The quality of education in black communities continues to be a problem in the United States. Black students are more likely to attend schools with larger class sizes, lower-quality instruction material, and less qualified and experienced teachers. Given the inequality of education, black parents should be more concerned with school choice.
What is School Choice?
In a nutshell, school choice refers to a parent’s ability to choose which schools their children attend.
For high-income families, private schools provide the most options in school choice. A parent who has the means to pay for their child’s education is limited only by their pocketbooks. However, the rest of us must find other ways to access better education for our children.
Types of School Choice?
The most well-known form of school choice is location.
Unfortunately, lower-income communities often have the worst schools. Due to this, it is often necessary for parents to move to a different school district to give their children access to quality education. However, housing costs in good school districts are generally higher.
Some parents may think that they cannot afford to live in a better school district, but this may not always be the case.
Setting up a budget and prioritizing spending is the first step to determining if a move can fit into your finances. It may be necessary to downsize vehicles or bedrooms to make a move possible.
The second form of school choice is the voucher.
Several states offer school vouchers which help offset the cost of private school education for low-income families or students with disabilities.
The qualifications for voucher programs vary by state. It is important to review your state’s voucher program to determine if this may be a solution for you.
You can find information about each state’s voucher program here.
The third form of school choice is a lottery.
In some states, high-performing charter and magnet schools accept students on a lottery basis. While this isn’t the best form of school choice, it is sometimes the only choice for some students and parents.
These schools often have long waiting lists, so parents need to complete applications as soon as their child qualifies.
Why Make a Choice?
Education is the foundation of success for all people. One of the most important things a parent can do for their child is giving them access to knowledge as early as possible and for as long as possible.
The impact your choice will have on your child’s future is immense.
