As a parent, making the best educational choices for your children is one of your most important responsibilities. My wife and I knew that for our children, the Jewish education they received was not just about academics—it was about instilling values that would guide them through life. But choosing a religious school wasn’t always easy, especially in a time when we had to pay for it out of pocket, with no financial help or support through government programs.
Like millions of Catholic and Jewish families, we enrolled our children in religious schools to give them an education that aligned with our beliefs. This is a decision that many parents, across different religions and backgrounds, are making today. Fortunately, the debate over school choice in America is heating up, and with Trump’s return to the political scene, there’s a real chance that school choice legislation could finally open doors for parents to choose the best educational option for their children—whether that’s a public, private, or religious school.
What is School Choice and Why is It Important?
School choice refers to the ability for parents to choose where their children will be educated, using resources like vouchers, tax credits, or educational savings accounts to fund their children’s tuition at schools of their choice, including religious schools. For many years, this idea was politically divisive, with opponents arguing that it would undermine public education. However, more and more parents are calling for this right, as they want the freedom to choose the type of education that aligns with their values.
The importance of school choice goes beyond academics. It is a matter of parental rights—the right to raise children according to your own beliefs and values. For families like mine, having access to religious schools isn’t just about getting better grades; it’s about shaping their character, ethics, and worldview.
The Growing Demand for Religious Education
Across the country, parents of all religions are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional public education. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 6 million students are enrolled in private schools, and another 4.3 million are being homeschooled. This reflects a growing trend where parents want their children to receive an education that respects their cultural and religious beliefs.
In our case, Jewish schools provided not only a solid secular curriculum, but also taught our children about our faith, helping them grow into responsible and knowledgeable individuals who could navigate the world with a strong moral compass.
This growing desire for school choice is further amplified by the challenges many parents face with public schools today. Many families are concerned about safety, the quality of education, and whether public schools respect their religious values. This is where school choice programs can step in and provide an alternative.
The Role of Trump’s School Choice Agenda
One of the biggest advocates of school choice in recent years has been Donald Trump. As President-elect, he made it a priority to support parental rights when it comes to their children’s education. He promised to push for a national school choice program that would make it easier for parents to send their children to religious schools.
In his campaign, Trump pledged to protect the “God-given right” of every parent to choose their child’s school, with a special focus on religious schools. His education secretary pick, Linda McMahon, has been a strong proponent of breaking down financial barriers to school choice. She believes that by giving parents more control, we can level the playing field and break down economic disadvantages.
However, despite the strong support at the executive level, Congress has been slow to embrace widespread school choice policies. During Trump’s first term, Betsy DeVos, his education secretary, also championed school choice, but faced significant resistance from Congress, especially from the teachers’ unions.
Legal Precedents Supporting School Choice
The idea of school choice has faced many legal challenges, especially when it comes to using public funds for religious schools. In 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld an Ohio voucher program in the landmark Zelman v. Simmons-Harris decision. The Court ruled that providing parents with vouchers to use at both religious and non-religious schools did not violate the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. This ruling marked a major turning point, allowing for indirect government support for religious education through parent choice.
The ruling made it clear: the Constitution does not prohibit parents from using public funds to send their children to religious schools as long as the money goes directly to the parents, not the schools. This has paved the way for voucher programs across the country, providing millions of children with the chance to attend schools that better align with their values.
The Benefits of School Choice
There are many reasons why school choice is beneficial not just for religious families, but for all parents. Some of the main advantages include:
- Improved academic outcomes: Studies have shown that school choice programs can lead to better test scores and graduation rates. The competition between schools forces them to improve.
- Higher parental satisfaction: Parents who have the ability to choose a school for their children report higher levels of satisfaction with their child’s education.
- Cost savings: Private schools often cost less to educate students compared to public schools. Taxpayers save money while still providing a quality education to students.
- Cultural and religious alignment: Parents can choose schools that reflect their cultural or religious values, ensuring that their children are not just educated but also raised in a way that mirrors their family’s beliefs.
Overcoming the Opposition
While school choice has overwhelming support from many parents, it’s important to recognise that there’s still fierce opposition. Teachers’ unions are among the biggest critics, arguing that diverting public funds to private schools undermines public education.
However, evidence shows that school choice programs do not harm public education. In fact, when schools know they have to compete for students, they often improve their offerings. The choice also encourages innovation, as schools experiment with different teaching methods and curricula to attract students.
The Path Forward for School Choice
There is a growing momentum in the U.S. for school choice, especially with the upcoming changes in Congress. The new members are more supportive of expanding access to school choice programs. This gives parents hope that, with the right legislation, we could see a federal school choice program that empowers parents to choose the best schools for their children, including religious schools.
As a parent, I believe it’s crucial to give families the power to choose how their children are educated. For my wife and I, this meant selecting a Jewish school that aligned with our values and beliefs. For other families, it could mean choosing a Catholic school, an Islamic school, or even homeschooling. Whatever the choice, it’s about empowering parents to make the right decisions for their children’s future.
Conclusion: A Future of Parental Empowerment in Education
Ultimately, school choice is about more than just academics. It’s about parental rights, freedom of choice, and ensuring that every child receives an education that is not only academically rigorous but also aligns with their family’s values. With leaders like Donald Trump and Linda McMahon advocating for this change, it’s clear that the future of education could give parents the freedom to make the right choices for their children.
