More parents are sending kids to a school of their choice. | Pixabay
More parents are sending kids to a school of their choice. | Pixabay
Schools and education options have changed over the last decade, providing parents a choice where their child receives academic instruction.
"In the last decade, the number of educational options available to parents has grown significantly and placed school choice inside the mainstream of education policy in North Carolina. Why? Because NC parents want school choice," Rep Larry Yarborough said in a Facebook post on Aug. 3.
Traditional public schools are the most popular education option, adding 7,400 students within the last decade, the Civitas Institute reported on July 30. While traditional public schools remain desired, schools of choice have added a tremendous number of students in the last 10 years.
Charter, private and home schools have added approximately 120,000 students, the institute reported. which is a 218% increase for charter schools and an 83% increase for home schools.
North Carolinian parents find school choice an important option for them as well.
During a 2011 survey, parents were asked what would be the most effective improvement for public education, the institute reported. Of respondents, 55% answered, “allowing parents more choice over which school their child can attend.”
North Carolina also provides grants and scholarships to help parents send their children to a school of choice.
In the 2018-19 school year, $267 million worth of grants and scholarships were awarded to students to attend the school of their choice, the Civitas Institute reported.
More North Carolinians are finding they have options and want to take advantage of those options, the institute reported. Four of five students do attend public school, but one in five attend a school of choice, such as a charter, private or home school.
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