The Shift to “Choose Your Own Adventure” Education: Exploring Public Funding for Alternative Schooling Options

The shift from public to “choose your own adventure” education is accelerating, driven by the availability of public funds for alternative schooling options, such as vouchers, online learning and education savings accounts. The article Public Funding, Private Education from the New York Times shows how this trend has been fueled in no small part by the pandemic, political support for “parental rights,” and teacher burnout, leading to the rise of unregulated microschools and “permissionless education.” While these programs offer flexibility and personalized education, they raise concerns about accountability, quality control, and equitable access to educational resources.