This post originally appeared at https://schoolchoicewi.org/a-parent-from-freedom-wi/

Jay A. has been a public-school teacher for almost two decades, and he sends his three sons to St. Peter Lutheran in Appleton. This is no paradox—many Wisconsin families have ties to both public and private schools and find success in exercising their right to have educational options.

When deciding where to send his own children, Jay didn’t have to search far to find St. Peter. The school is well known in the community for their early childhood care, and his family lives close to the campus. He says they took a leap of faith when enrolling the two oldest children after trying both public school and homeschooling, ultimately finding that St. Peter was their best option. Smaller class sizes, personable administration, and faith-based education were all selling points.

Further, Jay credits the faculty and staff at St. Peter with creating a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. During one of his first visits to the school, Jay recalls being warmly approached by teachers introducing themselves and speaking highly about his children. These intentional relationships help parents feel secure in where their kids spend so much of their time.

With his oldest beginning to explore high school options, Jay admits that his son may end up choosing to attend the local public school, while it seems likely that his youngest may continue in private. Ultimately, it is a family decision to determine where their children will be most successful—a decision made even easier with the state’s parental choice program.

Jay advises other Wisconsin parents to be open to all educational opportunities for their children. In any smaller community, many families may experience “tunnel vision” and feel they only have one (seemingly) viable option for schooling. “If I only went by biases or pre-conceptions,” says Jay, “I might not have been so willing to make the decision. Go tour, meet people, and that will help you make the decision.”

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