Florida sees rise in 'microschools' after passage of school choice

School choice has been a battle in other states besides just Texas, with states like Florida enacting it a few years ago. The program gives vouchers to parents basically, so they can choose to send their kid to private school if they want. It gives parents choices if they do not want their kid in a public school, or just want different options.

Many in Florida have used the vouchers to send their kid the private school route, but many are now developing something called 'microschools.' In short, these are two or more families who decide to pool their Education Savings Account money, aka the vouchers, to then build their own school, and educate their kids. It is basically a step above homeschooling, but a step below private school.

Roy Maynard of the Texas Public Policy Foundation says this happened mostly in rural areas, where access to private schools is less than ideal.

"Families who still wanted to take advantage of the school choice were able to pool their funds...and create something totally new," he says.

The families who build these in turn hire teachers, most of whom are tired of the public school system and the agendas they push on teachers. It is essentially like a co-op but in school form.

One of the main arguments against school choice in Texas has been the rural access, which to be fair, Texas is so big that does become an issue. But this idea strikes that argument down a peg.

Parents only want what is best for their kids, and this gives them an option beyond public school.

"Families all over want and need more options for kids...one size does not fit all....so when they are given these opportunities to do something suited for their children...they do it," he says. "Many parents say they do want to home school, but do not have time...this gives them that other option."

School choice has been a bloodbath in Texas the last few years. House Speaker Dade Phelan stripped the program out of a massive education bill last year, and the idea has been stuck ever since.

But should the idea pass, which Governor Greg Abbott is intent on doing, then this could be the next big thing in the Lone Star State.

"I do think you will see this in Texas soon...I do not think school choice is a sure thing yet...but it is going to be very hard to stand out against it in the legislature," he says.

School choice will be on the docket in the Texas legislature this Fall.