Parents for School Options

06/23/2026

Want a peek behind the curtain at PLC 2026?

Three days. The Watergate. Parents from across the country. Capitol Hill meetings. Award ceremonies. And a whole lot of advocacy.

Every year, our Parent Leadership Conference brings together the most passionate school choice advocates in the nation - and this year did not disappoint. Get the full recap at the link below.

🔗 https://www.parentsforschooloptions.org/post/the-parent-leadership-conference-2026-a-week-of-advocacy-and-storytelling-in-washington-d-c

Want to be part of it next year?

Join our coalition, connect with your coalition manager, and share your story today. 👇
https://forms.gle/eNKe1qggz2Wdjdat5

06/23/2026

This year, we were honored to bestow the Lori Cooney Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award to an incredible advocate, mother, and leader in the school choice movement: Melissa Ley.

A true champion of choice in her state, Melissa has testified countless times, shows up ready to jump into any fight, and brings a relentless commitment to students and families.

Honoring her with an award named in memory of Lori Cooney could not have been more fitting.

Thank you, Melissa, for everything you continue to do to fight for parent voices.

06/22/2026

It was with great excitement and honor that we got to present the National Golden Apple Award to Congressman Mark Alford at this year’s Parent Leadership Conference.

Congressman Alford has been a steadfast leader and fighter for parent voices in education in the state of Missouri. As our keynote speaker, his remarks on school choice and the irreplaceable role of parents resonated deeply across the room.

His message was powerful and a strong reminder of why this work matters.

Thank you, Congressman Mark Alford for your leadership.
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06/19/2026

Phenomenal time last week with Team Indiana - some of the fiercest and seasoned advocates we have!

06/17/2026

PLC 2026 was one for the books.

We learned how to tell our stories.
We networked with parents from across the nation.
We shared our personal school choice journeys.
We heard a powerful speech from Rep. Mark Alford.
We met with our legislators.
We advocated for school lunch access for virtual students.

And yes... we had a blast.

Thank you to every parent, advocate, coalition manager, and speaker who made this week of advocacy in action unforgettable. Already counting down to next year!

06/09/2026

Thank you Representative Jeff Bradley for being a champion of School Choice!

Congratulations to Representative Jeff Bradley, one of our 2026 Golden Apple Award winners! Thank you for all you do for school choice in South Carolina!

06/09/2026

The warmest of congratulations to Subi and her mom, PSO Parent Advocate Shenell!

Subi graduated earlier this year from the Virtual Academy of Florida, and we couldn't be prouder of everything this duo has accomplished.

Last year, we sat down with Shenell as she began advocating for equity in the National School Lunch Program - making sure virtual students have access to the same meal benefits as their in-person peers. Her words, her story, and her determination are truly admirable.

What a mother-daughter team. 💛

Read Shenell and Subi's story: https://www.parentsforschooloptions.org/post/why-school-options-lunch-benefits-matter-when-life-turns-upside-down-shenell-and-subis-story

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06/03/2026

One week out 🇺🇸

Our team is deep in prep mode… getting ready for a week of advocacy, powerful conversations, and meetings with lawmakers in our nation’s capital.

Every Parent Leadership Conference has been unforgettable, but this one?

This one is going to hit different.

To every parent and advocate making the trip: we can’t wait to see you in DC.

Let’s get to work 💪

05/30/2026

Hundreds of thousands of families across the country are being forced to choose between the educational model that best meets their child’s needs and access to basic nutritional support.

Due to outdated congregate meal requirements, students enrolled in full-time virtual public schools are excluded from participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), even if they would otherwise qualify for free or reduced-price lunch (FRL) in a traditional setting.

Virtual Students deserve better. Call on Congress to modernize the NSLP and provide equitable access to school meals for all eligible students.

🔗 We invite you to get involved, share your story, and amplify the message: lunchforeverylearner.com

05/25/2026

Today is Memorial Day: a day to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We hold their families, and the weight they carry, in our hearts today.

This past Saturday marked Armed Forces Day, recognizing those currently serving in every branch of the U.S. military and the families who serve alongside them. In that spirit, PSO is honoring the military families in our community, and to share the story of one of our own.

Parent advocate Tamar Selmi-Young is a Squadron Deputy Director with the Department of the Air Force. Her family has lived all over the world because of her service, and when they returned to the United States, an alternative learning option turned out to be the best fit for her kids. Her story is a powerful reminder that school choice can be a lifeline for military families.

Today, we remember the fallen, and we honor those who serve and the families who serve with them.