As a parent living in Benton, I have seen firsthand how the traditional public school system can fail to meet the needs of Black and Brown children and families. In my experience, Black students are often treated unfairly and ignored, and their parents’ concerns are dismissed without meaningful action.

This reality has deeply affected my family, particularly my daughter, Zoe. While enrolled in public school, Zoe faced severe anxiety, poor academic performance, and a lack of self-awareness. The environment failed to nurture her potential or provide her with the support she needed to succeed.

After much thought and prayer, I made the decision to enroll Zoe in a nontraditional microschool. This decision was not made lightly, but it was necessary for her well-being and development. Since the transition, I’ve witnessed remarkable changes in her confidence, academic progress, and overall happiness. She is thriving in an environment that values her individuality and provides the resources and attention she needs to flourish.

My experience underscores the importance of school choice, and the tools that provide access like the Education Freedom Account (EFA), for families like mine. Every child deserves access to a quality education that meets their unique needs, and no parent should feel trapped in a system that ignores their voice and fails their child.

School choice gave me the freedom to make the best decision for my daughter, and it has made all the difference in her life. Gilmer’s Learning Solutions Christian Microschool is the best place for learning and emotional support, and I am grateful for the work that The Reform Alliance does to advocate for educational equity and opportunity.

Tiara Howlett
Benton