COVID has caused a significant increase in requests for school choice scholarships, according to an education nonprofit
A Surge in Demand for School Choice Scholarships Amidst COVID-19
A nonprofit organization that champions school choice scholarships for low-income children has witnessed a remarkable increase in requests from parents seeking alternatives to the public school system. Since the closure of schools across the country due to COVID-19, these requests have nearly tripled.
ACE Scholarships, an organization dedicated to promoting school choice, has reported a surge in scholarship applications, rising from 12,311 for the 2021-2022 school year to an astounding 32,113 for the 2023-2024 school year, according to data shared with The Daily Wire.
ACE CEO Norton Rainey expressed, “Every child learns differently, so a one-size-fits-all education system, no matter how well-intentioned, cannot cater to every student. The overwhelming demand for ACE scholarships is a testament to the hope that school choice provides for students and their parents. We are committed to assisting students in finding institutions where they can truly thrive.”
For the current school year, ACE has allocated 14,090 scholarships, totaling $42,660,935, enabling children to attend private schools. The organization has partnered with 1,000 schools nationwide and supports families with an average income of $56,000 and an average family size of 4.7 individuals, as per the data.
ACE revealed that students who received scholarships demonstrated a 54% higher proficiency in math and a 34% higher proficiency in reading compared to their public school counterparts.
Rainey emphasized, “This unprecedented demand for educational freedom should empower states currently considering school choice legislation in 2024 to take action now. Every child, regardless of their state of residence, deserves access to a high-quality education that sets them up for lifelong success. We cannot let them down.”
Lawmakers across the nation, from Tennessee to Texas, have been advocating for expanded school choice opportunities in response to declining educational achievement and lagging test scores. A report released last summer revealed that math and reading test scores for 13-year-olds in the United States have reached their lowest levels in decades.
ACE Scholarships in Texas
While the Texas Senate successfully passed a school choice measure in November, the Republican-controlled House rejected the proposal, which aimed to establish a Texas Education Savings Account. An amendment to remove school choice from an omnibus education bill was approved by a vote of 84-63, with 21 Republicans supporting the amendment.
For the current school year, ACE has provided 1,494 scholarships to economically disadvantaged students in Texas, amounting to $4,149,787.
The guiding principles of ACE emphasize that the American public education system is flawed, that free enterprise and democracy are effective, and that parents possess the knowledge to determine the best educational environment for their children.
Related: Illinois Democrats Kill State’s Only School Choice Program
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How has the demand for school choice scholarships changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A Surge in Demand for School Choice Scholarships Amidst COVID-19
A nonprofit organization that champions school choice scholarships for low-income children has witnessed a remarkable increase in requests from parents seeking alternatives to the public school system. Since the closure of schools across the country due to COVID-19, these requests have nearly tripled.
ACE Scholarships, an organization dedicated to promoting school choice, has reported a surge in scholarship applications, rising from 12,311 for the 2021-2022 school year to an astounding 32,113 for the 2023-2024 school year, according to data shared with The Daily Wire.
ACE CEO Norton Rainey expressed, “Every child learns differently, so a one-size-fits-all education system, no matter how well-intentioned, cannot cater to every student. The overwhelming demand for ACE scholarships is a testament to the hope that school choice provides for students and their parents. We are committed to assisting students in finding institutions where they can truly thrive.”
For the current school year, ACE has allocated 14,090 scholarships, totaling $42,660,935, enabling children to attend private schools. The organization has partnered with 1,000 schools nationwide and supports families with an average income of $56,000 and an average family size of 4.7 individuals, as per the data.
ACE revealed that students who received scholarships demonstrated a 54% higher proficiency in math and a 34% higher proficiency in reading compared to their public school counterparts.
Rainey emphasized, “This unprecedented demand for educational freedom should empower states currently considering school choice legislation in 2024 to take action now. Every child, regardless of their state of residence, deserves access to a high-quality education that sets them up for lifelong success. We cannot let them down.”
Lawmakers across the nation, from Tennessee to Texas, have been advocating for expanded school choice opportunities in response to declining educational achievement and lagging test scores. A report released last summer revealed that U.S. reading and math scores for 13-year-olds declined to the lowest level in decades.
The surge in demand for school choice scholarships amidst COVID-19 reflects the growing recognition among parents for the need to provide their children with the best possible education, tailored to their individual needs. It also highlights that traditional public school systems may not be adequately meeting the diverse needs of all students. As more families look for alternatives, it is crucial for policymakers to heed this call and prioritize school choice legislation to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education that paves the way for their future success.
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