Trump Administration Expands School Choice Options Nationwide

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

FIRST ON FOX – The Trump administration is rolling out a new legal pathway to bolster school choice nationwide. The U.S. Department of Education is aiming to return powers to the states and ultimately dismantle itself in a move to enhance educational options for students.

In a recent “Dear Colleague Letter to State and Local Education Agencies,” the department provided guidance to help state and local school districts better serve private school students who are eligible for federally funded academic support. This guidance aims to ensure more efficient and effective ways to meet the needs of all students.

Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), eligible private school students are entitled to Title I-A funded equitable services, such as tutoring, summer school programs, and counseling programs. Since its inception in 1965, private school students and teachers have been able to participate in federal education programs under this law.

The Department of Education emphasizes that private school families are federal taxpayers, making their students eligible for services similar to their public school peers using federal funding. The department encourages collaboration between private and public schools to best support eligible students.

“It has been a banner year for school choice,” said Department of Education deputy press secretary Ellen Keast. “President Trump and Secretary McMahon are working to ensure every child has access to an excellent education that best fits their unique learning needs.”

The department’s efforts to expand education choice options under ESEA have been well-received, with multiple guidance letters issued to support personalized learning opportunities and safer school environments.

In a move to give parents more control over their children’s education, the Trump administration is committed to increasing flexibility and support for families seeking tailored learning opportunities.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently cleared the way for Education Secretary Linda McMahon to reduce department staff, aligning with President Trump’s goal of dismantling the department and returning educational powers to the states.

President Trump celebrated the ruling, stating, “The Federal Government has been running our Education System into the ground, but we are going to turn it all around by giving the Power back to the PEOPLE.”