Every child deserves a great education

Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate with greater flexibility than traditional public schools. This freedom allows them to innovate and adapt their teaching methods to better meet the needs of their students, while still being held accountable for academic results.

In Mississippi, state law limits the establishment of charter schools to certain districts with struggling schools. This cap restricts families in other areas from accessing the innovative education charter schools can provide, making the expansion of charter schools a critical issue for parents seeking better options.

Open enrollment policies allow families to enroll their children in public schools outside their assigned districts, providing access to schools that may better meet their needs. These policies give parents more flexibility to choose schools that align with their child’s unique goals and challenges.

In Mississippi, open enrollment is restricted by requiring both the sending and receiving districts to approve the transfer. This dual-consent requirement often creates barriers for families seeking better educational opportunities for their children, limiting access to schools that could help them thrive.

ESAs offer families state funding to use toward educational expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, therapies, and other services, offering flexibility in how they choose to educate their child. Mississippi’s ESA program is limited to students with special needs. Current state funding for the program only covers a few hundred students, and approximately 150 students are on a waitlist to participate.

Nate Rogers Scholarship: Provides scholarships for students with speech and language impairments to attend specialized private schools in Mississippi.

Dyslexia Therapy: Offers targeted interventions by licensed therapists to help students with dyslexia improve reading and language skills. Mississippi mandates screenings for early identification.

Homeschool: Allows families to educate their children at home with a curriculum tailored to their needs. In Mississippi, parents must submit a certificate of enrollment annually.

Microschool: Small, community-based schools offering personalized education. These often blend homeschool and traditional school approaches, with flexible learning models.

Magnet School: Public schools with specialized curricula, such as STEM or arts programs, designed to attract students from outside their assigned districts. Admission often requires an application process.