The Daily Why So Many Parents Are Opting Out of Public Schools
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Aug 20, 2025 Dana Goldstein, a New York Times reporter focused on education and families, dives into the surge of parents opting out of public schools in favor of private alternatives funded by taxpayer money. She discusses how historical shifts, particularly during the pandemic, have fueled the demand for school vouchers. Goldstein reveals parental concerns driving this trend, such as safety and academic standards, while highlighting the potential implications for public schooling and democratic values in America.
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Policy Shift From Improvement To Exit
- The dominant policy debate shifted from fixing public schools to funding ways for parents to exit them.
- Over one million U.S. students now use public dollars for private education, doubling in five years.
Enrollment Declines Driven By Two Forces
- Two-thirds of traditional public schools have lost enrollment recently.
- Declining birthrates plus the rise of school choice explain much of the drop.
Pandemic Angst Fueled Choice Movement
- During COVID-19 parents' frustration over closures, masking and virtual learning amplified push for choice.
- That angst helped expand the conservative movement for universal vouchers.