January 30, 2025
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Education is the foundation of a bright future, yet access to quality education often depends on a family’s financial resources or geographic location. For thousands of families across North Carolina, the Opportunity Scholarship Program has been a game-changer, opening doors to high-quality educational environments that best fit their children’s needs. As we prepare for the application window to open on Feb. 6, it is critical to reflect on the program’s transformative impact and ensure every eligible family knows how to take advantage of this opportunity.
The Opportunity Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to families (giving low-income families first priority and the largest scholarships), enabling them to enroll their children in private schools that may otherwise be out of reach. This program fosters equal educational opportunity by allowing families to make choices based on what works best for their child’s learning style, interests, and aspirations — not on their zip code or household income.
At Coast to Mountains Preparatory Academy (CM Prep), we’ve seen firsthand how the scholarship changes lives. Many of our students come from families who, without financial aid, could never afford the specialized programs we offer. These students thrive in our small class sizes, engaging curriculum, and supportive environment — made possible because of the Opportunity Scholarship Program.
The numbers tell a powerful story. During the 2023-2024 school year alone, the Opportunity Scholarship Program helped more than 32,000 students statewide pursue private education. Beyond the statistics are real families finding hope and possibility. A single mother gaining peace of mind that her child is receiving individualized attention. A working-class family watching their teenager flourish in STEM classes. These are not isolated stories; they are the collective narrative of educational access that transforms lives.
This week (Jan. 26 to Feb. 1), we celebrate National School Choice Week as a time to spotlight the importance of giving families the freedom to choose the educational path that best suits their children. Events across the nation will highlight programs like the Opportunity Scholarship Program that provide parents with options and empower them to seek the best educational outcomes for their kids.
“National School Choice Week is a reminder that every family deserves access to educational opportunities that align with their children’s needs and potential,” said John Lowe, principal at CM Prep. “This scholarship has allowed thousands of students to thrive in learning environments that best meet their needs. We are committed to ensuring every eligible family knows about and can access this opportunity.”
Yet awareness remains a challenge. Many eligible families are unaware of the program or miss the priority application window, which closes on March 6. The responsibility falls on all of us — educators, community leaders, and policymakers — to spread the word about this opportunity.
Let us continue to champion the Opportunity Scholarship Program as a lifeline for families seeking better educational outcomes for their children. Together, we can ensure that every child, regardless of their financial situation, has the chance to attend a school where they can thrive. Don’t let the Feb. 6 to March 6 priority application window slip by; act now to secure a brighter future for your children.
Bruce Friend is the co-founder of Coast to Mountains Preparatory Academy and currently serves as the chair of the NC Charter Schools Review Board.
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