I AM EDCHOICE: A Statewide Campaign Celebrating Families and Providing Real Information About School Choice

School Choice Ohio is proud to announce the launch of the I AM EDCHOICE campaign — a bold, statewide effort to celebrate families who benefit from Ohio’s scholarship programs and to push back against the misinformation surrounding educational choice in our state.

At its core, this campaign is about students, parents, and educators. Their voices. Their stories. Their experiences. Through I AM EDCHOICE, we are shining a spotlight on the thousands of families who have found hope, opportunity, and success through the EdChoice Scholarship program.

Why This Campaign Matters

Many Ohioans still don’t fully understand what school choice means, or how the EdChoice program works. Instead, their opinions are often shaped by headlines, soundbites, or rhetoric from opposition groups.

But behind every EdChoice scholarship is a real student. A real family. A real story.

With I AM EDCHOICE, families will share why choice matters to them — why they needed an alternative to a one-size-fits-all approach, and how their children are thriving today. By lifting up these stories, we can provide context, counter misconceptions, and remind Ohioans that educational choice is about students first.

Setting the Record Straight

Opponents of EdChoice often recycle the same claims, but facts — and family experiences — tell a very different story. Here are some of the most common myths, and the truth behind them:

• “Vouchers drain money from public schools.”
  Funding follows the student, just as it does when families move districts or choose charter schools. However, local property taxes stay with the residential district.
• “Private schools aren’t accountable.”
  Participating schools must meet state standards, administer assessments, and report data. And most importantly, families hold schools accountable by leaving when their needs aren’t met.
• “School choice increases segregation.”
  In reality, EdChoice has opened doors for thousands of low-income, Black, Hispanic, and underserved families. It expands fairness and access in education, rather than limiting it.
• “This is about privatizing education.”
  EdChoice does not eliminate public schools — it empowers families to choose what works best for their children. Public, private, and charter schools can and do coexist.
• “Vouchers fund discrimination.”
  EdChoice prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. Most private schools have become more diverse because of scholarships.
• “Rural schools are hurt the most.”
  Rural families deserve options, too. EdChoice doesn’t penalize public schools but ensures flexibility for families when alternatives exist.
• “Only wealthy families benefit now.”
  The vast majority of EdChoice users still qualify based on income or school performance. Expanded eligibility simply helps middle-income families who have also struggled with costs.
• “There’s no proof vouchers improve outcomes.”
  Success is about more than test scores. Families choose schools for safety, values, and fit — and family satisfaction with EdChoice remains consistently high.

How Families, Schools, and Communities Can Join

The I AM EDCHOICE campaign is about celebrating students and giving them the confidence to say, “This is my school, and this is why it matters to me.”

• Schools will host spirit days, poster contests, and student video projects to showcase their pride.
• Families will have opportunities to share their personal stories online and in their communities.
• Communities will see these real-life stories featured in social media, local outreach, and statewide promotion.

And everyone can join the conversation by using the campaign hashtag #IAMEDCHOICE and #LetMeLearn.

Our Call to Action

The I AM EDCHOICE campaign is not about politics — it’s about people. It’s about reminding Ohio that families, not systems, should be at the center of education.

If you are an EdChoice family, a supportive educator, or a community leader who believes in educational freedom, we invite you to share your story, wear your support, and spread the truth.

Together, we can ensure every Ohio student has the opportunity to learn in the environment that works best for them.

I AM EDCHOICE. You are EdChoice. We are EdChoice.