The National Coalition for Public School Options is an alliance of parents that supports and defends parents’ rights to access the best public school options for their children. The Coalition supports the creation of public school options, including charter schools, online schools, magnet schools, open enrollment policies and other innovative education programs. Additionally, we advocate for free and equal access without restrictions to these public schools for all children.

What We Believe

We believe students learn in unique ways, and it is not possible for every student’s learning needs to be met by the nearest traditional neighborhood public school;

We believe parents should have innovative public school options to meet the learning needs of their children;

We believe public school options are increasingly provided from coast-to-coast through charter schools, online schools, magnet schools, open enrollment policies and other innovative education programs,

We resolve all families should have access to the public school options that best serve their children’s learning needs.

Who We Are

Our organization was founded by parents who are dedicated to supporting and defending public school options in their states and around the country.

NCPSO Board of Directors

Lori Cooney, Colorado, President
Christine Beard, Ohio, Vice President/Secretary
Briana LeClaire, Idaho, Treasurer

Monique Christensen, Director

Rose Fernandez, Director

What we do

Public charter schools and distance education through public online schools are two vital elements of public school choice. Currently there are over 1.2 million students enrolled in over 4,300 charter schools in 40 states and the District of Columbia. As of January 2007, there were 173 online charter schools serving 92,235 students. Today, twenty-one states offer an online public school option.

The National Coalition for Public School Options advocates on national and state levels for public education options that best serve each student’s unique learning needs. The Coalition works to keep these options accessible to students across the United States who are currently enrolled in innovative public schools, and to ensure that these options are made accessible to students and their families in every state.

The Coalition informs policymakers and the public about the benefits of public education options and innovative public schools. Through sponsoring school visits, live learning demonstrations, family days at capitols, newsletters, policy briefings, news coverage, and more, the Coalition works to raise awareness about the benefits of public education options.

The Coalition challenges legislative threats to public education options, fights for adequate and equitable funding, and dispels myths and misrepresentations about innovative public schools. With demand for public school options increasing every year, it is imperative that barriers to innovative schools are removed and students have open and equal access to all public school options.

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