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When people hear the phrase Texas School Choice, it sounds simple: parents get options. And in theory, that’s true. In Texas today, school choice includes:
- Traditional public schools
- Public charter schools
- Magnet programs
- Private schools
- Online academies
- Homeschooling
- And now, the Education Savings Account (ESA) program
But what many parents don’t realize is that Texas School Choice is no longer just about options. It’s also about how those options are funded and what that means for Texas public schools that still educate the vast majority of Texas children.
What Teachers in North Texas Are Telling Me
I stay in touch with several teachers in our area, and their concerns all sound the same. They love their students. They love teaching. But morale is low.
They talk about:
- Buying classroom supplies with their own money
- Larger class sizes than they can reasonably manage
- Staff shortages that never seem to get filled
- Fear that future funding cuts will make things worse
These aren’t complaints from people who don’t care. These are concerns from people who care deeply and feel like the system they serve is being slowly drained.
When we talk about Texas School Choice, we also have to talk about how those choices impact the people on the front lines of public education.
How the Texas ESA Program Works (In Plain English)
The Education Savings Account program is now a central part of Texas School Choice.
Here’s the simple version:
- The state sets aside public education funds
- Eligible families can use that money for private school tuition, homeschool materials, or other education expenses
- That funding comes from the same pool of tax dollars meant for public education
For families seeking alternatives, this sounds helpful. But for public schools that rely on that funding to pay teachers, maintain buildings, and run programs, it means less money in an already stretched system.
When We Chose to Homeschool Our Kids
When we decided to homeschool our children, we never expected the state to pay for it. We believed in the decision we were making, and we took full responsibility for funding curriculum, materials, and resources ourselves.
That’s why the Texas School Choice conversation feels different to me now. Families who can afford private school tuition are now receiving public funds to help cover those costs, while public school teachers are still reaching into their own pockets for pencils and paper.
That disconnect is hard to ignore.
Why Some Parents Strongly Support Texas School Choice
And to be fair, I understand why some parents support it.
Some families deal with:
- Unsafe school environments
- Bullying issues
- Children with special needs not being met
- Academically struggling districts
- Concerns about curriculum or values
For those parents, Texas School Choice feels like a lifeline. And I don’t dismiss that. Every parent wants what’s best for their child.
The real question is whether we can expand options without weakening the system that serves most kids.
What Happens to Public Schools If This Continues?
If funding continues to shift away from public schools over the next several years, we could see:
- Larger class sizes
- Fewer extracurricular programs
- Teacher shortages
- Less support for special education and ESL students
- More burnout and resignations from educators
That’s not a prediction meant to scare anyone. It’s simply what happens when resources shrink in any system.
What Parents Can Do During Texas School Choice Week
Regardless of where you stand, here are a few things parents can do:
- Ask your child’s teachers what they need
- Attend a local school board meeting
- Learn how your district is funded
- Support classroom supply drives
- Stay informed on how education bills affect local schools
School choice is important. But so is staying involved in the schools that serve our communities.
FAQ About Texas School Choice
Does Texas School Choice hurt public schools?
It can if funding shifts away from public education without increasing overall education budgets.
What is the ESA program in Texas?
It’s an Education Savings Account that allows public funds to be used for private education expenses.
Can homeschool families use ESA funds?
Yes, under the current Texas School Choice structure.
Why are Texas teachers concerned about school choice?
Because public funding directly impacts salaries, classroom resources, and staffing.
Are private schools held to the same standards as public schools?
No. Private schools have more flexibility in admissions, curriculum, and policies.
Conclusion: School Choice Shouldn’t Come at the Cost of Public Good
As parents, we all want the same thing. We want our kids to be safe, supported, and given every opportunity to succeed. That’s why the idea of Texas School Choice sounds so appealing on the surface. Options feel empowering. Flexibility feels modern. Choice feels right.
But real choice should never come at the expense of the system that serves the majority of children in our communities.
Public schools are where most Texas kids learn, grow, struggle, and thrive. They are where teachers show up every day, often underpaid and under-supported, because they believe in what they do. They are where children from every background, income level, and ability level are welcomed without question.
I’m not against parents having options. I’m against the idea that expanding those options requires quietly weakening the foundation that supports everyone.
When we talk about Texas School Choice, we need to talk just as loudly about Texas public school funding, teacher support, and making sure the schools that serve all kids are not treated as an afterthought.
Because one day, my granddaughter — and millions of other Texas kids — will inherit whatever system we leave behind.
And I don’t want that system to be one we slowly drained while calling it “choice.”
