School Choice is off to a good start, but we can do better

The recent report from The Federalist highlighting the incredible savings from school choice programs—up to $45 billion nationwide—is a testament to the power of giving parents control over their child’s education. As The Federalist points out, when families receive an Education Savings Account (ESA), which typically amounts to half of what the state spends per public school student, the cost savings for taxpayers are substantial. While these numbers show that school choice is fiscally responsible, this is just the beginning.

School choice programs have delivered impressive returns, but we can go even further to ensure true education freedom for all. The current model is a step in the right direction, but it often leaves certain students—particularly homeschoolers and those outside of specific eligibility requirements—without access to these savings. For school choice to reach its full potential, it must be completely universal, allowing every single education dollar to follow each student, no matter where or how they choose to learn.

Universal school choice would create a marketplace where private schools, public schools, charters, and even homeschooling options compete for students, driving quality and innovation across the board. Rather than merely offering partial funding, each family should have access to their full allocation of state education funding, putting real power in the hands of parents. This approach would level the playing field and give all families equal access to educational opportunities that suit their values, goals, and unique learning needs.

In addition, we need to move beyond one-size-fits-all testing requirements and bureaucratic mandates to foster a truly competitive environment. Many school choice programs still rely on outdated state testing standards that don’t reflect the diverse educational approaches families may prefer. By removing these requirements, we can allow families to select the type of school that best aligns with their priorities without restrictive testing models. When schools are held accountable to parents rather than state metrics, they are incentivized to maintain high standards to attract and retain students.

As The Federalist notes, in states like Arizona, where school choice programs have gained traction, the fears of budget shortfalls or underfunded public schools have proven unfounded. Not only did Arizona see a budget surplus, but families who opted for the ESAs could tailor their children’s education to meet their unique needs. Meanwhile, public schools also benefited, as increased competition led to improvements across the board. This is a powerful example of how universal school choice can create a win-win scenario for all: empowering parents, enhancing educational outcomes, and delivering fiscal benefits.

Moreover, universal school choice ensures that public schools must innovate and perform at a higher level to attract and retain students. As competition from private and homeschooling options grows, public schools must adapt to provide the quality education parents seek for their children. This free-market principle of competition is fundamental to raising standards and delivering results in any sector, including education.

In conclusion, the recent wave of school choice legislation is a good start, but it’s just the beginning.