One of the remarkable things about being an American is the promise that where we start out should not determine how far we can go. A quality education, paired with hard work, can be the "golden tickets" to achieving the American dream.
That’s why one in five parents last year enrolled at least one of their children in a new K–12 school. In fact, the process of moms and dads actively choosing how and where their children learn—often referred to as school choice—reached a five-year high in 2025.
Meanwhile, more than 60% of parents say they are likely to consider a new school for at least one of their children in 2026—suggesting another active year for families making enrollment decisions. What that means for your family depends, in large part, on where you live.
In Mississippi, most families still send their children to their assigned traditional public schools—but other options are available as well.
Within the public education system, tuition-free public schooling options include charter schools (available in some areas) and theme-based magnet schools (available in several districts). In some districts, parents may also be able to send their children to traditional public schools outside of their assigned schools or districts, depending on local policies.
Parents can also consider private schools, and Mississippi offers programs that help eligible students with special needs make private education more affordable by providing funding that can be used for private school tuition and other approved education expenses. Finally, Mississippi moms and dads have the freedom to educate their children at home, and some families pair homeschooling with small private microschools or hybrid learning supports.
If you want to explore these education options in advance of the 2026–27 school year, the time to begin that process is now. National School Choice Week begins January 25, with 258 school events across Mississippi, including school fairs, open houses, parent nights, and information sessions.
Before starting your search, it can help to pause and write down your goals for your child and what you want in an ideal learning environment. Doing so helps center the process on what—and who—really matters: your daughter or your son. When possible, visit schools and schedule tours or meetings with staff. Research shows that parents who visit schools in person are twice as likely to enroll their children in a new school as parents who search without touring or visiting.
During those visits, ask questions. One of the most common mistakes parents make is accepting education jargon—of which there is plenty—at face value. If you do not understand a term, a reference to curriculum or instructional methods, or a school policy, ask for clarification until you do. You may also want to talk with other parents about their experiences, while keeping in mind that their perspectives are shaped by their own child’s unique needs.
And remember: you know your child better than anyone else. When it comes to your child’s well-being, you are the expert. Finding the right school is not about choosing what works for everyone—it’s about choosing what fits your daughter or son best.
To access a free guide to K–12 school choice options in Mississippi, visit https://myschoolchoice.com/mississippi.
Andrew Campanella is the CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the nonprofit organization that coordinates National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. He is also the author of The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Choosing the Right School for Your Child.
