School choice is proving to be the most effective way to improve education and save taxpayer dollars at the same time. By allowing parents to choose the best school for their children, school choice programs create competition that forces schools to improve and provide better results. This system benefits students, parents, and taxpayers alike.
A recent analysis found that school choice programs have saved between $19.4 billion and $45.6 billion in 26 states, a clear indicator of their financial benefits. With public education spending at an all-time high, averaging $17,280 per student, it’s clear that throwing more money at the problem isn’t the solution. Private schools, on the other hand, consistently achieve better results with less funding.
Parents who use education savings accounts (ESAs) to direct a portion of public school funds to private education are giving their children the opportunity to escape underperforming public schools. This freedom of choice not only benefits those in private schools but also improves the public school system by introducing competition. Schools are forced to improve or risk losing students, leading to better education for everyone.
Despite claims from opponents, school choice programs do not harm public schools. In fact, they encourage them to innovate and improve. As more states adopt universal school choice programs, students across the country will have access to better educational opportunities, and states will save billions in the process.
