In the opening circus act of what promises to be a chaotic second Trump presidency, the "Ring Leader in Chief" signed an executive order promising "educational freedom." But like many of his grand promises, this one may not deliver what it claims. Instead, it could unravel the very fabric of public education while undermining the exclusivity that makes private schools appealing.
Trump’s latest proposal involves redirecting federal funds to expand school choice programs, effectively handing the Department of Health and Human Services a blank check to reimagine how states allocate money to private institutions. On the surface, it sounds like a win for parents seeking alternatives. But dig a little deeper, and the plan reveals itself as a double-edged sword—one that could slash funding for public schools while diluting the advantages of private education.
Public schools, which serve 50.8 million students compared to just 4.7 million in private institutions, are already stretched thin. Diverting funds to private schools would leave even less for essential public school programs like after-school care, summer school, and extracurricular activities. The result? A further widening of the gap between the haves and the have-nots in education.
Are Private Schools Really Better?
The debate over whether private schools provide a superior education is far from settled. While private school students often boast higher grades, this isn’t necessarily a reflection of better teaching or curricula. Consider this: if you’re paying thousands of dollars in tuition, wouldn’t you expect your child to excel? Private schools have a vested interest in keeping parents happy, which can mean inflating grades or making coursework less rigorous.
Unlike public schools, private institutions aren’t bound by national standards or mandatory curricula. They’re free to teach whatever they choose, and there’s no evidence that their students receive higher-quality information. In fact, public school teachers—who often have more diverse classroom experience and broader educational backgrounds—may be better equipped to provide a well-rounded education.
The Misleading Statistics
Comparing private and public school performance is like comparing apples to oranges. Private school students often come from families with significant advantages: parents with advanced degrees, stable incomes, and the ability to be more hands-on in their children’s education. These families can afford tutors, enrichment programs, and the luxury of time to help with homework.
Private schools also benefit from smaller class sizes—averaging 12 students per teacher—which allows for more individualized attention. But this exclusivity comes at a cost. Public schools, by contrast, serve a much broader demographic, including students with undiagnosed learning disabilities or challenging home environments. These factors can skew performance statistics, making public schools appear less effective than they truly are.
The Voucher Vortex: A Cautionary Tale
Arizona’s universal voucher program offers a glimpse into the potential pitfalls of Trump’s plan. On paper, giving parents $7,000 per child to spend on education sounds like a win. In reality, it’s a free-for-all, with funds being used for everything from kayak lessons to home gyms. By early 2024, Arizona had 70,000 students enrolled in the program, but the lack of oversight raises serious questions about accountability and effectiveness.
If the goal is truly to improve education, why not invest in public schools? Instead, Trump’s plan risks draining resources from the very institutions that serve the majority of American students. It’s a shell game that benefits a select few while leaving the rest to fend for themselves. And let’s not forget the potential for public funds to support religious schools, blurring the line between church and state.
The Bottom Line
School choice may sound like a noble idea, but in practice, it’s shaping up to be a thinly veiled scheme to privatize education. The promise of “educational freedom” is a mirage, distracting from the real issues plaguing our schools: underfunding, inequality, and a lack of resources.
As the educational landscape shifts, it’s crucial to stay informed and skeptical. What looks like opportunity, may just be another way to funnel resources to the privileged few. In the end, this isn’t just about school choice—it’s about the fundamental promise of education in America. And that promise is in danger of being broken.
So, while the circus continues, remember: the stakes are high, and the future of education hangs in the balance. Stay vigilant, and maybe start saving for that private tuition—just in case.
Part 5 -coming soon
References
Alcindor, Y., Shabad, R., & Gregorian, D. (2025, January 30). Trump signs sweeping executive order to expand school choice. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-sign-sweeping-executive-order-expand-school-choice-rcna189779
IES NCES. (2022). The NCES Fast Facts Tool provides quick answers to many education questions (National Center for Education Statistics). National Center For Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=1225
Klam, L. (2025, January 6). The dangers of federal school vouchers: H.R. 9462 and its impact on public education. First Focus on Children. https://firstfocus.org/update/the-dangers-of-federal-school-vouchers-h-r-9462-and-its-impact-on-public-education/
Peterson, E. (2025, January 31). The Impact of the Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families Executive Order on afterschool and summer learning programs. Afterschool Alliance. https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/afterschoolsnack/The-Impact-of-the-Expanding-Educational-Freedom-and-Opportunity_01-31-2025.cfm
Sparks. (2024, July 18). Teacher-Student ratio statistics. Sparks. https://www.sparxservices.org/blog/teacher-student-ratio-statistics
The Editors of ProCon. (2000, January 1). School vouchers. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/procon/school-vouchers-debate
Walker, T. (2025, February 2). ‘No accountability’: Vouchers wreak havoc on states. NEA. https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/no-accountability-vouchers-wreak-havoc-states
White House. (2025, January 29). Expanding educational freedom and opportunity for families – The White House. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/expanding-educational-freedom-and-opportunity-for-families/
