The latest results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card, have confirmed what many parents already feared—our public school system is failing our kids.
The 2024 report reveals that only 39% of fourth graders and 28% of eighth graders scored proficient or higher in math. In reading, the results were even worse, with just 31% of fourth graders reaching proficiency.
“How much longer will our fellow citizens tolerate the dreadful performance of our public schools?” asks Stephen Moore of the Committee to Unleash Prosperity. “It’s arguably the greatest threat to our nation.”
Despite pouring billions of taxpayer dollars into public education, the numbers tell a grim story: American students are falling behind. But while some policymakers call for more spending as the solution, others argue it’s time to rethink how education is delivered altogether.
That’s where school choice comes in.
What’s Behind the Decline?
Supporters of school choice point to the rigid structure of public schools and the growing influence of teachers’ unions as key reasons for the decline in academic achievement.
They argue that bureaucracy and one-size-fits-all policies have strangled innovation in classrooms, leaving teachers unable to tailor learning to individual students.
Meanwhile, pandemic-related learning losses still haven’t been recovered in many districts, and discipline issues continue to disrupt classrooms.
According to a 2023 survey by Education Week, nearly half of teachers reported that student behavior has worsened significantly since the pandemic, making it harder to maintain an effective learning environment.
School Choice Gains Momentum
As confidence in public schools erodes, a growing number of states are embracing school choice programs.
These initiatives give families access to alternatives such as charter schools, private schools, homeschooling, and education savings accounts (ESAs) that allow parents to direct their child’s education funding to the option that works best for them.
Arizona, Florida, Iowa, and West Virginia have all expanded their school choice programs in recent years, with universal or near-universal eligibility. Even states with traditionally strong public school systems, such as Indiana and North Carolina, are now offering more school choice options than ever before.
In Nevada, school choice is shaping up to be a major political battleground. The state offers a privately-funded school choice program known as the Opportunity Scholarship, which provides need-based funding to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level.
These scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, and transportation at private schools, giving lower-income families access to better educational opportunities. However, the program remains capped at a relatively low funding level, limiting how many students can benefit.
Governor Joe Lombardo has been pushing for an expansion, but his proposals have faced resistance from the Democratic-controlled legislature.
The Fight for Education Freedom in Nevada
Governor Lombardo has made expanding school choice one of his top priorities, arguing that Nevada families deserve more options.
During his 2023 State of the State address, he called on lawmakers to work across party lines and set politics aside in order to prioritize students over the education establishment.
Yet opponents, including teachers’ unions and Democratic legislators, claim that increasing school choice options would drain resources from public schools.
They argue that instead of funding alternative programs, the state should focus on fixing the problems within the public system.
But school choice advocates counter that competition breeds improvement. They point to research showing that public schools in areas with strong school choice programs actually improve because they are forced to compete for students.
A study from the University of Arkansas found that public school students in states with school choice programs experienced higher academic gains compared to those in states without them.
The Parents’ Perspective
For many parents, this debate isn’t just about policy—it’s about their child’s future.
Frustrated with declining test scores, failing schools, and classroom disruptions, more families than ever before are seeking alternatives. Homeschooling has doubled since 2019, and enrollment in charter and private schools has also surged.
“I don’t want my kids to be part of a broken system,” said Sarah Martinez, a Las Vegas mother of two. “I’m not against public schools, but I should have the right to choose a better option if my local school isn’t working for my child.”
Her sentiments reflect a growing national trend.
According to a recent RealClear Opinion Research poll, 72% of Americans support school choice, including 68% of Democrats. Support for ESAs, in particular, has skyrocketed, with 78% of parents in favor of the policy.
What’s Next?
As education continues to be a top concern for voters, school choice is likely to play a significant role in upcoming elections.
Conservative lawmakers in Nevada and across the country are expected to push for broader school choice policies, while opponents will continue to resist.
But with test scores continuing to decline and families growing increasingly dissatisfied, the momentum is clear: school choice isn’t just a political talking point—it’s becoming a necessity for many American families.
The real question isn’t whether school choice will expand, but how quickly lawmakers will act to give parents the options they desperately need. Until then, millions of children remain trapped in a failing system, waiting for the opportunity to learn and succeed.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
