Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina

"Currently, not one dollar has been spent in Graham County through the school choice program in our state – because no private-school options exist here.

Could school choice be beneficial for our community? It’s difficult to see how having the funding for public education follow students – instead of institutions – wouldn’t benefit our small town.

Taxpayer funding for pre-K programs like Headstart and Pell Grants for higher education follow students to use at public or private schools of the student’s (or parent’s) choosing. Why not do the same thing for K-12?"

READ MORE: https://www.grahamstar.com/opinion/school-options-would-be-great-county"

School options would be great for county | The Graham Star, Robbinsville, North Carolina Have you ever wondered why Chick-fil-A restaurants operate far more efficiently than every DMV office you’ve waited in?

Public Ed Works published a lengthy attack on North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship Program. The problem? Much of it collapses under the weight of the facts.

From claims about segregation and accountability to who actually receives scholarships and how students perform academically, this point-by-point rebuttal exposes the inaccuracies, misconceptions, and logical fallacies driving the argument.

Before accepting the narrative, read the response. 👇

STAM: Rebuttal to Public Ed Works Public Ed Works published “Bringing Back Exclusion: NC’s School Voucher Program.” This article is full of factual errors and economic and logical fallacies. It warrants rebuttal. It is written by J. Drew Tonissen, author of “The Resegregation Racket.” Tonissen claims that in 2013 Opportuni...

In partnership with Morning Consult, EdChoice surveyed a nationally representative sample of approximately 2,250 adults and 1,300 school parents each month in March, April, and May. The May results are in:

📈 Three-fourths of parents (75%) and two-thirds of Americans (68%) supported education savings accounts (ESAs), when provided with a brief definition of an ESA.
👍ESAs also garner support from a diverse crowd. Two of the most supportive groups included those who identified themselves as MAGA supporters (77%) and liberals/progressives (75%). It’s a type of school choice policy that has appeal across traditional political lines.

📈 Vouchers are also widely supported. In May, three-fourths of parents supported vouchers — the same percentage that expressed support for ESAs.
👍 Typically, vouchers are more divisive than ESAs and receive slightly lower support, so this finding is especially striking. Just over 6 in 10 Americans expressed support for vouchers, lower than that of parents, but a substantial majority.

THE CHALLENGE: Amanda's middle son has autism and complex medical needs. While in public school, he was bullied relentlessly - so much so that he became deeply depressed and began falling behind academically. Despite repeated efforts to get help, he did not receive the support he needed.

As a single-income household with three children, including one requiring ongoing medical care, Amanda faced significant financial constraints and limited options for finding a better environment.

THE TURNING POINT: With the help of the Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+, Amanda's son was able to enroll in a school specifically designed for children with autism. For the first time, he was in a setting built to support how he learns, with smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and a community that understands his needs.

WHAT THIS HAS MEANT: “The Opportunity Scholarship has literally saved my son’s life. He loves his school. He is happy, thriving, and excited to learn again. This support ensures that our financial situation doesn't limit his access to a high-quality education.”

Improved grades and a child who loves to learn again - only because his mom found a school that fit his needs. That's the real power of school choice.

🎉We want to wish Lea McQueen, a member of our Parent Liaison Team, a happy birthday!

For the past four years, Lea has been a vital part of the PEFNC family! Whether it's helping parents navigate their educational options or keeping parents informed about legislation that could shape school choice, Lea is often the friendly voice guiding families every step of the day. 🗣️ She says, "I love being a part of a team of people dedicated to enriching the lives of children! What we do is priceless! Educating parents, teachers, and school administrators on K-12 scholarships and the possibilities associated with school choice means that we have a positive impact on thousands of families each year! I'm grateful to be able to play a part in that."

THE CHALLENGE: Stephen's family of five is classified as Tier 3 based on gross income, but their reality looks very different. After taxes, high insurance premiums, and the ongoing costs of caring for a medically complex child, their available income is significantly reduced. Like many families, rising costs for everyday necessities have made it increasingly difficult to keep up.

THE TURNING POINT: The Opportunity Scholarship has made it possible for this family to choose a private school where their two children are now thriving. This option would not have been financially attainable otherwise.

WHAT THIS HAS MEANT: "The Opportunity Scholarship has been a huge help and a blessing to our family. Without it, we would not be able to send our kids to their school."

In a time of rising costs and competing financial demands, the Opportunity Scholarship is allowing families to prioritize an educational environment where their children are supported and succeeding.

You've probably heard a lot about the Education Choice Tax Credit. Is it a voucher? Does it affect public schools? Who can actually benefit?

Some of what you've heard is true. Some of it isn't. Before you form an opinion, take a minute to separate fact from fiction. Swipe through for a straightforward breakdown of what this new program is... and what it isn't.

Today’s veto override of House Bill 87 marks a historic step forward for North Carolina families. By opting into the federal Education Choice Tax Credit program, our state is embracing a common sense policy that expands opportunity, strengthens parental choice, and aligns North Carolina with a growing national movement to ensure education dollars follow students, not systems.

The federal program encourages private philanthropy to fund scholarships for K12 students, helping families access new pathways to the resources and schools that best meet their child’s needs without requiring additional state or federal education spending.

With this vote, North Carolina lawmakers have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring families can access every available tool to support their children, no matter how or where they learn best. PEFNC stands ready to help ensure this program is implemented in a way that maximizes benefit to students across our state.

Ever wondered what school choice really means and why it’s a big deal here in North Carolina? Whether you’re just curious or looking for options for your family, this read breaks it down simply and clearly. Check it out! 👩‍🏫📘

What Is School Choice — And Why Does It Matter in North Carolina? Discover why school choice matters in North Carolina and how programs like Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ empower families to find the best education for their children. Learn about different…

📚 The Department of Defense has launched a review of how it supports homeschooling for military families, aiming to expand flexibility, improve resources, and uphold educational freedom — strengthening both family life and force readiness.