The White House reaffirmed its support for educational choice Monday, issuing a presidential message that champions charter schools as vital pathways to opportunity. The declaration comes as part of National Charter Schools Week, highlighting the administration’s broader push for educational freedom.
“Charter schools have provided children—especially those in low-income and urban areas—with the opportunity to grow, succeed, and fulfill their God-given potential, regardless of their zip code or financial situation,” the presidential statement reads. The message notes there are now more than 8,000 operational charter schools across America.
Since the first public charter school opened in 1992, the alternative education model has expanded significantly. Charter enrollment growth now exceeds school-aged population growth in most states, according to the White House.
The administration points to performance metrics suggesting charter school students are outpacing peers in traditional public schools in math and reading assessments. Such claims echo longstanding debates about measuring educational effectiveness across different school models.
“Movements are sparked by calls to action – whether considering advocacy from our local, state and national offices,” said Nakia Douglas, Executive Director of the Dallas Education Collective to The Dallas Express. “We are in a unique moment to lead the movement of change for our children within schools – through Choice. The ability to choose the best educational option is something every parent and community should have regardless of their zip codes to meet the unique needs of their children.”
The presidential message also referenced recent executive actions aimed at expanding educational freedom.
“It is the official policy of my Administration that parents have the fundamental right to oversee the education, upbringing, and moral formation of their children,” the White House statement declares.
Douglas said that concept resonates deeply with local families seeking alternatives to legacy school models.
“It’s not just about academics – it’s about empowerment. When parents have agency in their child’s education, the entire system grows stronger.”
Douglas added that community-based options must be central to education reform.
“Community-centered public charter schools can play a critical role in delivering quality education, especially in historically undeserved neighborhoods.”
Beyond charter schools, the message indicates support for “freedom in education in all its forms,” specifically mentioning homeschooling, public, and religious schools as valid educational paths.
The proclamation follows other recent education initiatives from the administration, including efforts focused on artificial intelligence education and controversial steps to potentially dismantle the Department of Education.
“America’s schools should be shining examples to the rest of the world,” the message states. The administration frames its education policies as returning authority to states while empowering parents in educational decision-making.