All children deserve a chance at a great education, no matter where they live. At its heart, educational choice is simply the idea that all parents, regardless of means, should enjoy the freedom to choose where and how their children are educated. As the nation’s legislative advisors, IJ’s attorneys regularly help legislators and policymakers ensure that educational choice initiatives will pass constitutional muster. And as the nation’s preeminent courtroom defender of educational choice programs, the Institute for Justice intervenes in legal challenges to such programs on behalf of parents nationwide to protect and defend their right to direct the education and upbringing of their children.

Educational Choice Cases

South Carolina ESAs

In 2023, South Carolina created the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (“ESTF”) program. This student aid program grants thousands of qualifying, low-income families a $6,000 scholarship that parents can use for educational expenses for their children—things…

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Educational Choice Legislation

Education Savings Account Act: Tax-Credit Funded

Educational Choice | Tax Credit Scholarships

Education Savings Account Act: Tax-Credit Funded

Our present system of delivering publicly funded education is in need of dramatic reform.  Educational choice programs provide that reform as they shift the power from state boards of education and school districts to parents. …

Education Savings Account Act: Publicly Funded

Educational Choice | Publicly Funded Scholarships

Education Savings Account Act: Publicly Funded

Our present system of delivering publicly funded education is in need of dramatic reform.  Educational choice programs provide that reform as they shift the power from state boards of education and school districts to parents. …

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Educational Choice Research

Educational Choice

12 Myths and Realities About Private Educational Choice Programs

Educational choice programs—defined broadly as programs that provide parents with financial aid to help their children opt out of the traditional public school system—are a hallmark of meaningful educational reform. Yet despite widespread news coverage…

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