As a teacher, my mission has always been simple: to give every child the best possible education, regardless of where they come from. But one of the biggest questions in education today is whether school choice helps us achieve that mission—or whether it complicates it.
School choice has become a major topic among educators, parents, and policymakers, sparking discussions about opportunity, equity, and what’s best for students.
What’s school choice?
At its core, school choice refers to the ability of parents to choose the best educational setting for their child, rather than being limited to a school based solely on ZIP code.
This includes options such as:
Public school transfers
Allowing students to attend schools outside their assigned district.
Charter schools
Publicly funded but independently operated schools with more flexibility in curriculum and policies.
Magnet schools
Public schools with specialized programs in subjects like STEM, the arts, or foreign languages.
Private school vouchers
Financial aid or scholarships that help families afford private education.
Homeschooling and online education
Alternatives for families who prefer direct control over their child’s learning environment.
The promise of school choice
From a teacher’s perspective, I see the potential benefits of school choice. Every child is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn’t always work. Some students thrive in structured traditional classrooms, while others need a specialized learning environment to reach their full potential.
Every child is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn’t always work.
For example, I once had a student, Sam, who struggled in a large public school setting. He was bright but easily distracted, and his parents felt he wasn’t getting the support he needed.
When they transferred him to a smaller charter school with a project-based learning model, the transformation was remarkable. Sam became more engaged, his confidence grew, and he rediscovered his love for learning. For families like his, school choice was life-changing.
Another key advantage is competition and innovation. Schools that operate with choice-based funding often have more flexibility to experiment with new teaching strategies, technology, and curricula.
When parents have options, schools have an incentive to improve their programs and attract students. This can lead to creative solutions that better serve students’ needs.
The challenges and concerns
While school choice presents opportunities, it also raises important challenges. One of the biggest concerns is equity. While choice theoretically offers opportunities for all students, the reality is that access isn’t always equal.
Families with more resources may find it easier to navigate the system, transport their children to better schools, or pay for supplementary costs that come with private or charter education.
Then there’s the issue of funding. Public schools rely on government funding based on enrollment. If students leave for charter or private schools, funding follows them. This can leave traditional public schools—especially those in lower-income areas—with fewer resources, which may widen existing educational disparities.
I’ve seen firsthand how this can impact students who stay in traditional schools. A former colleague of mine worked at a public elementary school that struggled with declining enrollment due to nearby charter school growth.
Over time, budget cuts led to larger class sizes and fewer extracurricular activities, making it harder to provide the well-rounded education that all kids deserve.
Additionally, accountability and oversight vary across different school types. While public schools are subject to state testing and curriculum requirements, charter and private schools often have more autonomy. While flexibility can be beneficial, it also raises concerns about maintaining consistent educational quality across different types of schools.
Finding the right balance
So, what’s the best path forward? The goal should be to expand opportunities without creating unintended consequences.
Here’s how we can do that:
Ensure Equal Access
School choice should be accessible to all families, not just those with the resources to navigate the system. Transportation, funding, and clear application processes need to be in place to ensure that choice truly means choice for everyone.
Support Public Schools Too
School choice works best when public schools remain strong. Even as families explore different options, traditional public schools must be adequately funded and supported, ensuring that students who stay receive a high-quality education.
Maintain High Standards
Whether a student attends a public, charter, or private school, accountability should remain consistent. Schools should be evaluated on their academic performance, student support services, and ability to meet educational standards.
Encourage Collaboration
Instead of framing school choice as public vs. private or traditional vs. charter, we should look at ways for different types of schools to work together, sharing best practices to improve learning for all students.
The bigger picture
Education isn’t about politics—it’s about students. School choice is a tool, but like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how it’s implemented. If done thoughtfully, it can open doors for many children who might otherwise struggle in traditional settings. But if not handled carefully, it risks deepening divisions and inequalities.
As teachers, parents, and advocates for children, our responsibility is to ensure that every child—regardless of background or circumstance—receives the education they deserve. Whether that’s in a neighborhood public school, a charter program, or a specialized learning environment, the focus should always be on what’s best for the students.
School choice is an ongoing conversation, and it’s one worth having. Because at the end of the day, what matters most isn’t just where a child learns—it’s that they are given the best possible chance to succeed.
(For privacy purposes names have been changed)
