reality of School Choice and Public Schools
Every time I discuss school choice, with someone new in my life a common question is: But what happens to public schools? The assumption is that allowing families to direct their tax dollars toward alternative education options—whether private, charter, religious, cyber, microschools, or homeschooling—will negatively impact the public system.
However, studies show a different reality. First, it it is important to understand that in states where school choice programs exist, public schools retain a portion of the funding for students who leave. This means that per-student spending actually increases for the students who remain. Additionally, competition created by school choice programs has been linked to improved academic outcomes in public schools over time. When families have options, schools are incentivized to innovate, improve, and better serve students.
Beyond Statistics: Real Families, Real Impact
Numbers and policy debates only tell part of the story. At the heart of this issue are families simply trying to find the best education for their children.
One mother recently reached out to me, desperate for a school where her child could thrive. Her child struggled with anxiety in a traditional school setting, and after a long battle, the school district granted an outside placement. However, the only available option was a program designed for students with significant cognitive delays— which her child doesn't have. The mom was hoping to find a way to send her child to my program but can't afford to pay for it out of pocket, and microschools aren't approved school district placements. The cost of tuition and transportation for the school her child is currently attending is significantly higher than what my school charges, yet the child is not receiving an appropriate education. With true school choice, this family could select the best-fit school without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers or excessive costs to taxpayers.
Another family, living an hour away, seriously considered enrolling their energetic, highly capable second grader in my school, even with the log commute. In a traditional classroom, this child was drastically ahead of their peers in many ways but behind in a few select ways (common with neurodivergent kiddos). The large class size made it difficult for teachers to provide the tailored support needed, and the child quickly became disengaged. A disengaged, intelligent, energetic, 2nd grader is a dangerous thing in a class of 20+ kids. If Pennsylvania had a robust school choice program, more innovative educational environments like mine could emerge, ensuring families wouldn’t have to travel long distances just to find the right fit.
A Call for Meaningful Solutions
School choice is fundamentally about empowering families to make decisions that best support their children's education. It’s not about dismantling public schools—it’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or needs, has access to a learning environment where they can thrive.
For some, that means staying in their public school. For others, it means seeking alternatives. But ultimately, it should be the family's decision, not one dictated by zip codes or bureaucratic red tape.
National School Choice Week is an opportunity to have these conversations with an open mind. The goal is not to attack any one system but to acknowledge that no single model works for every child. Every student deserves the chance to succeed, and families deserve the ability to choose the best path forward.
Want to learn more about school choice, specifically school choice in PA? Check out Pa Families for Education Choice: www.paedchoice.org .
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