Blog

Here’s what PEFNC thinks about parental school choice in our state, through original blog posts only found here: Legislative blogs, parent testimonials, My Story, Stories

What Is a Charter School — and Is It Public or Private?

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


Milton Friedman: The Pioneer Who Put Families First

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


Howard Fuller: A Voice for Justice and Educational Freedom

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?


What Is School Choice — And Why Does It Matter in North Carolina?

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?


PEFNC Newsletter - Historic School Choice Expansion

In this monthly newsletter:

  • HB10 Becomes Law: What happened and what's next?
  • AFC Sharing the Voices of North Carolina Parents

And more!


Time to Be Thankful

We extend our warmest wishes for a joyful Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! This is a time to express gratitude for numerous blessings, and we are thankful to have the freedom to select the educational path that best suits our children's needs.

This year 50,000+ students have something extra to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. Hear what they have to say!

PEFNC Newsletter - What's Next For OSP Funding?

In this monthly newsletter:

  • The Path Towards Fully Funding the Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ Programs
  • PEFNC named Inaugural School Choice Week Impact Award Winner

And more!


The Path Towards Fully Funding the Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ Programs

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!

See who voted for HB10 here

PEFNC Wins The Impact Award From The National School Choice Awareness Foundation

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.


The Path Towards Fully Funding the Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ Programs

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.


Newsletter For September 2024: Are more scholarship funds on the way?

The Path Towards Fully Funding the Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ Programs

A few weeks ago, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a conference report, also known as 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 of you who advocated for advancing this legislation. Your hard work paid off in getting it through its first hurdle!

See the legislators who voted for HB10.

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.


Back-to-School Season and Parents Fighting For OSP

Apply for AFC’s Future Leaders Fellowship

Deadline: September 1

The American Federation for Children (AFC) has been a longtime friend to our efforts to expand parental school choice in North Carolina. AFC has an incredible program called the Future Leaders Fellowship. It is designed to identify and develop tomorrow’s leaders in the educational choice movement, those who can speak best to its urgent need and potential: the men and women who credit school choice for changing their lives.

Did you know that North Carolina’s one Amoree Brown is a current member of the AFC Future Leaders Fellowship? Go Amoree!

This one-of-a-kind, yearlong program develops the next generation of school choice champions through expert-led training in communications and policy. Fellows also engage with elected officials and receive extensive professional development and networking opportunities, equipping them for a career in public policy.