Moving in the Right Direction

Every child, regardless of zip code or background, deserves an excellent education. Unfortunately, years of flawed, one-size-fits-all education policies have left many students trapped in failing schools.

This week, National School Choice Week, students, parents, teachers, and policymakers are celebrating how school choice can help students receive the education they deserve. Now, more than ever, school choice is a vital lifeline, empowering parents to do what’s best for their children’s education. In fact:

• Close to 3 million students are enrolled in 6,800 public charter schools.

• Nearly 400,000 students take advantage of a private school choice program.

• 70 percent of Americans support school choice.

More importantly, behind each of these numbers, are children whose lives have been changed for the better because of school choice:

• Denisha credits school choice with ending her family’s cycle of poverty.

• Nydia knew attending an academically rigorous high school would put her on a path to success. Thanks to a scholarship program, Nydia attends St. Mary’s High School in Arizona.

• Dylan receives an education tailored to his unique needs at a Florida school that specializes in teaching students with dyslexia.

• Sahara is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering — a path she said she wouldn’t have considered without her school choice program.

These are just a few examples of the kids who, thanks to school choice, are receiving a high-quality education that will help them succeed both in the classroom and in life. This week is a time to celebrate their stories and to renew our commitment to spreading the hope and opportunity of school choice to communities across the country.

Recognizing the important role school choice has in creating a brighter future for these and other students, Congress has already taken steps to extend the promise of school choice. But there is more work to do. That is why House Republicans will continue to lead the way to ensure every child receives an excellent education.