Although the payoffs don't always come quickly, just a few years into this new approach students, parents, schools, and communities say they're more satisfied with public education. Choice recognizes that schools are not all the same-any more than students are. Certain students get more from the particular strengths of certain schools. Public school choice gives families at all economic levels the chance to choose the best school for each child. It helps to equalize the balance of power between districts and schools, and the parents they serve.
Choice spurs schools to assess themselves and their competitors in the marketplace.
In the face of parents' new consumer clout, schools have had to find out what their customers want and don't want, develop responsive programs, and market their new offerings. Schools that once comfortably issued edicts have opened lines of communication, asking for input and approval. Choice energizes parents and students to investigate the array of new options. We enter into the process by defining what we want from a school, researching the choices, and applying to schools that offer what we seek. Choosing a school kindles commitment and re-involves parents with the school and system.