News from Jay
The first quarter of 2026 has been a high-demand and high-impact period for Freedom to Choose Schools. Our #IChoose Video Challenge exceeded expectations, generating strong
Closing Out a Powerful Year of Advocacy & Growth As we close out the year, Freedom to Choose Schools celebrates a season of bold advocacy,
As we step into fall, I’m reflecting on the incredible momentum we’ve built together over the past two months. At Freedom to Choose Schools, this
It’s Back-to-School season! This school year, we’re welcoming new innovative education models that help our students learn and grow. That includes charter schools, microschools, and
Latest Updates
Survival to Flourishing: Building Restorative Schools Where Black and Latino Students Thrive
by Dr. Apryl Shackelford, Founder, Primer Microschool in Liberty City, Florida School systems cannot continue to speak about academic achievement without also speaking honestly about mental health. For Black and Latino children especially, schools are often the very places where trauma, stress, exclusion, and emotional harm are either deepened or
FCS HOSTS 2026 GEORGIA GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE FORUM
Atlanta, Georgia – Freedom To Choose Schools Action hosted the 2026 Georgia Gubernatorial Candidate Forum, a live virtual conversation connecting Georgia voters with candidates seeking to lead the state. The forum provided an opportunity for candidates to share their vision for education and student success across Georgia. The event engaged
#ICHOOSE VIDEO CHALLENGE AMPLIFIES VOICES OF SCHOOL COMMUNITIES
The #IChoose Video Challenge brought together parents, students, teachers, and school leaders from across the country to share powerful stories about the educational choices shaping their communities. Participants submitted short “I choose…” videos highlighting the schools they selected, where they are from, and why their choice matters for their children
Freedom to Choose Schools Announces Stewardship of the McLeod Society Fellowship
New chapter on legacy to strengthen a national pipeline of education innovators, founders, and advocates. Freedom to Choose Schools today announced that it has assumed leadership of the McLeod Society Fellowship, a nationally recognized leadership development program, originally launched by Black Minds Matter to elevate Black school founders nationwide. The
New Survey Finds Black and Latino Voters Want Politics Out of the Classroom and Students’ Needs Put First
A new national poll from Freedom to Choose Schools (FCS) released today finds Black and Latino voters dissatisfied with the current direction of public education in America. The poll finds that voters want politics out of the classroom and for the focus to be on prioritizing high-quality school options and leadership that reflects the communities they serve.
Freedom to Choose Schools Launches with Bold Commitment to Educational Freedom and Excellence
The Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools has officially rebranded as Freedom to Choose Schools, signaling a powerful evolution in its work to support all school models – charter, microschool, hybrid, or traditional – that center marginalized students and are led by people who reflect their communities.
FCCS Responds to Trump Administration’s Dismantling of the Department of Education
The Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools (FCCS) is concerned about the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. The drastic moves to cut funding and layoff 1,300 employees puts millions of vulnerable families at risk who rely on federal funding to receive a fair and equitable public education
Moving the Needle: Building the Future of Education in 2025
In Moving the Needle, a new report from 50Can, Jay Artis-Wright, Executive Director of FCCS, tells the story of a child whose life was changed by making a different choice. Every student deserves the education right for them.
FCCS Hosts TN Leaders & Lawmakers Event
Parent activists are frustrated after the state of K-12 education in the U.S. was not brought up during Tuesday’s ABC News presidential debate.
FCCS 2024 Annual Report: A Year of Impact and Progress
Parent activists are frustrated after the state of K-12 education in the U.S. was not brought up during Tuesday’s ABC News presidential debate.
FCCS Issues Statement After Donald Trump Elected Next U.S. President
Parent activists are frustrated after the state of K-12 education in the U.S. was not brought up during Tuesday’s ABC News presidential debate.
What We’re Reading: October 2024
FCCS: Our Kids Can’t Wait for the System to Fix Itself—It’s Time We Take Control New York Times: The Education Crisis Neither Candidate Will Address ABC News: The 2024 election could have a big impact on education policy EdWeek: Charter Schools Are in Uncharted Political Waters This Election Season The