The ability for parents to select which school their child attends should be an uncomplicated, unbiased opportunity for all. However, a recent study conducted by The Associated Press (AP) shows that the only parents and children who benefit from school choice are those already in an advantageous socioeconomic situation. Thus, school choice is hardly available to families of lower socioeconomic backgrounds and even to students with disabilities.
AP reported that “the law is written to benefit families who know how to navigate complicated education systems,” citing the hurdles many families face in Texas, the newest state to join the country’s $10.5 billion school choice movement, which favors homeschooling and private education. Texas’ funds create an education savings account, which AP describes as “a type of scholarship that goes beyond just tuition, giving families money for everything from textbooks and music lessons to transportation and tech.”
The reason so many homeschooling and private school families reap the most benefits is that they tend to have more knowledge concerning scholarships and special programs available, and they have more resources to access these benefits, The Associated Press explains.
When School Choice Does Not Reach Every Family
This raises an important question: what are Christians to do when a program or opportunity that’s meant for all has an unfortunate, natural bias? To answer this question, it’s necessary to recognize that two things can be true at once: that Christians can affirm parental responsibility and educational opportunity while asking whether the most vulnerable children are truly being served.
For Christians, the goal is not to reject school choice or defend it uncritically, but to pursue educational opportunity in a way that protects parental responsibility and extends care to children who are too easily left behind.
So what does that balance look like? What convictions should believers have? And what actions should follow?
What Responsibility Do Christian Parents Have in Education?
I didn’t realize just how scary the world is, just how fragile humans are (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually), until I had my sons. Birthing my babies and holding them in my arms, I could feel heaven surrounding me. But once I brought them home and reality settled in, I saw threats everywhere:
random people coughing in stores,
commercials with inappropriate content,
electrical sockets without covers,
mentally unwell family members,
politicized cartoons,
and the list goes on,
and on,
and on.
God has placed a holy, important calling on parents. He’s gifted them little souls that need to be guided to His love, and how we love our children is the lens they will use when looking at the love of God. In other words, how we love them is how they will perceive that God loves them.
If that’s not intimidating and convincing, I’m not sure what is.
This means that our children’s education matters deeply. It matters what content is being put in front of them, what agenda a lesson does or doesn’t have, and whether Christ’s truth is incorporated into the curriculum. This doesn’t mean you must put your child in Christian school or that you have to homeschool, because not everyone has that resource available, but when we have the opportunity to give our children an education that celebrates Christ, who are we to deny them such an opportunity?
It’s our responsibility to research the curriculum, ask the local board of education questions, and evaluate our family’s financial bandwidth to provide our children with the most God-honoring schooling possible. And when we see other families being pushed aside, it’s our job to speak up for them and ensure their children have access to excellent academic resources.
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8
Why Is Education a Blessing Christians Should Protect?
“It is true, that a little philosophy inclineth man’s mind to atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men’s minds about to religion; for while the mind of man looketh upon second causes scattered, it may sometimes rest in them, and go no further; but when it beholdeth the chain of them confederate, and linked together, it must needs fly to Providence and Deity.”
-Sir Francis Bacon
“I want to know how God created this world, I am not interested in this or that phenomenon, in the spectrum of this or that element. I want to know His thoughts, the rest are details.”
-Albert Einstein
“I have lived a long time, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?”
-Benjamin Franklin
To search for truth is to find God. God and truth are synonymous, and an unbiased education, one not manipulated by man’s opinions or wants, will lead each of us to His heart. As Christians, this should be our desire for all children. We should do whatever is necessary to ensure that not only our children but the children in our circle of influence have access to this rich education.
I often remind myself of Luke 12:48, which warns: “But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.”
With forerunners like Bacon, Einstein, and Franklin, and with the blessing of school choice in America, it is up to us to ensure that every child, no matter how vulnerable, has the opportunity to pursue truth.
How Should Christians Help Vulnerable Families Access Education?
Ephesians 5:1-3 leaves believers without excuse when it says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
When Christ is the ultimate example, the bar that has been set, our service should be nothing short of passionate, sincere, and intentional. This doesn’t mean we will be perfect at navigating all situations, even those concerning our children’s education, but it does mean we have been given a heavenly calling to look after not only our family but also those around us who might not have the same socioeconomic blessings.
I was a Christian school kid, and once a year we had Community Work Day. We were given a list of local places in the community that needed our aid, and we would spend the entire school day serving them. Community Work Day was inspired by Matthew 20:28, which says, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
As a parent, I want my boys to have the opportunity to imitate Matthew 20:28 in their education, and given the blessing of school choice, it is my honor and calling to provide my sons with the best schooling possible. As a believer, it is my calling and responsibility to help other parents and children, regardless of their vulnerabilities or disabilities, ensure they have equal access to educational resources.
Proverbs 18:15 says, “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Through the Holy Spirit, we are each gifted, as believers, with discernment. This heavenly knowledge is a responsibility that we value hearts, minds, and souls, especially in the younger generation, and raise up wise leaders for God’s honor and glory.
May our concern for our own children never stop at our own front door, but move us to seek truth, justice, and opportunity for every child God calls us to love.
Frequently Asked Questions about School Choice and Christian Parents
- What is school choice?
School choice refers to policies that allow families to choose educational options beyond their assigned public school, including private school, charter school, homeschooling, or education savings accounts. - Why does school choice matter to Christian parents?
School choice matters to Christian parents because education shapes a child’s mind, character, worldview, and understanding of truth, responsibility, and God’s love. - What concern does this article raise about school choice?
The article raises concern that programs meant to expand opportunity may still favor families with more resources, information, transportation, and the ability to navigate complex systems. - How should Christians respond when vulnerable children are left behind?
Christians should speak up, advocate with compassion, help families find resources, and work so educational opportunity reaches children with disabilities and lower-income families. - Can Christians support school choice and still care about equity?
Yes. Christians can affirm parental responsibility and educational freedom while also insisting that vulnerable children receive real access, guidance, and support.
For Further Reading
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Digital Vision
Originally published July 29, 2026.
