129: You Have More Education Options Than You Think, with Jay Artis-Wright
written by: Elan Page
Back-to-school season naturally gets families thinking about education. Even if you've already chosen homeschooling, it's worth remembering that today's educational landscape is far more flexible than it was even a decade ago, and you have a number of different learning options available to you.
Many parents assume they have to choose one path and stick with it forever. But the reality is that our children grow, our family circumstances change, and different seasons may call for different educational approaches. Understanding what's available empowers you to make thoughtful decisions throughout your child's educational journey.
If you're trying to decide between traditional school, homeschooling, charter schools, microschools, or other education options, understanding how each model works is the first step toward making the best decision for your child.
I sat down with Jay Artis-Wright, CEO of Freedom to Choose Schools, to dive deeper into helping parents understand the many education possibilities available to you and how to choose what's right for your children.
Education Options Have Expanded Beyond Traditional School
One of the first things Jay shared during our conversation was a perspective that really stuck with me: education decisions are financial decisions.
For many families, the "best" educational environment isn't simply about what they want for their child; it's about what they can afford or what's available where they live.
Historically, that has meant many parents have had to accept the educational options they were given, rather than the ones they would have chosen.
But thankfully, that's beginning to change.
Across the country, more states are expanding educational choice through programs like Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which give families greater flexibility to access learning environments that better fit their children's needs.
At the same time, Jay shared that she’s seeing growing interest in homeschooling, microschools, charter schools, and hybrid learning models as parents realize they have more educational options than they previously may have thought.
As Jay put it: the goal isn't simply to create more choices - it's to give families the freedom to find the learning environment where their children can truly thrive.
Microschools: One of the Fastest-Growing Education Options
When I asked Jay what learning models she's seeing gain the most momentum, her answer was immediate: microschools.
Unlike a traditional school with hundreds (or even thousands) of students, microschools intentionally keep enrollment small. Many serve fewer than 20 students, creating an environment where learning can be much more personalized. Rather than expecting every child to move at the same pace, educators have the flexibility to meet students where they are and provide more individualized support.
Jay also shared that many microschools are being founded by experienced teachers who love teaching, and they’re looking for a different way to serve students outside of the traditional classroom model.
That combination of smaller class sizes, stronger relationships, and personalized learning is one of the reasons so many families are beginning to explore microschools as part of their educational journey.
As someone who homeschools, I especially appreciate that many microschools can also complement homeschooling. Some families enroll their children part-time, creating a hybrid approach that offers the flexibility of homeschooling alongside the community and enrichment of a classroom setting. It's a great reminder that today's school options don't always have to be an either/or decision.
How Charter Schools Offer a Different Learning Model
Our conversation then shifted to charter schools, where Jay has spent much of her career.
One of the biggest misconceptions she encounters is that charter schools are private schools…but they're not. Charter schools are public schools, but they have more flexibility to create unique educational models while still meeting state academic standards.
That flexibility allows many charter schools to develop a specific focus or mission: some emphasize STEM, the arts, or athletics, while others are built around culturally affirming education.
Jay shared how her own daughters attended a charter school where the learning was centered on Black education. In algebra, for example, students explored the historical roots of mathematics, learning how African civilizations like Ethiopia helped lay the foundation for the advanced math concepts we know today.
That same sense of representation extended into who students saw in leadership. Jay shared that her daughters' math and science teachers were Black women, and she believes those role models played a significant role in shaping both their confidence and their interest in pursuing STEM careers.
Understanding what makes charter schools unique gives you another option to consider as you look for the learning environment where your children can thrive.
How to Choose the Right Educational Environment for Your Family
Jay emphasized that finding the right educational fit begins with understanding your child, not simply comparing education models. She offered several practical suggestions for parents navigating their options:
- Start with your child's unique needs. Every child learns differently. Consider their personality, learning style, interests, and the type of environment where they feel most supported.
- Think about your family's priorities. Academic rigor matters, but so do things like safety, belonging, flexibility, cultural affirmation, and opportunities for growth. Clarifying what matters most to your family will help guide your decisions.
- Research your options carefully. Whether you're considering homeschooling, a charter school, a microschool, or another learning environment, take time to understand how each model works and whether it aligns with your goals.
- Talk to other parents. One of Jay's favorite pieces of advice was to ask families about their experiences. Firsthand recommendations can often provide insights you won't find on a school's website.
Remember that your decision isn't permanent. As your child grows and your family's needs change, it's okay to reevaluate. The best educational fit today may look different a few years from now, and that's part of creating a personalized education.
Educational Choice Begins with Informed Parents
Through her work with Freedom to Choose Schools, Jay has a front-row seat to the many ways education is evolving across the country.
And her message throughout our conversation was clear: parents have more options than ever before, but those options only make a difference if families know they exist and feel empowered to use them.
Whether you're homeschooling, considering a charter school, exploring a microschool, or blending multiple approaches, the goal isn't necessarily to become fixated on one "perfect" educational model. It's to make thoughtful, informed decisions that reflect your child's unique needs and your family's values.
The more you understand today's educational landscape, the better equipped you'll be to advocate for your child and create a learning experience where they can truly thrive.
Connect with Jay:
Jay Artis-Wright is the CEO of Freedom to Choose Schools, a national organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunity and strengthening the leadership pipeline of Black and Latino school founders and executives.
If you'd like to learn more about educational choice, school leadership, or the evolving landscape of K–12 education, be sure to connect with Jay and the Freedom to Choose Schools team:
- Follow Freedom to Choose Schools: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
- Listen to the Choice Words Podcast: Apple | Spotify | YouTube
Ready to Explore Homeschooling?
If homeschooling is something you’re interested in considering, my free START Homeschooling Workshop is the perfect place to begin.
It walks you through how to approach homeschooling with clarity and confidence so that you can separate what you think it has to look like from what it can actually look like for your real family.
