Sen. Tim Scott touts key support for school choice

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, introduced a resolution designating Jan. 25-31, 2026, as National School Choice Week. The resolution recognizes the importance of providing families with more educational options and highlights the role of school choice in empowering students to reach their full potential.

“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!”

Here’s what stakeholders are saying about school choice:

Ellen Weaver, superintendent of education, state of South Carolina:

“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 School Choice Week to advance the hope and opportunity found in a great education.”

Ryan Cantrell, chief state strategy officer, American Federation for Children:

“Senator Scott has called school choice 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 school choicethan 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 school choice to every family who wants it, and we, like Senator Scott, are committed to seeing that mission through.”

Brian Myrup, managing director, York Preparatory Academy: 

“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, executive director, Meyer Center for Special Children:

“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, superintendent, South Carolina Public Charter School District:

“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, executive director, Liberty STEAM:

“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, chief executive officer, Bridges Preparatory School:

“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, executive director, Fox Creek High School:

“Providing school choice is paramount to ensuring that each child has the opportunity to succeed. Just as sports are critical to some students, drama and band can be just as critical to others. Meeting the child where their needs exist is what school choice is founded on. If we want to see students thrive, we cannot place them all in the same environment hope they succeed. School choice ensures that parents can make key decisions to help their student find the best environment to promote their individual needs.” 

Elizabeth Simpson, executive director, Compass Collegiate Academy:

“As both a school leader and a parent with my own child enrolled in our school, I see the power of school choice every day. Charter schools give parents, educators, and community members the autonomy to build schools that truly meet the needs of their children and their community. Choice allows families to select a school that fits the child—rather than forcing a child to fit a one-size-fits-all model. And I know this work matters: we see it in strong parent survey results, in outcomes that outperform our state and district, and in the joy and confidence on our scholars’ faces every day.” 

Ryan Dellinger, director of education policy, Palmetto Promise Institute:

“Education is the ultimate equalizer.  No matter your situation, a quality education can and will improve your lot in life. School choice helps ensure that families are able to pick the educational options that best serve their children’s individual needs and give them the best chance for success in life after high school.”

Rhonda Gregory, principal, Greenville Tech Charter High School:

“School choice places families at the center of education policy by empowering parents to choose what works best for their children. When schools are free to compete, excellence rises, innovation accelerates, accountability strengthens, and every student gains access to a higher standard of excellence. Policies should reflect this opportunity for all parents and students.”

Here’s what parents are saying about one of South Carolina’s leading school choice programs:

Melodie Kelly:

“After moving back to South Carolina, my middle-school granddaughter had a very unpleasant school experience, which led me to use my savings to place her in private school. As a retired grandmother living solely on SSI, this quickly became a financial strain, and I was facing the difficult decision of draining my savings further or homeschooling to protect her well-being. Being approved for the ESTF has truly been a lifesaver, and I am beyond grateful for this support.”

Nancy Robertson:

“As a single mom, providing my son with a Christian education in a small school that shares our values has always been important to me, even when it required real sacrifice. I never thought we would qualify for the ESTF program, but to my surprise we were awarded a scholarship, which has been an incredible blessing. The support and priority status for future years have brought so much peace when planning financially.

T. Young:

“As a teacher assistant at my child’s private school, the financial responsibility for our child’s education falls solely on my husband, who is a retired military veteran. Receiving support through the Education Scholarship Trust Fund would be extremely helpful and would significantly ease the financial burden on our family.”

Brian Jobo:

“After moving from Kershaw County to Greenwood County, our family has worked hard to ensure our daughter, Maddie – our miracle and only child – has access to a better educational experience. My wife and I commute 30 minutes each way each day to ensure she can attend a school that better meets her needs. As a disabled veteran, I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to apply for ESTF, especially with the recent increase to the Federal Poverty Level, and deeply appreciate the possibility of receiving additional financial support through this program.”

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