How school choice could change the lives of Idaho students

When I think about my education, I can’t help but think of the sacrifices my parents made to give me opportunities they never had. As a first-generation college student from Nampa, Idaho, I know firsthand the transformative power of school choice – a lifeline for low-income and middle-class Idaho families striving for better opportunities.

My parents emigrated from Mexico and dreamed of a better life for their children. They worked tirelessly in the fields of Idaho, often putting aside their dreams to ensure that my siblings and I could get an education. But despite their hard work, they were faced with the harsh reality of an education system that often fails to meet the needs of some students.

It is vital that families have choices when it comes to raising their children. Our family faced unimaginable challenges, including the loss of my oldest sister in 2005. Although I was too young to remember her, the burden of that grief shaped my childhood and my role within my family.

Like many Idaho students, I experienced large class sizes, a lack of individual attention, and an environment that left me feeling isolated. I was overwhelmed and struggling to keep up, and my academic performance began to decline. It was in this moment of desperation that I learned there was a place for me at Elevate Academy, a charter school that offered a hopeful path.

Walking through the doors of Elevate Academy was a revelation. The warm, welcoming environment made all the difference. I reconnected with old friends and was surrounded by teachers and mentors who genuinely cared about my success. Their investment in my education reignited my passion for learning and helped me overcome my challenges.

At Elevate Academy I discovered the power of choice. The school’s mission was clear: to help students find their way after graduation, whether that meant going to college, joining the military or entering the workforce. With the support of dedicated teachers, I discovered my passion for criminal law. Inspired by my teachers, I played an active role in my school community and even helped establish our juvenile justice system. I realized that I wanted to work in juvenile probation and help children like me who often feel like their future has already been chosen for them.

This is what school choice meant to me: the opportunity to shape my own destiny. Without the opportunity to attend Elevate Academy, I may not be in college today and would not have the support system that has been crucial to my growth. Instead, I would be lost in a system that did not or could not recognize my potential.

Unfortunately, many Idaho students do not make the charter school waitlists. Low-income and middle-class families in Idaho often don’t have the same opportunities as affluent families. Idaho families are looking for alternatives that meet the unique needs of their children, through charter schools, private institutions or online learning options.

But despite these needs, the conversation about school choice remains controversial. The recent article in Idaho Education News highlights the importance of addressing educational disparities, especially in light of the challenges presented by the pandemic. Low-income and middle-class families deserve the same access to quality education as families from higher-income backgrounds.

We must allow parents to choose schools that align with their values ​​and meet the needs of their children, regardless of socioeconomic status. I urge lawmakers to stand up for policies that ensure every child has the opportunity to pursue their dreams without barriers. School choice meant the world to me, and I hope every student in Idaho has access to the options they deserve.