Education: School Choice

School choice has always existed for parents who could afford to send their children to a private school, or to move into the neighborhood that had the best school. In the past there have been few options for parents. Today, however, most states have policies and programs that increase education options for families. Eleven states have enacted state-funded scholarship programs or tax credits for education expenses or contributions to scholarship funds; most states have charter school laws; 15 states guarantee public school choice within or between districts (other states have choice programs that are optional for districts, target only specific populations, and/or require that parents pay tuition); 21 states have comprehensive dual enrollment programs and others have limited policies; and all 50 states allow parents to homeschool their children.

This is good news indeed, because as the status quo is forced to give up control of education options, parents will have an increasing say in their children's education. Good news indeed.