School choice is growing in North Carolina, but can supply keep up with demand? More than 25% of the state’s 1.8 million K–12 students now attend charter, private, or home schools. As programs like the Opportunity Scholarship continue to expand, private schools face challenges involving capacity, funding, facilities, regulations, and staffing. New surveys of private school leaders and education entrepreneurs found strong interest in expanding to meet demand, but significant barriers remain. Based on the findings, policymakers can take six steps: • Stabilize funding • Market school choice program • Expand access to funding • Reduce regulatory barriers • Encourage public-private partnerships • Encourage entrepreneurship With demand for educational alternatives expected to grow, North Carolina’s next challenge is ensuring schools and entrepreneurs have the resources and flexibility to create enough seats to meet it. Learn more at our #linkinbio and at johnlocke.org
