In April of this year, the U.S. Department of Education published a report on School Choice. This report, entitled Trends in the Use of School Choice: 2003-2007, used information taken from surveys of parents all over the nation.
The data show that school choice is prominent and growing among students nationwide:
- 70% attend their assigned public school,
- 15% have chosen a different public school,
- 12% attend a private school, and
- 3% are homeschooled.
The national data roughly corresponds to the landscape here in Ohio where:
- 85% attend an assigned or magnet/lottery public school,
- 9% attend private school,
- 4% attend a charter school, and
- 1% are homeschooled.
Researchers found that parents generally love school choice. After reviewing the data from 2003 to 2007, the trend was obvious: “Students enrolled in chosen public schools and private schools had parents who were more satisfied with their children’s schools than did students enrolled in assigned public schools.”
This makes sense. Every parent wants the best for their child. They are happier when they can choose the school which is truly the best fit, whether that is their assigned public school or elsewhere.
Unfortunately, many parents are not even aware of their options. The report indicates that only 50% of parents in 2007 knew that “public school choice was available.” Only 32% “considered other schools” for their child.
Lots of Ohio families have already made found the best fit for their child, but we are working toward the day when 100% of parents are satisfied with their child’s education. Sadly, though, if knowledge is power, there are still a lot of parents – at least 50% – who are not empowered. Check out the ways you can make a difference for them.
- Sarita Zaffini
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