By Andrew Campanella
All parents in California and across America want their children to thrive in learning environments that reflect their diverse interests, talents, and individual challenges.
That’s why one in five parents last year enrolled at least one of their children in a new K–12 school. In fact, the process of moms and dads actively choosing how and where their children learn—often referred to as school choice—reached a five-year high in 2025.
Meanwhile, more than 60% of parents say they are likely to consider a new school for at least one of their children in 2026—suggesting another active year for families making enrollment decisions. What that means for your family depends, in large part, on where you live.
In California, parents have more education options than they may realize. In addition to assigned traditional public schools, the Golden State has taken steps in recent years to give families more flexibility in choosing schools.
Within the public education system, tuition-free schooling options include charter schools (which are widely available), theme-based magnet schools (available in many districts), and full-time online schools. In some cases, families may also have the option to send their children to public schools outside of their zones and districts, if seats are available.
Parents can also consider private schools, which charge tuition and sometimes offer scholarships to help make private education more affordable. Finally, California moms and dads have the freedom to educate their children at home, and some families pair homeschooling with microschools or learning hubs.
If you want to explore these education options in advance of the 2026–27 school year, the time to begin that process is now. National School Choice Week begins January 25, with 1,973 school events across California, including school fairs, open houses, parent nights, and information sessions.
Before starting your search, it can help to pause and write down your goals for your child and what you want in an ideal learning environment. Doing so helps center the process on what—and who—really matters: your daughter or your son. When possible, visit schools and schedule tours or meetings with staff. Research shows that parents who visit schools in person are twice as likely to enroll their children in a new school as parents who search without touring or visiting.
During those visits, ask questions. One of the most common mistakes parents make is accepting education jargon—of which there is plenty—at face value. If you do not understand a term, a refer-ence to curriculum or instructional methods, or a school policy, ask for clarification until you do. You may also want to talk with other parents about their experiences, while keeping in mind that their perspectives are shaped by their own child’s unique needs.
And remember: you know your child better than anyone else. When it comes to your child’s well-being, you are the expert. Finding the right school is not about choosing what works for every-one—it’s about choosing what fits your daughter or son best.
To access a free guide to K–12 school choice options in California, visit https://myschoolchoice.com/california.
Andrew Campanella is the CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the non-profit organization that coordinates National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. He is also the author of The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Choosing the Right School for Your Child.
