WFIS strives to provide a thoughtful perspective on Washington’s School Choice debate, moving past traditional public-versus-private arguments to focus on expanding educational opportunities for all students.
While some worry that School Choice could lead to mass exits from public schools, evidence from other states shows this fear is unfounded. Private school leaders do not want to undermine the public schools. The real question isn’t about competing systems but rather about how best to serve each student’s unique needs and aspirations.
School Choice could address several current challenges in education:
- Improving student attendance through better school fit
- Supporting specialized interests like arts education
- Enhancing student motivation and mental health
- Addressing equity gaps, as wealthy families already have educational choices while lower-income families often don’t
Private school leaders have expressed valid concerns about potential state requirements associated with choice programs, such as standardized testing mandates and data-sharing requirements. These could compromise the independence that makes private schools effective alternatives.
WFIS continues to advocate for thoughtful policy discussions that balance expanding educational access while preserving the autonomy and diversity of private schools. The goal is to ensure that every student can access an education that helps them thrive.
