At Embark Center, many young people do not experience learning spaces as something they need to escape. As summer approaches, some members begin grieving the temporary loss of a community where they feel trusted, connected, and free to learn without coercion.

Families across the political spectrum are rethinking education. For some, it’s about giving their children the chance to thrive; for others, it’s about survival in environments that no longer feel safe or responsive. Yet the phrase school choice itself has become a political dog whistle—dividing the very people who could be working together. If we can move beyond partisanship, we can begin to build a broad coalition committed to freedom, accountability, and equity for every child.