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Charter schools are tuition-free, independently run, and growing fast in North Carolina — but are they public or private? The answer might surprise you.

Meet Milton Friedman, the economist who pioneered the modern school choice movement.

When it comes to education reform, few voices have been as bold — or as passionate — as Dr. Howard Fuller. But what drove him to fight for school choice, and why should North Carolina families care?

School choice isn’t just a policy. It’s a philosophy grounded in the belief that families, not institutions, should have the power to direct their children’s education. But where did this idea come from, and why does it matter today more than ever?

We are thrilled to announce that Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina has been selected for National School Choice Week’s first-ever Impact Award! PEFNC is honored with this award and, more importantly, thankful to our parents and schools for making a difference in the school choice movement in North Carolina!

PEFNC’s Vice President of External Affairs, Allison Guenther, accepted the award on behalf of PEFNC.

In September, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a conference report (a budget bill), House Bill 10 (HB10), that would clear the OSP and ESA+ waitlists. This was a major step forward for expanded school choice in North Carolina and a massive relief for families who are on the waitlist. We are thankful to each parent and supporter who advocated for advancing this legislation. It is a huge accomplishment getting it through its first hurdle!

Unfortunately, we are disappointed that HB10 was vetoed by Governor Cooper. The Governor continues to oppose the Opportunity Scholarship Program, and his veto impacts special needs students by saying “no” to ESA+ funding, too.

Shortly after the Governor’s veto, PEFNC President, Mike Long, spoke to ABC11 about the situation and championed our state’s school choice programs. 

"I feel that state funds, when it comes to education, should follow the child. That's why I applaud this legislature’s leadership who believes the same thing. Instead of investing in systems, we're investing in children, and we're allowing parents the economic freedom to make decisions as to what works best for them," said Long.