Autonomy

The goal of educational choice is to provide families with a wide array of options to allow them to choose schools that align with their values and the needs of their children. To achieve that goal, schools require freedom in the areas of curriculum and instruction, in religion and religious practices, and other core elements of educational programming.

Loss of autonomy would make parental choice programs unsustainable and impede innovation. Private schools may choose not to participate in the programs if their freedom to achieve their mission is compromised, ultimately limiting the options available to students and their families.

In March 2025, SCWA gathered signatures from over 300 people representing 259 schools to show legislators the strong support for private schools’ autonomy. Click on the image below to see the full Declaration.