Finding the Right Path: One Ohio Mom’s School Choice Story

As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. But what happens when the traditional path doesn’t quite fit? For Sarahann Tiner, a mother of three in Ohio, the journey to finding the right educational environment for each of her sons involved embracing school choice.

Sarahann recently shared her family’s story, highlighting the significant impact that having options has had on her children, Jacob (10), Bishop (8), and Brodie (6). Like many families, their educational journey began in the public school system. However, Sarahann felt that her oldest son’s needs weren’t being adequately met.

The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic further shifted their perspective. When a private school in her area offered in-person learning, it became an appealing alternative. This decision opened Sarahann’s eyes to the possibility of private education, something she had previously believed to be financially out of reach.

This is where Ohio’s school choice programs stepped in. Sarahann’s family benefited from the EdChoice Scholarship, making it possible for her to send Jacob, and later his brothers, to schools that better aligned with their individual needs. She enrolled her sons at a private school using the EdChoice scholarship program, but found that her children had different, unique needs requiring different educational options. Ultimately, her oldest is now attending Hope Learning Academy that offered more specialized assistance to better meet his needs. Her younger sons attend another private school in Northwest Ohio.

The reasons behind choosing these specific schools were deeply personal. Sarahann explained that her oldest son, in particular, struggled in a traditional public school setting with large class sizes. “Some kids like my son can’t thrive in a class with 25-30 other kids; he slips through the cracks,” she shared. The alternative environments offered by Hope Learning Academy and Toledo Christian provided the structure and support her children needed to flourish.

The positive impact has been undeniable. Sarahann proudly shared that her oldest son is now excelling in areas he struggled with previously. Beyond academics, she’s witnessed her sons grow in their faith and embrace the values taught in their chosen schools.

Sarahann firmly believes in the importance of school choice for Ohio families. She emphasizes that “not all children fit into the traditional public school mold. Some require a less structured or more structured environment.” Having the ability to find the educational setting that best caters to each child’s unique learning style and needs has been a “blessing” for her family.

Her story underscores a fundamental truth: every child is different, and what works well for one learner may not work for another, even within a single family. School choice empowers parents to actively participate in their children’s education, allowing them to seek out environments where their kids can truly thrive, both academically and personally. We celebrate her children’s achievements with her!

Sarahann’s experience is a powerful testament to the positive impact of educational options. It highlights the importance of ensuring that Ohio families have the right and the opportunity to choose the schools that best fit the individual needs of their children, paving the way for their success and well-being.

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