School Choice Ohio

When it comes to school choice, headlines and assumptions shouldn’t take the place of data.

We appreciate EdChoice continuing to dig into the research behind some of the most common claims surrounding educational choice.

In this latest article, Martin Lueken examines nearly three decades of national data to ask an important question: Does school choice cause public schools to close?

The findings are worth a read. The research found weak and inconsistent evidence that private school choice increases the risk of public school closures—and reminds us that changing enrollment is much more complicated than pointing to any single cause.

Declining birth rates, population shifts, housing patterns, charter schools, homeschooling, private schooling and other factors can all play a role.

Good conversations about education should start with good information.

📖 Read the full article from EdChoice and take a look at the research behind the question:
https://www.edchoice.org/2026-does-school-choice-cause-public-schools-to-close/

Does School Choice Cause Public Schools to Close? Nearly three decades of data show school closures are more tied to broader enrollment and demographic trends than school choice.

Starting Friday off with a fun pic! SCO Celebrating the start of Fall!

🚗📍 rolled through Marion!

Ann’s latest stop took her to Kuest Academy Christian School in Marion, Ohio!

School visits are one of Ann’s favorite parts of being —getting inside schools, meeting the people who make them special, and learning more about the different educational opportunities available to Ohio families.

A big thank you to Kuest Academy Christian School for welcoming Ann and sharing more about your school and the students and families you serve!

☕🚗 Ann is back on the road this fall, so stay tuned to see where she heads next!

Ann is back this fall! 🚗☕🍂

Yesterday’s stop was right here in Franklin County, where we welcomed local school leaders and staff to the School Choice Ohio offices for our first Provider Coffee of the season.

There’s nothing better than starting the year with good coffee, great conversation, and the opportunity to connect with the people serving Ohio students and families every day. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we loved having you!

📍 Columbus, Ohio
☕ Franklin County Provider Coffee

Where will Ann head next? Stay tuned!

Consider this our permission slip. 💙💚

Every Ohio family should have the freedom to say: “I give my child permission to find the place where they can learn, grow, belong and thrive.”

For some children, that's their neighborhood public school. For others, it may be a charter, private, career-tech, microschool, homeschool or another educational path.

Different children need different things—and families shouldn't have to apologize for choosing differently.

Every child deserves the opportunity to find the right fit.

School choice doesn’t mean every family makes the same choice. It means every family has the opportunity to make the choice that works for their child. 💙💚

One student may thrive in their neighborhood public school. Another may need a charter, private, career-tech, microschool or other learning environment. Different choices don’t make one family more right than another.

We can support great public schools and support families who need something different.

Because when it comes to education, the question shouldn’t be “Why did you choose that school?” It should be “Is your child thriving?”

That’s what matters.

Different kids need different things. Some thrive in their neighborhood school. Some need a smaller classroom. Some need specialized services. Some need a fresh start.

The goal shouldn't be protecting one type of school. The goal should be helping every child find the place where they can learn and thrive.

Ohio families, we want to hear from YOU! 💙💚

Sometimes finding the right school comes down to one unforgettable moment—the first new friend, a teacher who truly understands your child, a newfound confidence, or simply hearing, “I love my school.”

So, finish the sentence:

✏️ “I knew we found the right school when __________.”

Drop your answer in the comments! 👇 Your family's experience could be exactly what another parent needs to hear as they search for the right fit for their child.

Because school choice isn't about every child choosing the same school. It's about every child having the chance to belong, learn, grow and thrive.

📚 POP QUIZ! We promise this one is easy.

When it comes to understanding a child—their strengths, struggles, personality, needs, and dreams—who knows them best?

We think the answer is pretty clear: their family.

That’s why parents deserve a meaningful voice in where and how their children are educated. Educational decisions shouldn’t begin with politics, opinions, or assumptions. They should begin with the child—and the people who know that child best.

💚 Every child is different. Every family is different. And families deserve options.

Every parent wants the same thing: to see their child learning, growing and thriving. 💙

But what happens when the school a child attends simply isn’t working for them? When another school could provide the environment, support or opportunities they need—but finances stand in the way?

For thousands of Ohio families, scholarships make it possible to say “yes” to the school that fits their child rather than being forced to accept the school someone else thinks they should attend.

Before we debate programs, funding or politics, maybe we should ask a much simpler question:

What if it were your child?

Every family deserves the opportunity to find the right educational fit. Because when it comes to a child’s future, their needs should come first.