Equity in the Age of Education Choice: A Vision for Every Learner
The educational landscape has transformed dramatically in recent years. Once, parents essentially had two choices: send their child to the neighborhood public school or, if financially able, to a private institution. Now, options have blossomed, spanning microschools, pods, classical academies, forest schools, and more. It’s a smorgasbord of choices, each promising a unique approach to learning. As enticing as this diversity is, it raises a fundamental question: How can we support families in navigating these choices while ensuring we don’t abandon public education as the cornerstone of an equitable society?
As a homeschooling parent, I’m grateful for the freedom to tailor my children’s education. I know firsthand the benefits of personalized learning environments, the ability to dive deep into topics that captivate my kids, and the flexibility to adjust based on their needs. Yet, as someone who deeply values public education, I worry that as we race toward customized learning experiences, we may be inadvertently creating a system of haves and have-nots—where choice is available only to those who can afford to navigate this new terrain.
The Appeal of Customized Education
The rise of alternative educational models stems from a real demand for personalization. Many parents want their children to experience a learning journey that aligns with their individual talents, interests, and goals. Traditional education, with its standardized testing and focus on grades, often fails to recognize the diverse ways children learn. The appeal of flexible, personalized education is undeniable; it’s refreshing to see children empowered to pursue their full potential in an environment tailored just for them.
Research shows that nearly half of K-12 parents are interested in exploring alternative education options, whether through supplementing their child’s existing schooling, switching schools entirely, or creating a bespoke program. These “school supplementers,” “switchers,” and “customizers” all share a common goal: to provide a learning experience that fosters their child’s unique strengths. And in many ways, these families are right to seek out options that work better than the one-size-fits-all model.
But this journey isn’t always smooth. Families face real barriers—primarily, affordability and awareness. Even if a family finds a model that fits, many lack the financial means to make the leap. Additionally, with so many options available, parents are often left feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. This is where the role of educational “navigators” comes into play, providing guidance and resources to help families make informed decisions.
The Role of Navigators in Education
Navigators, as outlined in Tyton Partners’ “Choose to Learn” report, are essentially educational guides—organizations designed to help families discover, plan, and enroll in educational programs that fit their children’s unique needs. These navigators can be transformative, offering tailored guidance and support, especially for families unfamiliar with or overwhelmed by the diversity of educational choices.
The concept of navigators is brilliant in theory. By connecting parents with resources and personalizing pathways, navigators can help families make the most of available options. For parents eager to try homeschooling or microschooling, organizations like the National Microschooling Center or the Haskel Education Network can be invaluable. In Arizona, for instance, Love Your School offers comprehensive guidance to families across all educational choices, from public schools to private and everything in between.
However, as we celebrate these options, we must pause and consider the bigger picture. Not all families have access to navigators or the financial means to act on the options they present. And while alternative models may serve those who can access them, what happens to the families who remain in traditional public schools? We risk creating an education system where the wealthy benefit from flexibility and choice, while underserved communities are left with schools that are increasingly underfunded and overwhelmed.
The Potential Consequences of an Education Free-for-All
In our excitement over educational freedom, we risk undermining one of the most important pillars of a democratic society: public education. Public schools are designed to be a great equalizer, a place where children from all backgrounds come together to learn and grow. They provide not just academics, but also essential services—counseling, nutrition, special education, and extracurricular opportunities. For families who can’t afford private options, public schools are their lifeline.
The shift toward educational choice could erode this foundational institution. As more families leave the public system, public schools lose funding, which is often allocated based on enrollment numbers. This creates a vicious cycle: fewer resources mean larger class sizes, diminished services, and less individualized attention for the students who remain. In this scenario, educational choice begins to look less like an empowerment tool and more like an abandonment of our collective responsibility.
If we continue down this path, we could end up with a stratified education system—one where affluent families enjoy a range of options tailored to their children, while low-income families are left with public schools that struggle to meet basic standards. This two-tiered system would only deepen socioeconomic divides and reduce opportunities for upward mobility. Public education should not be a last resort; it should be a strong, viable choice for every family, regardless of income.
Striking a Balance Between Choice and Equity
I’m not advocating for a rollback of educational options or a return to a strictly public-private dichotomy. Educational choice is a wonderful thing, and families should have the freedom to find the best fit for their children. But we need to approach this shift responsibly. Instead of diverting funds from public schools to alternative models, let’s invest in public education to make it a place where all children can thrive. Choice should complement, not replace, a robust public education system.
Imagine a system where public schools embrace some of the innovations seen in microschools and pods. Small class sizes, personalized learning plans, and project-based learning could all find a place in public education if we are willing to invest the resources. Let’s use the creativity driving the school choice movement to reimagine public schools in a way that makes them attractive to all families, not just a fallback for those without other options.
To achieve this balance, policymakers could explore ways to cap the amount of public funding redirected to private and alternative education. Additionally, grants and scholarships should be made widely available to families choosing public education, giving them access to the same enrichment opportunities available to private school students. This could include after-school programs, specialized tutoring, or extracurricular activities that enhance the traditional curriculum.
Supporting Every Child’s Right to an Excellent Education
Education choice should be about expanding opportunities, not limiting them. Every child, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, deserves access to an education that empowers them to pursue their fullest potential. But this vision requires that we strengthen public schools alongside expanding choice, creating a system that supports all families—whether they choose public school, private school, or homeschooling.
As parents, we want what’s best for our children. As a society, we must also want what’s best for all children. When we support public education, we invest not just in individual students but in the future of our communities and country. A truly equitable education system is one that provides families with options without leaving anyone behind.
Let’s work toward a balanced approach to educational choice, one that respects family autonomy while upholding our commitment to public education as a common good. The choices we make today will shape the society we build for tomorrow. Let’s make sure it’s one where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
By promoting equity in education while embracing innovation, we can create a system where every learner has access to opportunities that allow them to thrive, ensuring a brighter future for all.
— Sean Richard, Co-Founder & CEO, The HOM Network