We unsuccessfully navigated through our public school system for 4yrs before discovering the true beauty of school choice and what that could look like for our family. It wasn’t until exhausting all options (self-contained, inclusion, open-enrollment, charter school) that our speech therapist informed us about ESA. It then took us another year before we took the leap of faith and applied for an Empowerment Scholarship Account. Looking back at that decision, I only wish we would have made the leap sooner.
My children are THRIVING. They are happy, outgoing and gaining more confidence with every new day. My 9yr old can now read and enjoys chapter books. I no longer dread having to take my 7yr old to school knowing that it’ll result in him pleading with me to not leave him there. I no longer stare at my phone waiting for it to ring … knowing that another incident has happened at school. I no longer attend parent teacher meetings only to discuss how my child hasn’t made any progression. ESA has provided an alternative option that not only provides a well-rounded education but also guarantees my children’s safety and well-being.
Thanks to school choice, I know that my children are safe. I know that they’re progressing. I know that they’re understanding and grasping new concepts. Most importantly I know that they’re finally enjoying learning again. School is no longer a place of fear and resentment. It’s a place of smiles and laughter and an eagerness to learn.
I will forever be grateful for school choice and the ESA program.
