Exploring School Choice: Impacts and Considerations for Educators and Leaders

Educational stakeholders share a common goal: ensuring that every student flourishes in the learning environment best suited to their needs. As key decision-makers, we play a critical role in understanding the diverse educational landscape, including both traditional public schools and various school choice options. By exploring different schooling models, addressing equity concerns, and applying research-based insights, we can help create inclusive, high-quality educational opportunities for all students (Betts & Tang, 2019).

Why Do Families Choose School Choice Options?

Families explore school choice options to find learning environments that best support their children’s academic, social, and emotional growth.

• Academic Excellence – Strong curricula, advanced placement options, and specialized programs (Dynarski, 2016).
• Personalized Learning – Smaller classes, tailored instruction, and teaching methods suited to individual needs (Ravitch, 2020).
• School Culture and Safety – Inclusive settings, anti-bullying policies, and values-aligned education (National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2021).
• Specialized Interests – STEM, arts, language immersion, or career-preparation programs.
• Flexibility and Accessibility – Options for families who move often, have children with medical needs, or require alternative learning paths .
• Social and Emotional Well-being – Strong counseling services and mental health support.
• Community and Family Involvement – Schools that encourage parental engagement and participation (Lubienski & Lubienski, 2014).

To nurture stronger partnerships with parents, caregivers, and students, it is also essential to understand why families choose to remain in traditional public schools. Factors such as diverse extracurricular offerings, comprehensive support services, and community ties often play a significant role (LeRoy, 2023).

What Are the Strengths of Traditional Public Schools?

Traditional public schools serve the majority of students in the U.S. and offer valuable strengths that should not be overlooked, including:

• Inclusive Services: Public schools are legally required to serve all students, including those with disabilities and multilingual learners, often providing specialized programs and resources.
• Community Integration: Public schools often serve as community hubs, offering resources like after-school programs, nutrition services, and family engagement opportunities.
• Proven Success Stories: Many traditional public schools have demonstrated success through initiatives like dual-language immersion programs, International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula, Advanced Placement (AP), and STEM academies that consistently show strong student outcomes (Linked Learning Alliance, n.d.).
• Building Strengths from Challenges: While public schools often face criticism for large class sizes or bureaucracy, many districts have implemented effective solutions such as personalized learning pathways and project-based learning models to boost student engagement and achievement (Midles, 2024).
• Funding Equity Challenges: Unlike many school choice options, public schools rely on equitable funding to support a broad range of student needs (Peter G. Peterson Foundation, 2024).
• No Cost to Families: Traditional public schools offer tuition-free education, ensuring that all students have access to quality learning opportunities regardless of their family’s financial situation.  

By highlighting these strengths, you can help create a more balanced perspective on school choice and acknowledge the vital role that public schools play in our education system.

What Does the Research Say About Different School Models?

Understanding the strengths and challenges of various school models is essential for making informed choices and helping families do the same. Below, we outline the various types of schools, provide supporting research, highlight key advantages, discuss potential drawbacks, and address equity considerations. We’ve also put this information together in an easy-to-view chart.

Charter Schools

Publicly funded but independently operated, these schools offer specialized programs and innovative teaching methods.

Research:

The “National Charter School Study III” (CREDO, 2013) found that urban charter students outperform traditional public school peers in math and reading. 

A comparative analysis of charter and district school funding in Washington, D.C. by Kaput, Ali, Schiess from 2024 suggests that when accounting for demographics and funding disparities, performance gaps between charter and public schools narrow, highlighting the impact of systemic factors like funding and resources (Eaken, 2025).

Pros:

• Tuition-free
• Innovative curricula
• Smaller classes

Cons:

• Competitive enrollment
• Performance variability
• Funding challenges

Considerations:

• May draw funding from traditional public schools (Modan, 2023)
• Often serves fewer students with disabilities (Center for Learner Equity, 2021)

Private Schools

Tuition-based institutions that offer diverse curricula, often with religious affiliations or unique educational philosophies.

Research:

A U.S. Department of Education report (2020) found higher standardized test scores for private school students, though selection bias may play a role.

Pros:

• Rigorous academics
• Specialized programs
• Enriched experiences

Cons:

• Costly
• Selective admissions
• Lack of government oversight

Considerations:

• Limited accessibility for low-income families without significant financial aid (Freedland, 2025)

Homeschooling

A parent-directed educational approach that allows for flexible and customized instruction.

Research:

Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) (Ray, 2021) indicates homeschooled students perform above average on standardized tests and exhibit strong self-motivation.

Pros:

• Customized education 
• Flexible pacing
• Strong family involvement

Cons:

• Requires parental commitment
• Limited peer socialization

Considerations:

• May lack access to specialized services and supports (Coalition for Responsible Home Education, n.d.)

Online Schools

Fully or partially virtual learning model that provides flexible scheduling and access to specialized courses.

Research:

A study by the Center on Reinventing Public Education (Miron et al., 2010) found online students need strong parental support and time management skills to succeed.

Pros:

• Flexible scheduling
• Broad course offerings
• Accessibility

Cons:

• Requires self- discipline
• Less face-to-face interaction
• Digital equity concerns

Considerations:

• Access depends heavily on broadband availability and home support (National Rural Education Association, 2023)

Magnet Schools

Public schools with specialized curricula, such as STEM or the arts, that attract students across different districts.

Research:

Findings from George and Darling-Hammond (2021) highlight positive effects on student achievement, attendance, and graduation rates.

Pros:

• pecialized curricula
• Strong academic standards
• Diverse student body

Cons:

• Competitive admission
• May require long commutes

Considerations:

• Admission policies can impact equity of access (George & Darling-Hammond, 2021)

Micro-Schools

Small, community-based schools with personalized, student-centered instruction and flexible learning models.

Research:

Case studies highlight high engagement, personalized instruction, and innovative methods (e.g., Prenda’s model of student-driven learning) (Horn, 2021).

Pros:

• Small class sizes 
• Personalized learning
• Innovative instruction

Cons:

• Limited resources
• Often tuition- based
• Not always accredited

Considerations:

• Typically less accessible to low-income families without scholarships (Russon, 2023)

The School Choice Comparison Grid highlights how funding models, access barriers, and accountability can impact equity across different school types. Ensuring equitable funding for public schools, expanding access to specialized programs for low-income families, and maintaining high accountability standards for all schools are crucial steps towards achieving educational equity. By addressing these challenges, we can work towards a system where every student, regardless of their background or zip code, has access to high-quality education.

How Do Funding and Equity Concerns Impact School Choice Policies?

Funding and equity concerns significantly influence school choice policies by affecting resource distribution and access for both traditional public schools and alternative options like charter and private schools. Ensuring fair funding models and addressing access barriers are essential to promoting equitable opportunities for all students.

Funding Challenges

Public school districts often face financial strain when students leave for charter or private options, as funding is tied to student enrollment. For example, a 2022 report found that public school districts in Tennessee faced significant financial stress due to increased enrollment in charter schools, resulting in the transfer of millions in funding. This shift left traditional public schools with substantial fixed costs and reduced resources for programs like arts, special education, and after-school activities, impacting their ability to serve remaining students effectively (Black, 2022).

Addressing these funding disparities through revised funding formulas or additional state support could help stabilize resources for public schools. Ensuring equitable funding models that support both traditional public schools and choice options is essential (Lubienski & Lubienski, 2014).

Access Barriers

Low-income families may struggle with transportation costs, technology access, or tuition expenses. Expanding voucher programs and Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) could help address these gaps while ensuring accountability and equity (Dynarski, 2016).

Accountability and Oversight

Public schools adhere to state curriculum standards, whereas charter and private schools have more flexibility, leading to variability in instructional quality. Strengthening accountability measures for all school types can help ensure consistent academic standards (Ravitch, 2020). 

To effectively balance school choice policies, it is crucial to implement equitable funding formulas and accountability measures that support all school types. Addressing these challenges can help ensure that school choice expands opportunities without deepening existing inequalities.

How Can Public Schools and School Choice Options Work Together?

Collaboration between traditional public schools and choice options can enhance educational opportunities for all students. Potential strategies include:

• Shared Professional Development: Facilitating joint training for teachers across different school types to share best practices.
• Partnerships for Specialized Services: Developing agreements that allow public school students to access specialized programs at charter or private schools.
• Coordinated Support Services: Collaborating on mental health resources, special education, and extracurricular programs.

Instead of viewing each other as competitors, public schools and choice options should focus on partnership opportunities that leverage each other’s strengths. For example, public schools can collaborate with charter schools to share professional development resources, while choice schools can benefit from the public system’s expertise in special education and multilingual services.

How Can Educators and Leaders Guide Families in Navigating School Choice?

As educators and leaders, it is crucial to support families in making informed decisions by providing:

• School Choice Evaluation Checklists: Tools to compare curriculum, accreditation, student-teacher ratios, and extracurricular offerings.
• State-Specific Resources: Information on state education departments and school choice policies.
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Information: Guides to vouchers, ESAs, and private school scholarships.
• Workshops and Webinars: Sessions to help families explore their options.
• Open House Events: Encouraging school visits to help families understand school culture and teaching methods.

Providing transparent and comprehensive information can empower families to choose the educational setting that best fits their child’s needs.

What Can Public School Leaders Do to Strengthen Their Schools?

Public school leaders can take proactive steps to enhance their schools’ appeal and effectiveness, including:

• Highlighting Unique Programs: Communicating the value of magnet programs, dual-language immersion, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
• Building Community Trust: Strengthening family engagement through regular communication and transparency about school performance.
• Innovative Practices: Exploring personalized learning models, extended learning time, and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.
• Proactive Communication: Creating a communication plan that highlights unique programs, achievements, and partnerships, along with school improvement efforts, through newsletters and social media can build trust and retain families.

Focusing on the strengths of traditional public schools and actively communicating them can help retain students and build community support.

How Can We Work Together for Educational Equity?

School choice has the potential to expand educational opportunities, but it also raises significant questions about funding, equity, and accountability. Through collaboration between public schools and choice options, advocating for equitable funding, and ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning environments, educators and leaders can work together to support every student’s success.

To move forward, educators and leaders must advocate for funding policies that support all schools equitably, demand accountability standards that ensure high-quality education for every student, and create spaces for meaningful collaboration between traditional public schools and school choice options. By working together, we can build an education system that truly serves every community and every learner.

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About the Author

Resources

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