Michigan Needs More Education Options

It is crucial to create policies that help students succeed, especially after the learning setbacks caused by the pandemic. We need to provide more options for families who want alternatives to conventional public schools.

But Michigan is in a precarious position: The governor and the legislative majority are unfriendly to school choice policies. The political landscape in the state presents both challenges and opportunities for those seeking educational freedom.

Advocates of education reform must work together in 2024 to protect the school choice options families enjoy. A coalition of advocates will also need to develop ideas for reforms that win bipartisan grassroots support from families and those who serve them.

The Mackinac Center partnered with State Policy Network in October to host the first of many workshops for education entrepreneurs in Michigan. It took place at Engaged Detroit, a homeschool co-op and advocacy network founded by Bernita Bradley. Bradley is famous for supporting parents seeking non-traditional learning options for their kids. Homeschool parents were at the event, as were founders of nonprofit organizations serving youth, including self-directed education centers, hybrid private schools and charter schools. Kyle Smitley, founder of Detroit Achievement Academy and Detroit Prep charter schools, shared her success story. She also discussed the Mackinac Center’s role in pushing for policies that allowed her to expand her charter school model, which serves hundreds of students.

The workshop allowed local entrepreneurs to talk about the difficulties they’ve experienced and come up with solutions.

The participants pursue various solutions, but their stories share a common theme: Families need more access to education options outside the conventional public school system. Families whose children are being failed by the current system need different options.

Entrepreneurs are working hard to meet the growing demand in Detroit for new, sustainable options for education. Creating those options and making them available to families requires support from legislators.

Anyone who engages with those taking an entrepreneurial approach to education can understand the urgent need for change. For many families, access to unconventional learning options is the only way to meet their children’s needs. Lawmakers should embrace creative approaches and encourage entrepreneurs in Detroit and elsewhere. Only then will all children, regardless of their circumstances, have the chance to achieve their potential.