On January 31, EdChoice, a nonpartisan nonprofit committed to expanding K–12 educational opportunities, hosted an informational session at The Gathering Spot. Titled: “Lunch & Learn: Education From A Different Lese”, the event brought together press, policymakers, and education influencers to explore the evolving Atlanta school choice landscape and the role of Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) in Georgia’s education reform.
“How do we elevate some of the conversations parents are facing?” stated Emory Edwards, Vice President of Outreach at EdChoice, and host of the event.
A key issue raised during the discussion was the lack of awareness and advocacy for school choice in Black and Brown communities. While Black-led charter and micro-schools exist, legislative and financial barriers often limit their growth. Georgia’s Republican-controlled General Assembly has made negotiating school choice legislation particularly challenging, restricting access to crucial resources for these schools.
At the center of the discussion was the Georgia Promise Scholarship, an initiative introducing Educational Savings Accounts (ESA) as a flexible school choice option for families seeking alternatives to public education. ESA’s provide direct funding for students to use across multiple educational services—not just private school tuition.
Under the Georgia Promise Scholarship, eligible families can receive $6,500 per student in education savings. These funds can be used for:
- Private school tuition
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Transportation costs
- Homeschooling supplies
- Tutoring and therapy services
- Early college courses
To qualify, students must come from families earning no more than 400% of the federal poverty limit (approximately $120,000 for a family of four) and must have attended a public school for two consecutive semesters or be entering kindergarten. The program also prioritizes students zoned for schools ranked in the bottom 25% statewide.
While the Georgia Education Savings Authority has approved the program’s framework, state lawmakers must still decide how many scholarships will be funded. The program is currently capped at 1% of Georgia’s $14.1 billion K-12 education budget, meaning that at least 21,000 scholarships could be available in its first year.
Supporters argue that ESAs give parents direct control over their child’s education—providing access to better academic environments and specialized resources. Advocates believe the initiative levels the playing field for low-income and minority students, allowing them to choose schools that best fit their needs rather than being limited by district zoning.
However, critics caution that ESAs may redirect vital funds away from public schools, potentially exacerbating inequalities in already underfunded school districts. Some argue that without proper oversight, ESAs could benefit wealthier families rather than the students most in need.
Inside The Gathering Spot, EdChoice brought together individuals to paint a clear picture: Georgia’s school choice landscape is shifting, but roadblocks remain. The candid conversations highlighted how complex state laws still leave many families, especially those with tight budgets, struggling to access alternative education options. While the path forward isn’t simple, one thing became clear – bridging these gaps will take everyone from state lawmakers to local school leaders rolling up their sleeves and working together to make school choice a reality for every Georgia family, not just those who can afford it.
