5 benefits of school choice for both students and teachers

Feb 24, 2025 by AFP

Why settle for a one-size-fits-all system when every child has unique interests and learning needs?

Every student deserves the freedom to choose the educational path that works best for them. Through school choice, we can improve student outcomes, enhance parental satisfaction, and create a more dynamic, innovative education system.

What is school choice and how does it work?

School choice empowers families by giving them a range of options to find the best educational fit for their children. Whether it’s traditional public schools, charter schools, private schools, homeschooling, or other alternative options, school choice allows parents and students to choose the school that aligns with their child’s strengths, interests, and learning style. When no longer confined to one-size-fits-all models, families gain the flexibility to choose what works best for them.

The result?

A higher quality education and a more personalized learning experience.

Everyone wins — especially our students.

Ashley Oyen, a homeschool mom and small business owner, became a leading advocate for educational freedom after the 2020 COVID pandemic. Through her work with Americans for Prosperity, she juggles family, business, and grassroots activism.

Now, she even serves on her local school board to champion school choice in education.

Discover the benefits of school choice through Ashley’s inspiring journey from homeschooling mom to passionate advocate.

5 benefits of school choice

  1. Improves student success with educational flexibility 

    When students and parents have the opportunity to choose the best education that meets their unique needs and talents, students are more engaged and motivated. By offering diverse options — from STEM programs to arts-focused schools and alternative setups like microschools — school choice supports every student’s individuality.

  2. Boosts parental satisfaction 

    Parents who are involved in choosing their child’s education have more control and confidence in the quality of education their child receives. This leads to stronger partnerships between families and schools, resulting in better communication, trust, and support for the child’s success.

  3. Encourages innovation in the school system 

    School choice drives innovation through competition and incentivizing schools to introduce new teaching methods, curricula, and technologies. Charter schools, for instance, are known for their ability to experiment with innovative approaches that are often difficult to implement in traditional public schools.

  4. Expands opportunities 

    For families in areas with underperforming schools or limited resources, school choice opens up new possibilities. It removes economic and geographic barriers, giving all children access to a quality education that fits their unique skills and talents, regardless of where they live.

  5. Saves money for families with flexible education spending accounts 

    Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) give parents access to a portion of the state’s funding for their child’s education. Families can use these flexible accounts for private school tuition, tutoring, or other learning tools — ensuring every child gets the education that fits their needs.

Who is school choice for?

School choice is for everyone. By tailoring education to individual learning styles and goals, school choice helps students reach their full potential.

  • Students: School choice gives students the freedom to explore their interests and unlock their potential.
  • Parents: Parents gain more control over their children’s education and how their education dollars are spent, empowering them to choose the learning environment that works best.
  • Teachers: Educators benefit through increased opportunities to innovate, where they can find environments to make the biggest impact.

Takeaways on school choice

School choice is about more than improving individual outcomes—it strengthens the entire education system. It leads to better student achievement, greater parental involvement, and new opportunities for teachers. By embracing school choice, we can create a more innovative, competitive, and accessible educational landscape for every student.

For more information on the impact of school choice and the principles behind it, visit Americans for Prosperity.

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