In the News: School Choice Edition
This content originally appeared in the Put Kids First ND newsletter on Feb. 19, 2025.
Here are the week’s school choice news, polling, and testimonies you need to know
Letter: School choice would benefit North Dakota
Distinguished Professor of Education Policy Patrick J. Wolf shares what research indicates regarding educational savings accounts and school vouchers. >>> read the piece
Study: School choice does not impact homeschool policy
A Johns Hopkins national study found no evidence that public funding of private school choice (e.g., ESA programs) has impacted homeschool policy. Indeed, they found homeschool regulation has decreased over time. >>> see the study
Testimony: Education Savings Accounts offer “total freedom” to homeschool families (Arizona)
An Arizona mother talks about the freedom her family has experienced using the state-funded Education Savings Account program. >>> watch the video
Testimony: Education Savings Accounts popular with Florida homeschool families
Two Florida parents — whose daughter is hearing-impaired and son is advanced above his grade level — share their experience homeschooling their kids using state-funded Education Savings Accounts. “Families shouldn’t have to move to Florida to have the same school choice opportunities [as us],” they say. >>> watch the video
Karla De Leon, NV
“The new school I attended in 4th grade was the complete opposite of my previous one. The classrooms were overcrowded, the teachers seemed dismissive, and the overall environment made me feel disconnected and lonely. I quickly realized that this school wasn’t right for me… Every day felt like a struggle.
Through some friends, my parents learned about the Opportunity Scholarship Program in Nevada, which offers financial assistance to students in need. My parents applied, and that summer we prepared for my transfer to a new school that would offer the support and individual attention I needed. This decision was a turning point in my academic and personal growth. I went on to attend Green Valley Christian School where I made friends on the first day and was finally able to flourish.”
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for our next edition of the latest school choice news, polling, and testimonies that you need to know.
This content originally appeared in the Put Kids First ND newsletter on Feb. 19, 2025.