School Choice in Mississippi: Options, Key Facts, and What the Data Shows

MS Voter Data
Fact Sheets

What Is School Choice?

School choice, also known as education choice or “education freedom,” refers to policies that empower families to select the best K–12 educational setting for their child. This may include public schools, private schools, charter schools, or homeschooling. School choice programs are designed to remove financial and regulatory barriers, ensuring every child has access to an education that fits their needs.

Why School Choice Matters for Mississippi

  • Parents know their children best and deserve meaningful options.

  • Communities grow stronger when families have access to quality schools.

  • A diverse education system supports workforce development and economic growth.

  • Research shows school choice improves outcomes for both participating students and those in traditional schools.

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Types Of School Choice

Private Choice

Programs like ESAs, vouchers, and tax credits help families afford private school tuition and can also cover tutoring, therapies, and other learning needs.

Public Choice (Open Enrollment)

Lets students transfer within or outside their district, expanding access to quality public schools beyond their zip code.

Public Charter Schools

Tuition-free public schools, funded by taxpayers but independently run, are designed to innovate and focus on student success.

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Overall MS Voter Support

Voter Support for School Choice in Mississippi

Recent polling of 600 registered voters shows strong support for school choice across party and racial lines.

  • Overall support: 64% of voters support school choice, 16% oppose.

  • By party: 75% of Republicans, 57% of Independents, 52% of Democrats support school choice.

  • By race: 67% of White voters, 57% of Black voters support school choice.

  • Impact on candidates: 74% of voters say a candidate’s support for school choice would either increase their likelihood to vote for them or make no difference; nearly half of GOP voters are more likely to support such candidates.

*Polling conducted in September 2025 by Empower Mississippi in partnership with Arc Insights*

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School Choice Improves Student Performance

Competition from vouchers leads public schools to improve. Read Journal of Economic Literature Here

Private school choice benefits students who remain in public schools. Read Peabody Journal of Education Here

More education freedom is linked with higher NAEP scores and gains. Read Journal of School Choice Here

Nearly 30 peer-reviewed studies show private school choice raises test scores for students who stay in public schools.

fact sheets

WHAT IS SCHOOL CHOICE?

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WHAT IS PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE?

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WHAT IS AN

ESA?

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WHAT CURRENT MS OPTIONS?

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Family Testimonials