When we hear about “school choice,” we usually think about parents selecting among various education options for their children, be it a public school, a religious school, or homeschooling. As such, policy discussions surrounding school choice typically involve proposals such as education vouchers or charter schools that give parents more options when it comes to where they can send their children to school.
While giving families a diverse selection of educational pathways is an excellent policy goal, it is important to highlight the underlying foundation of school choice: the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children. Parents have the right to raise and educate their children consistent with their beliefs and values without fear of being unjustly punished by the government. Greater school choice affirms that parents have a right to align educational goals with their child’s religious, intellectual, moral, and emotional development.
