Mar 18, 2025
School Choice Myth vs. Fact
Does school choice help families? Learn to discern the truth from the lies so you can make the best decision for your family and state.
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Most elected officials, school choice advocates, and everyday families correctly identify a serious problem: education in America is declining. In an attempt to solve this problem, many states across the nation are seeking to pass school choice programs that redistribute public funds from the state education budget into the pockets of students, ushering public dollars into the private sphere of education. However, this trending solution overlooks the reality that if you infuse a private space with public dollars, it no longer remains private. Thus, the independent education space in which we flourish and love will cease to exist.
We believe in a better way.
Our Work Is Founded on Four Pillars
It is upon these pillars that we stand firm in the mission of the Classical Conversations Education Independence Initiative to promote and protect education independence.
Independent Parents
God trusts parents with their children and so should we; therefore, we affirm that parental rights come from God and should be protected from the state.
Independent Funding
Education is the responsibility of the family, with support from fellow believers; therefore, we recognize that the financial obligation remains on parents, with support from private, voluntary benefactors.
Independent Pursuit
The purpose of education is to know God and to make Him known; therefore, we uphold that the sacred pursuit of education exists outside the jurisdiction of the state.
Independent Ideas
Wrestling with Truth promotes blessing and virtue for the whole community; therefore, we conclude that a flourishing society emerges from a free market of ideas.
We equip and inspire individuals, families, organizations, and churches to be leaders in these conversations. We do this by:
EDUCATING THE GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY
- Hosting Virtual Seminars and events
- Posting weekly articles
- Sending monthly newsletters
- Issuing legislative alerts
PARTNERING WITH LIKE-MINDED ORGANIZATIONS
- Promoting partner events and initiatives
- Providing experienced speakers
- Collaborating with policy strategies
- Creating educational resources
ENGAGING IN PUBLIC POLICY CONVERSATION
- Tracking policy trends
- Writing for media publications
- Meeting with state representatives
- Proposing model policy
Meet the Team
Robert Bortins
CEO of Classical Conversations
As one of the original graduates of Classical Conversations, Robert Bortins continues to homeschool his three children with his wife, April. Serving as the Classical Conversations CEO, he champions education independence by attending events nationwide, giving speeches, hosting the Refining Rhetoric podcast, and petitioning legislators.
Lauren Gideon
Director of Government Relations
A home educator of nineteen years, Lauren Gideon values her community that is dedicated to education independence. When she isn’t homeschooling her seven children, co-leading classes on civic responsibility, or writing to inspire others to choose independence, Lauren and her husband, Tom, enjoy being outdoors working to build a modern homestead.
Rachael Jensen
State Advocate
Rachael Jensen is married to her superhero husband, Michael, a U.S. Air Force veteran. They live in Scottsdale, Arizona, raising six children. In their fifteen years with Classical Conversations, they’ve graduated two homeschoolers. Rachael has held various roles and now serves as a passionate State Advocate for homeschool freedom.
Reese Cook
State Advocate
Reese Cook is a devoted husband and homeschooling father of three. With a background in civil engineering and business consulting, he owns a fitness gym and founded The Mad LAB Science Experience. Reese is a Classical Conversations Tutor and currently directs Challenge A. He is active in his church and city council, passionate about education independence in Texas.
Resources
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Dec 10, 2024
Misleading School Choice Claims
School choice advocates commonly make ten claims that frame their position. Learn what they are and how they fall short.
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Nov 26, 2024
Education Independence Definition of Terms
Learn the definitions of common words used in the school choice debate.
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