As Americans, we take pride in the freedoms we enjoy every day. We wake up with the liberty to pursue happiness as we see fit. We decide what time to rise, what to eat for breakfast, and which path our day will take. We choose where we work, who we spend our time with, and how we spend our leisure time. Our lives are shaped by a series of choices that seem small, but in the grand scheme of things, reflect the essence of our freedom.

Despite this incredible autonomy, we surrender one of the most critical choices we can make — the choice of how, where and by whom our children are educated. Children will spend nearly 19,000 hours in school. The public school system, while a fundamental institution in American society, not only influences our children’s academic future but, in many cases, the values and principles we pass down to them.

As parents, we’ve become so accustomed to this arrangement that we don’t even realize how much of our own agency we’ve relinquished. We are encouraged to take personal responsibility in every other area of our lives, yet when it comes to our children’s education, we are often expected to simply accept what the system dictates. When we express concern, we are told, “Wait and see,” or, “Your child will be fine.” As both an educator and a mother, I’ve seen how grades can often be inflated just to meet requirements and expectations, further disconnecting them from true educational achievement.

Why, in a society so fiercely protective of individual freedom, do we accept that others know best when it comes to one of the most critical aspects of our children’s development? Every year of education is an irreplaceable opportunity to shape a young mind, nurture growth and foster a love of learning.

Parents know their children best. We understand what environments allow them to thrive, what teaching styles resonate with them, and what values we want to instill. Yet, instead of empowering us with the choice to decide how and where our children are educated, we are forced into a system that may not reflect our values, meet our children’s needs or prepare them for the world they will inherit.

This loss of choice in education stands in stark contrast to the values we hold dear. We fiercely protect our right to choose where we live, what career path to follow, and how we spend our time. But when it comes to education — a fundamental pillar of our children’s future — we let that choice slip away.

Educational choice is not just about benefiting individual families; it’s about elevating the entire education system to better serve all children. When parents have the freedom to choose the best educational environment for their children, schools are encouraged to innovate and compete. This competition can lead to higher standards across the board, improving the quality of education in both public and private institutions.

For children from low-income families or those living in underperforming school districts, school choice can be a lifeline. It provides access to opportunities that were previously out of reach — whether that’s a charter, independent school with a specialized curriculum or a home-schooling option. School choice ensures that a child’s education is not determined solely by their zip code. By supporting a variety of educational models, school choice allows each child to find the environment that helps them succeed.

Educational choice is not about dismantling the public school system, but about empowering families with the ability to choose between public, private, charter or home-schooling options that best suit their child’s needs. It’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of background or zip code, has access to a high-quality education.

In Maryland, where school choice might not be a prevalent topic of discussion, there are still proactive steps you can take to advocate for educational freedom.

One such way is by exploring alternative education options. At The Highlands School, for example, we provide scholarships for students who need our specialized support to overcome learning differences. Other ways you can make a difference on this issue including supporting and advocating for charter schools, getting involved in local education boards and committees, and engaging with legislators.

While school choice might not be an immediate reality in Maryland, taking these steps can help lay the groundwork for future change.

Claudia Nachtigal is the head of school at The Highlands School, a K-8 institution for students with learning differences and achievement gaps located in Bel Air.