Mandy Davis, a former school principal, now champions school choice after transitioning to homeschooling her three children. She firmly believes parents should have the autonomy to select the educational path best suited for their kids.

"In America, freedom is paramount, and that includes the freedom to choose our children's educational setting," Davis stated, having left her principal position over a year ago. "This decision should always rest with the parents."

The discussion surrounding school choice—the concept of directing tax dollars towards individual students rather than specific schools—has gained significant traction recently. Several states have enacted legislation supporting broader educational options. Ohio recently joined Arizona, West Virginia, Iowa, Utah, Arkansas, Florida, and Oklahoma in passing pro-school choice laws.

"School choice offers the wonderful liberty to select the most suitable educational environment for our children," Davis commented. "However, our society tends to default to the traditional classroom model."

Davis's journey in education began in 2008, culminating in a principalship at a private school in Central Oregon. However, she resigned in June 2022 to homeschool her children, a decision she hadn't initially anticipated.

"I never envisioned myself homeschooling," Davis admitted. "Many parents share this sentiment. We often lack awareness of the available school choice options and how to make informed decisions for our children."

Davis initially enrolled her older children in private school in 2019 before transitioning to homeschooling. Her youngest child will join them when he reaches school age.

Factors influencing her decision included the exodus of qualified teachers, limited individual attention, and perceived political biases in classroom discussions.

"We should be having ongoing conversations about the optimal school choice," Davis emphasized. "We need to evaluate whether our current choices meet our family's needs and be prepared to adapt."

School choice policies encompass various approaches, such as vouchers enabling families to send their children to preferred schools, as well as funding charter and magnet schools.

Proponents argue that school choice expands access to private schools for lower-income families. Critics, however, contend that it diverts funding from public education.

"School choice is essential, and parents should have the authority to make decisions for their children," Davis asserted. "Many current school practices diminish parental influence."

The growing emphasis on school choice coincides with heated debates about appropriate classroom topics, including critical race theory and gender identity. While many parents voice their concerns at school board meetings, some, like Davis, opt out of the traditional system entirely.

Davis expressed strong confidence in her decision to homeschool, believing it's the right path for her family. She plans to continually reassess their educational choices to ensure they remain aligned with their needs.

Davis urges families to advocate for school choice policies within their states, empowering parents to choose the best educational route for their children. She also encourages parents to consider homeschooling, even in states without robust school choice policies.

"If you feel drawn to homeschooling, give it a try," she advised.