What Is School Choice in California?
California’s education system is failing too many students—and families deserve better. School choice is a policy movement that gives parents the power to choose the best educational path for their children, whether that’s public, private, religious, charter, homeschool, or vocational education. This page breaks down how school choice works in California, why it matters, and how you can support the growing movement toward educational freedom.
The Philosophy of School Choice
School choice is built on a simple idea: every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their ZIP code, income level, or political influence. It recognizes that no two students are alike—and that one-size-fits-all public education no longer meets the needs of millions of California families.
School choice puts power back in the hands of parents, not bureaucrats. It encourages innovation, competition, and student-first solutions.
How School Choice Works in California
Under California’s proposed Education Savings Account (ESA) program, each K–12 student who opts in would have an ESA funded by their share of Prop 98 education funds—starting at $14,000 per year.
Parents can then direct those funds toward qualifying educational expenses, including:
- Private or religious school tuition
- Homeschool curriculum
- Tutoring and special education services
- Vocational and career-training programs
- College savings for future use
The money follows the student—not the system—and unused funds roll over year to year.
Why it Matters
One million students have already left California’s public school system. Test scores are dropping. Costs are rising. And too many students are stuck in failing classrooms with no alternatives.
School choice is not just a policy—it’s a pathway to restore excellence and fairness to education in California. It empowers parents, expands access, and ensures that funding supports the student directly.
How You Can Take Action
If you’re a parent, teacher, or concerned citizen who believes in better options for California’s children, now is the time to act.
The future of education starts with informed, passionate advocates like you.
FAQs About School Choice in California
What is school choice?
School choice refers to policies that allow families to select the best educational setting for their children, rather than being limited to government-assigned public schools.
Who qualifies for the Education Savings Account (ESA)?
Every K–12 student in California is eligible to request an ESA under the proposed plan.
Can ESA funds be used for religious schools or homeschooling?
Yes. ESA funds can be directed to any accredited private, religious, or home-based education provider that meets state criteria.
What happens to unused ESA funds?
Unused ESA funds roll over each year and can be used for future educational expenses, including college or vocational training.
Does school choice take money away from public schools?
School choice redirects existing funds to follow the student. The goal is not to weaken public schools but to strengthen outcomes for all students by introducing accountability and options.
