PEFNC

Parents for Educational Freedom is a statewide organization that supports greater educational options through parental #schoolchoice.

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

THE CHALLENGE: Stephen's family of five is classified as Tier 3 based on gross income, but their reality looks very different. After taxes, high insurance premiums, and the ongoing costs of caring for a medically complex child, their available income is significantly reduced. Like many families, rising costs for everyday necessities have made it increasingly difficult to keep up.

THE TURNING POINT: The Opportunity Scholarship has made it possible for this family to choose a private school where their two children are now thriving. This option would not have been financially attainable otherwise.

WHAT THIS HAS MEANT: "The Opportunity Scholarship has been a huge help and a blessing to our family. Without it, we would not be able to send our kids to their school."

In a time of rising costs and competing financial demands, the Opportunity Scholarship is allowing families to prioritize an educational environment where their children are supported and succeeding.

[Brian Jodice @afcpress]

ICYMI: AFC Applauds North Carolina General Assembly for Overriding Veto, Opting State in to Education Freedom Tax Credit

Statement from @RyankCantrell, Chief State Strategy Officer, @SchoolChoiceNow:

“Governor Stein’s veto was a disappointment, given the opportunity the Education Freedom Tax Credit presents to help North Carolina families. The General Assembly’s vote to override the veto expands families’ access to the schools where their children can best thrive and critical education resources. We commend @SenatorBerger, Speaker @DestinHall, and legislative leaders across the aisle for their commitment to school choice and expanding North Carolina’s vision for education freedom.”

Our Full Statement: https://t.co/7s31ZrNgIa

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

Today’s veto override of House Bill 87 marks a historic step forward for North Carolina families. By opting into the federal Education Choice Tax Credit program, our state is embracing a common sense policy that expands opportunity, strengthens parental choice, and aligns North Carolina with a growing national movement to ensure education dollars follow students, not systems.

With this vote, North Carolina lawmakers have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring families can access every available tool to support their children, no matter how or where they learn best. PEFNC stands ready to help ensure this program is implemented in a way that maximizes benefit to students across our state. #ncpol #nced

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

Ever wondered what school choice really means and why it’s a big deal here in North Carolina? Whether you’re just curious or looking for options for your family, this read breaks it down simply and clearly. Check it out! 👩‍🏫📘 https://t.co/UZYEEl0WzC

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

📚 The Department of Defense has launched a review of how it supports homeschooling for military families, aiming to expand flexibility, improve resources, and uphold educational freedom — strengthening both family life and force readiness. #MilitaryFamilies #SchoolChoice #Homeschooling

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

As we wrap up the school year, this quote reminds us: education isn’t one-size-fits-all. When families are involved in choosing the right educational environment, students engage, grow, and thrive.

School choice empowers families to be involved in a child’s learning journey from the very start.

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

“Every parent should be able to have their children in the setting that best suits their family and the needs of each of their children.”

For Mandy’s family in Fayetteville, the Opportunity Scholarship means access to a Christian education and real choices for their children’s future.

Students deserve better. #ncpol #nced

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

We welcome the State Auditor’s review of the Opportunity Scholarship Program and believe transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust. The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority has a long track record - more than 60 years - as a proven and trusted agency helping North Carolinians pay for education. As the NC General Assembly continues to make historic investments in educational freedom for North Carolina families, it is important to ensure those resources are safeguarded, administered responsibly, and positioned for long-term success so students can continue to benefit for years to come. #ncpol

[Under the Dome, N&O @underthedome]

NC’s private school voucher program will get a state audit https://t.co/uLwLX9ZofG

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

"Did you apply for ESA+ but never receive an award because funding ran out? Or were you unable to apply because the application window closed on March 2?

We need to hear from you.

Behind every application is a student, a family, and a need that still exists. We are collecting stories from North Carolina families who are still waiting for access to ESA+ so lawmakers can better understand the real impact on students across our state.

If this was your experience, please share your story with us in the comments, by message, or by emailing us at [email protected] #nced

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

Today, we remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending American freedom - and we honor the families who carry their legacy every single day.

A few years ago, we had the privilege of sharing Jessica's story. She and her daughters are a Gold Star family, carrying the unimaginable loss of a husband and father. Jessica was left to navigate life's biggest decisions on her own, including choosing the educational path for her daughters.

This Memorial Day, we invite you to watch her powerful story.: https://t.co/YnolLVzSAk"

[Brian Jodice @afcpress]

A great piece from @DonnaKingCJ of the @CarolinaJournal on the progress to bring the education freedom tax credit to North Carolina.

Every governor in every state should say yes to this opportunity, and if they stand in the way it's good to see state leaders stepping in like this.

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

Connie, a retired public school teacher raising her 9-year-old granddaughter, saw quickly that her assigned school wasn’t the right fit. Her granddaughter wasn’t struggling academically - she was bored and unchallenged.

With the help of the Opportunity Scholarship, Connie enrolled her in a private school where she is now thriving academically and socially.

As Connie puts it: “One size does not fit all.” For her granddaughter, the scholarship made it possible to learn in an environment where she can excel instead of being held back.

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

#NCED #NCPOL

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

The NC House has taken the first step toward overriding Governor Stein's veto of HB 87, which would opt North Carolina into the federal Education Choice Tax Credit program. The next step is a vote to override in the NC Senate.

💡 We'll keep you posted on that, but in the meantime, we're breaking down what opting in would mean for families, donors, and educational freedom.

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

Today, the NC House voted to override Governor Stein's veto of House Bill 87, which allows North Carolina to opt into the federal Education Choice Tax Credit program. This move represents a meaningful step forward in expanding educational opportunity, empowers parents, and will increase access to a wider range of educational options and resources.

Through the federal program, private philanthropy helps fund scholarships for K12 students, opening doors to new opportunities with zero additional state or federal education spending.

All eyes are now on the NC Senate, where they must vote to override the veto before HB 87 becomes law. PEFNC will remain engaged and keep you updated as the legislative process continues.

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

👀 Almost two-thirds of likely North Carolina voters support the Opportunity Scholarship Program.

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

North Carolina students are making real progress in math. But reading? We’re still in a statewide “reading recession.”

Some key takeaways from new national education data:

• NC ranked 9th in the nation for math recovery since 2022
• Reading performance is still about HALF a grade level behind 2019 levels
• More than 350,000 NC students are chronically absent - missing 10% or more of school days
• NC ranks 22nd nationally in reading recovery since 2022
• Researchers say the pandemic didn’t start the decline in reading, but it accelerated a problem that began years earlier

What’s especially important for North Carolina:

➡️ The state has invested heavily in the “Science of Reading” overhaul since 2021
➡️ Teachers across NC have now completed training in phonics-based instruction
➡️ NC has funded literacy coaches and individualized reading plans
➡️ Early signs in K-1 students show improvement in phonics and decoding skills
➡️ But second and third grade reading gains remain slower than hoped

Meanwhile, states like Louisiana and Alabama are seeing stronger reading growth after implementing:
✅ Phonics-based instruction statewide
✅ Intensive literacy coaching
✅ Strong intervention systems
✅ High expectations and accountability

One major challenge NC still faces: Attendance.

Before COVID, about 1 in 6 or 7 NC students were chronically absent. Now it’s about 1 in 4.

Reading success depends on consistency and students can’t benefit from instruction if they’re not in class!

The encouraging news: North Carolina IS seeing improvement in foundational literacy skills among younger students. That suggests the current reforms may simply need more time to fully show up in statewide test scores.

Literacy impacts EVERYTHING:
✔️ Academic success
✔️ Workforce readiness
✔️ Long-term opportunity
✔️ Economic mobility

North Carolina has made major investments in changing how reading is taught. The next challenge is making sure implementation, attendance, intervention, and support systems are strong enough to turn those reforms into lasting results.

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

RISE SE Raleigh, a public charter school, is launching a scratch-cooking meal pilot this fall to provide students with fresh, chef-prepared meals made on-site instead of relying primarily on pre-packaged food.

Charter schools are not required to participate in the national lunch program, but they must have a plan to ensure any child who needs lunch will get it. What’s exciting here is how RISE is choosing to meet that responsibility in a creative, student-centered way!

PEFNC's Director of Community Engagement, who also happens to be board chair at RISE, Kwan Graham, put it best: “If you are hungry, if you are unhealthy, you cannot learn.”

For many RISE students, access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy meals is not guaranteed outside of school. This initiative recognizes that healthy kids learn better.

The school is partnering with Food Paradigm, veteran chef Dean Ogan, and community leaders to transform its cafeteria from a warming kitchen into a true production kitchen where meals are cooked fresh on campus.

This is what charter school innovation can look like:
• Seeing a community need
• Building partnerships
• Trying bold new ideas
• Creating models other schools can learn from

RISE is leaning into that innovation in a meaningful way!

READ MORE: https://t.co/oVtfzFM6rV

[PEFNC @PEFNC]

Chris wanted an education for his 3 children that reflected his family’s values and supported both academic and spiritual growth. But between financial strain and an unexpected health crisis, staying enrolled became uncertain.

The Opportunity Scholarship provided tuition support, but it also gave stability during a hard season in their family. It allowed their children to remain in the school environment where they were thriving.

For families like theirs, this program represents hope, stability, and the ability to choose what’s best for their children.