School Choice is the right of a child’s legal guardian to place their student in a private, public, charter, or homeschool environment. This protects the guardian’s right to have their student educated in accordance with their needs, values, or family preferences. However, the issue for most Americans usually comes down to finances. When comparing the feasibility of schooling options, public schools are most accessible as a “free” educational institution in contrast to the costly tuition fees that may burden families when accessing private or charter schools. Meanwhile, homeschooling may be financially accessible for many families, but this educational format requires a guardian to be present throughout the day. With this reality, private, charter, and home-educating students fall to the wayside as families are unable to accommodate such fees within their monthly budgets. As a result, the decision is often made for guardians, and public educational institutions, run by the government, become the obligatory choice of many Americans.
Over the years, discussion surrounding school choice has become increasingly popular as states pass legislation for public education funds to follow students or provide scholarships, enabling alternative forms of education beyond assigned neighborhood public schools. In doing so, the freedom for guardians to place their student in a school of their choosing, rather than being restricted by district markings or family income, has at last been restored in these states.
The state of Arkansas has legislation that codifies this program allowance. In 2023, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the LEARNS Act, which allows the money to follow the student, aiding their education rather than staying in public school funds. This Act, and the allotted amount of funds, has opened a doorway for guardians to take control of their students’ education without relying on the government. This has led to a rise in tuition and enrollment for private, charter, and home-education programs, and a concurrent decrease in public school funds, especially in rural areas.
As a private school educator, I have witnessed tremendous growth within my school, which has benefited both students and staff. This year, we added sixth grade to our elementary school, as well as instrumental music classes and a learner’s lab to provide students with intervention and assessment. In the 2026-2027 school year, the school will add seventh grade and additional grade-level classes K-6th, while keeping our class sizes small. A nurse, librarian, and full-time physical education teacher will join the team to assist with the initial steps in providing a sports program, enhancing our educational quality. Due to these additions, our staff has doubled in size. The rapid changes to our school have also brought in an influx of diverse students, dramatically increasing enrollment. As this growth continues, the staff also benefits as teacher salaries continue to increase yearly due to the money being directed to our private school. Although our tuition has increased, it is affordable to families because the LEARNS Act covers all but a couple hundred dollars for the current school year. Therefore, from a private-school educator’s perspective, school choice has been rewarding and beneficial for all involved, especially due to this legislation.
Even with these commendable outcomes, there are some things to consider with school choice. From where are the states that are participating in these school scholarship programs receiving their funds? What is the longevity of this money? Another side-effect is the suffering of public schools. If people start moving their students out of public schools, then the attendance, and therefore the money, is being stripped away. Some might say this is a positive because it will spur schools to revamp their systems and adopt higher standards for success. It forces schools and those in higher authority to consider why guardians are no longer satisfied with public schooling, be it for misaligned values, an undesirable environment, or a number of other factors. These are all things to keep in mind in the larger conversation as we work for the best educational opportunities for every child.
School choice provides legal guardians the freedom to invest in their student’s education in alignment with their values and needs, especially in states with scholarship programs or funds following the child. It allows freedom from the government and greatly benefits other educational institutions leading to a more flourishing nation with intelligent, happy children.
Bethany Wagoner is a Young Women for America Fellow in Arkansas.
