When it comes to schools, there is no one-size-fits-all.
While some learners thrive in traditional schools, an increasing number don’t. Satisfaction in K-12 education in the United States is reported to be at an all-time low. At the same time, enrollment in public schools has fallen in the long run, threatening school budgets.
There is a desperate need for alternatives. In the United States, around 800,000 learners, or 1.6 percent of all learners, are enrolled in alternative schools. Options like charter schools, homeschooling, micro-schooling, and online schools offer personalized paths that cater to the unique needs and strengths of each learner. Many such schools reimagine curriculum and learning modalities towards more project-based, mastery-based, and/or interdisciplinary approaches.
By giving families the freedom to choose the best educational fit, these alternatives encourage innovation, improve academic performance, and move away from the one-size-fits-all approach. Such is how embracing school choice is essential for creating a more fair and adaptable education system.
But how do we ensure these alternatives aren’t only accessible to those who can afford private education? In the US, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and school vouchers have been playing a pivotal role in expanding access.
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are innovative financial tools designed to give families greater control over their children’s education. Through ESAs, parents receive a portion of the public funding allocated for their child’s education, which they can then use for a variety of approved educational expenses.
If a family decides to move their child out of the public school system, they can use the state-allocated funds to support alternative education options such as homeschools, private schools, or online schools.
This flexibility allows families to tailor their child’s education to better meet their specific needs and preferences.
29 states now have some form of ESA, education choice tax credit, or education tax scholarship. Requirements vary from state to state – with some states only offering funding for in-person private schools while others restrict it to learners with special learning differences. Even more states have ESAs on the ballot in the coming years.
While many states focus on learners with disabilities, some extend eligibility to foster children, military families, low-income families, and learners in failing schools. These accounts allow parents to use state-allocated education funds for a wide range of approved expenses, such as private school tuition, tutoring, online courses, educational therapies, and homeschooling costs.
In some states, ESAs are available for any educational alternatives for all learners regardless of income or needs, provided the vendors are approved.
📣 The Importance of Advocacy
Want to see ESAs offered in your state? Start by reaching out to your local representatives to express your support. Share personal stories, attend town hall meetings, write letters, and join advocacy groups.
School of Humanity is currently an approved vendor for ESAs for the following states:
If you live in any of the states listed above and would like to leverage your ESAs for full tuition coverage at our school, reach out to us via admissions@sofhumanity.com to learn more.
Some critics worry that ESAs might divert funds from public schools and need strong regulations to ensure they work effectively. Additionally, ESAs have become a hot topic in politics, with debates often centered on the balance between public and private education, making it challenging to expand these programs.
However, by enabling parents to customize their child’s education based on their individual needs and preferences, ESAs promote a more tailored and effective learning experience. As more states adopt ESA programs, the accessibility and quality of education continue to improve, empowering families to choose the best educational path for their children.
The rise of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and other school choice initiatives might very well signal the future of public education.
By prioritizing personalization, flexibility, and innovation, these programs reflect a shift towards a more learner-centered approach. While challenges and criticisms persist, the potential benefits of ESAs—especially for families looking for alternatives—are significant. As these models continue to evolve and expand in the United States, they offer an interesting case study for the world.
Observing how ESAs reshape educational landscapes in the U.S. could provide much-needed insights for other countries seeking to improve their public education systems.
