When people talk about “school choice,” and/or vouchers it sounds like a good thing. Who wouldn’t want more choices for their child’s education?
But here’s something many people don’t know: not all schools that get public money have to accept every student. In fact, some of them can say “no” to kids — just because of who they are or what they need.
Let’s talk about how that works.
Public Schools Welcome Everyone
Public schools are open to all kids. It doesn’t matter:
- If you have a disability
- If you speak a different language
- If your family has a lot of money or not much at all
- If you’ve had trouble in school before
Public schools are here for every child. That’s what makes them special.
Private Schools Can Say “No”
Some private schools get public money through programs like vouchers or education savings accounts. But even though they take tax dollars, they don’t have to follow the same rules.
That means they can:
- Turn away students with disabilities
- Say no to kids who need extra help
- Choose students based on religion, grades, or behavior
- Charge extra fees that many families can’t afford
So even if a family gets a voucher, they might not be able to use it — or they might not be welcome at the school they choose.
What About Charter Schools?
Charter schools are public schools, but they’re run by private groups. They’re supposed to accept all students, but sometimes they have:
- Complicated applications
- Fewer services for kids who need extra help
- Rules that make it hard for some students to stay
That means some kids still get left out.
Why This Matters
When public money goes to schools that don’t serve everyone, it’s not fair. It means:
- Some kids get more choices than others
- Public schools lose money, even though they still serve the most students
- Families who need help the most may be left with fewer options
We believe every child deserves a great education — not just a lucky few.
What Can We Do?
Let’s make sure public money goes to schools that serve all kids. We can:
- Support public schools that welcome everyone
- Ask lawmakers to hold all schools to the same rules
- Speak up when we see unfair treatment
Let’s stand up for fairness. Because every child matters — and every child deserves a school that says, “Yes, you belong here.”