U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), who serves as co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, has introduced a resolution to designate January 25-31, 2026, as National School Choice Week. The resolution aims to recognize the importance of providing families with more educational options and emphasizes the role of school choice in supporting student achievement.
“National School Choice Week is a celebration of opportunity and a reminder that education is not one-size-fits-all. When families have a choice, kids have a chance! My life’s experience attending schools with fewer resources as well as schools offering greater opportunities has shown me the importance of empowering parents to choose quality education for their kids,” said Sen. Scott.“Having more good teachers and mentors can change the direction of one’s life. It certainly did for me!”
Scott represents South Carolina in the U.S. Senate and has served on several key committees related to banking, finance, health, education, labor, pensions, and small business. He is known for his focus on economic development and education issues in South Carolina and across the nation. More information about his background and priorities can be found on his official website.
Ellen Weaver, superintendent of education for South Carolina, expressed support for expanding educational freedom: “I believe in the power of educational choice because I lived it. From faith-based education to learning at home to public school, those experiences are why I’m passionate about expanding education freedom for families across South Carolina. Here in the Palmetto State, we’re building an education ecosystem that gives families more options and every student the opportunity to thrive. I’m grateful to partner with Senator Scott during National SchoolChoice Week to advance the hope and opportunity found in a great education.”
Ryan Cantrell from the American Federation for Children commented on national efforts: “Senator Scott has called schoolchoice the civil rights issue of our time, and it has been an honor to work with him to expand access to educational freedom for families in South Carolina and across our nation. Today, more students enjoy the freedom of schoolchoicethan ever before, with more to come, thanks in large part to Senator Scott, President Trump, and congressional leaders who unlocked a new age in American education by delivering the federal scholarship tax credit in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The work continues to bring schoolchoice to every family who wants it, and we, like Senator Scott, are committed to seeing that mission through.”
Other educators also shared perspectives:
Brian Myrup from York Preparatory Academy stated: “The education of our children should be a centered in the home and supported by the school. The resulting partnership allows for adaption to unique needs and circumstances and to maximize the growth of each individual. This dynamic is most able to be achieved when families have the choice to determine their preferred partners in that process. School choice strengthens all schools and gives all families the necessary options to find the best path forward for their child.”
Meta Hendricks at Meyer Center for Special Children said: “Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. At the Meyer Center, state and community investments give students with disabilities access to options they might not otherwise have. We are committed to helping every student thrive and supporting families every step of the way—because the right educational environment makes all the difference.”
Chris Neeley from South Carolina Public Charter School District noted: “School choice is ultimately about the soul of the child—about ensuring every student is seen, challenged, and believed in. When families are trusted to choose the learning environment that fits their child, students don’t just succeed academically; they grow in confidence, purpose, and hope. That is how we strengthen education and, in turn, our future.”
Trevor Ivey at Liberty STEAM remarked: “School choice is about honoring the unique potential of every child. When families are empowered to choose a school that aligns with their values and their child’s needs, students don’t just learn—they thrive. They discover who they are, what they’re capable of, and how their education can open doors to opportunity, purpose, and a brighter future.”
Gary McCulloch from Bridges Preparatory School commented: “Bridges Preparatory School believes that the impact of school choice is measured not just in options but in an outcomes-based approach with STRONGER STUDENTS, STRONGER FAMILIES,and STRONGER COMMUNITIES.”
Josh Trahan at Fox Creek High School added: “Providing school choice is paramount to ensuring that each child has the opportunity to succeed… Meetingthechild where their needs exist is what school choice is founded on… School choice ensures that parents can make key decisions…”
Elizabeth Simpson from Compass Collegiate Academy observed: “As both a school leaderandaparentwithmyownchildenrolledinourschool,Iseethepowerofschoolchoiceeveryday.Charterschools give parents…the autonomyto build schools that truly meet theneedsoftheirchildrenandtheircommunity…AndIknowthisworkmatters:weseeitinstrongparentsurveyresults,inoutcomesthatoutperformourstateanddistrict,andinthejoyandconfidenceonourscholars’faceseveryday.”
Ryan Dellinger at Palmetto Promise Institute stated: “Educationistheultimateequalizer.Nomatteryoursituation,aqualityeducationcanandwillimproveyourlotinlife.Schoolchoicehelpsensurethatfamiliesareabletopicktheeducationaloptionsthatbestservetheirchildren’sindividualneedsandgivethemthebestchanceforsuccessinlifeafterhighschool.”
Rhonda Gregory from Greenville Tech Charter High School said: “Schoolchoiceplacesfamiliesatthecenterofeducationpolicybyempoweringparentstochoosewhatworksbestfortheirchildren.When schoolsarefreetocompete…, excellence rises…, innovation accelerates…, accountability strengthens…,andeverystudentgainsaccesstoahigherstandardofexcellence.Policiesshouldreflectthisopportunityforallparentsandstudents.”
Parents also described personal experiences regarding one leading program:
Melodie Kelly shared her experience navigating financial challenges after moving her granddaughter into private school:“After moving backtoSouthCarolina,mymiddle-schoolgranddaughterhadaveryunpleasant schoolexperience…,whichledmetousemysavingstoplaceherinprivateschool….BeingapprovedfortheESTFhastrulybeenalifesaver,andIam beyondgratefulforthissupport.”
Nancy Robertson expressed gratitude after receiving assistance:“Asasinglemom,…IneverthoughtwewouldqualifyfortheESTFprogram,buttomy surprisewewereawardedascholarship,…thesupportandprioritystatusforfutureyearshavebroughtsomuchpeacewhenplanningfinancially.”
T.Young explained financial burdens eased by Education Scholarship Trust Fund support:“Receiving support through …wouldbeextremelyhelpfulandwouldsignificantlyeasethefinancialburdenonourfamily.”
Brian Jobo discussed commuting long distances so his daughter could attend her chosen school:“…Iam sincerely grateful fortheopportunitytoapplyforESTF,…deeplyappreciatethepossibilityofreceivingadditionalfinancialsupportthroughthisprogram.”
Senator Scott continues prioritizing issues such as economic development,economic opportunity,and bridging disparities within South Carolina communities through his legislative work,accordingtohisofficialwebsite.
