photo by ArtChick
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Washington DC, in a landmark victory for school choice advocates and families nationwide, Congress has approved the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA)—a transformative school-choice scholarship program that will help parents send their children to the schools that best meet their needs.
This legislation, included in the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” provides federal tax credits to donors who contribute to nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations. These scholarships can be used for private school tuition, including Catholic, Christian, and other independent schools, as well as for books, software, and other essential educational resources.
The bill, expected to be signed by the president on Independence Day, represents what many are calling a “historic moment for American families and students.”
Why This Matters for Parents
For years, families have been trapped by zip-code-assigned public schools, with limited options to give their children the education they deserve. Now, this program empowers parents to choose what’s best for their children, whether it’s a faith-based school, a specialized learning environment, or another high-quality private option.
With states able to opt in to the program, the ECCA has the potential to expand access to quality education for millions of families—especially middle- and working-class households that have struggled to afford alternatives.
A Boost for Catholic and Private Schools Nationwide
Catholic schools, long known for their strong academic performance and values-based education, are expected to see an increase in enrollment as scholarships make tuition more affordable.
According to the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), nearly 18% of Catholic school students already benefit from state-level school choice programs, a number that has been steadily growing. The ECCA will accelerate this trend, opening doors for even more families.
Sister Dale McDonald, NCEA Vice President of Public Policy, praised the bill, saying it “supports parents in their right to choose the educational path that’s best for their children.”
Advocates Celebrate a Major Win
Tommy Schultz, CEO of the American Federation for Children, called the bill’s passage “a historic moment for America’s families and students.” He emphasized that this victory is just the beginning, pledging continued advocacy to expand and strengthen school choice programs nationwide.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) also expressed support, citing the Church’s longstanding teaching that parents are the primary educators of their children. While acknowledging that some details on implementation and religious liberty protections remain unclear, leaders remain optimistic that the bill will help families gain access to affordable, high-quality education.
What’s Next?
While the program is state opt-in, school choice advocates are already mobilizing to encourage widespread participation. The goal is clear: give every family the freedom to choose the best education for their children—no matter their income or zip code.
As states implement the program, organizations like the American Federation for Children, the NCEA, and grassroots parent groups will continue pushing for even more robust school choice options in the years to come.
This legislation is more than a policy change—it’s a lifeline for families, a boost for students, and a step toward true educational freedom in America.
Why School Choice Matters
✅ Empowers parents to choose the best learning environment
✅ Expands opportunities for students trapped in failing schools
✅ Supports values-based education for families who want it
✅ Encourages competition and innovation in education
✅ Helps working families afford better schooling options
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