Lisa, a mom and co-founder of Pathways Christian Academy in Boise, believes that a great education that’s tailored to each child shouldn't be a luxury. But it’s heartbreaking when she gets calls every week from parents who love Pathways' small classes and hands-on learning, but just can't make the tuition work. Her experience is one example of why Idaho’s new Parent Choice Tax Credit program matters: it can help more families access schools like Pathways if that’s where their children learn best. For people who care about education freedom, stories like Lisa’s also point to something bigger: programs like this can give every family more flexibility to find the learning environment that fits their child.

Families in Boise are excited for the application period to open, ready to get their applications in since it’s first-come first-served. One mom with six kids, for example, is hopeful the credit will give her the opportunity to enroll her son at Pathways, where she knows he will thrive in their program. Another family with a child with special needs and was having a terrible time at his old school is now loving Pathways - his parents are hopeful this new program will help the school get him even more of the tailored tools he needs.

Lisa has a list of at least 15 families who are eagerly waiting to be accepted into the program before they can commit to joining Pathways. Lisa hopes that all Idaho families can gain access to the benefits the Parental Choice Tax Credit has to offer so they can be empowered in their education journey. Everyone is looking forward to this new program that can finally open the door for all the families who want to be empowered to choose the right education for their child.

At Pursuit Community School, Sammi built a homeschool-style program for families with two working parents who still want to be deeply involved in their kids' education - it’s a community for like-minded people, but it isn’t accessible to everyone. Right now, about 90% of her families navigate enrollment through a public charter fund, which includes jumping through several hoops. That’s why there is so much hope and excitement building for the new Parental Choice Tax Credit program; it represents a simpler, more direct way for families to choose what works best for their kids.

Sammi says families are already asking how it works because it feels like true education freedom — the ability to make choices based on what’s best for each child. They are looking forward to a future where they can truly own their kids' education and make choices based on what's best for each child. For many, it removes barriers that make accessing the learning environment they want unnecessarily complicated. This is especially true for the students with IEPs, who currently receive key interventions virtually under the current charter setup. Their families are hopeful that the tax credit will finally give them the ability to obtain these critical services their kids really need in person, like one-on-one tutoring or speech therapy.

Sammi’s biggest hope is that legislators see how many families are excited about this new opportunity and ensure the program continues to grow so every family can benefit.

Cassie Ramirez, the principal at Pathways Christian Academy, spent her teaching career dreaming of a school model that could offer something truly different. Her vision for Pathways was built on pillars of discipleship, community service, and individualized learning. As a mother of four children—ranging from 1st to 10th grade—who all attend the academy, she sees the benefits of this model both as an educator and a parent. Cassie believes that small classroom sizes are the key to unlocking a child's potential, as they allow teachers to focus on a student’s specific gifts and struggles rather than forcing everyone into the same mold.

The introduction of the Parental Choice Tax Credit is a blessing that Cassie believes will change the landscape of education in Idaho. She knows this credit opens doors for families who previously felt these opportunities were out of reach. Cassie is particularly encouraged by the additional support for students with disabilities. She notes that these extra resources equip schools to add specialized positions and provide the individualized tools necessary to help every student thrive, regardless of their learning or behavioral needs.

Jon, a local business owner, was searching for a better fit for his son. Nate had previously struggled with the heavy workload and large environment of his former school, often coming home feeling beat up and unhappy. Jon tried homeschooling, but as a busy entrepreneur, he found it difficult to provide the one-on-one attention Nate needed. Everything changed when they discovered their current school mid-year. Today, Nate is excited to go to school every morning, often rushing his dad out the door so they aren't late.The Parental Choice Tax Credit is a vital resource for Jon’s family, and he’s eager to receive the credit because it opens doors to schools like theirs, where the small teacher-to-student ratio makes a tangible difference. "It is just so nice to have my son back."

For Daniel and Kelly, who moved to Idaho about six years ago, finding their school was a turning point for their family of seven children. With three children currently in school—spanning elementary, junior high, and high school—the couple had struggled to find a way to keep their kids together in an environment that matched their values. They had previously navigated a mix of homeschooling and public options, but they found the logistics and the lack of a unified educational home challenging. When they heard about the Parental Choice Tax Credit, they viewed it as a literal answer to their problems.

The tax credit is making it possible for their family to attend a school that meets all three kids’ needs and gives them more quality time together. They are now passionate advocates for school choice, telling friends and neighbors that the money should follow the student. Daniel believes the credit is absolutely life-changing, and Kelly is excited to see more families be empowered with the freedom to choose what is best for their children.