Families within the K-12 system have always faced choices regarding schooling and extracurricular activities. However, these choices often involve compromises, failing to fully deliver the desired learning outcomes and personal enrichment that families seek. While school offers cost-effectiveness and structure, it rarely encompasses the breadth of experiences parents aspire to for their children. Similarly, out-of-school programs, while catering to specific passions, often lack formal recognition within academic or career pathways. Achieving holistic child development currently demands significant time and resources from families.
These educational choices are far from equitable. Students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds encounter significantly fewer K-12 options, consequently limiting their potential outcomes. For every family equipped to meticulously select the ideal educational environment, supplement it with enriching extracurriculars, and provide extensive opportunities, many others depend solely on under-resourced local schools to provide a comparable range of experiences. While parental aspirations for their children’s flourishing are universal, the current K-12 system doesn’t uniformly enable all families to realize these goals.
How can the K-12 education framework be enhanced to better integrate academic advancement, passion-driven pursuits, and individual fulfillment? How can we streamline the connection between families and relevant in-school and out-of-school opportunities, irrespective of their socioeconomic circumstances?
Explore these critical questions in our comprehensive report, Learn 2022. This study synthesizes data from over 3,000 K-12 parents and more than 150 K-12 service providers across all 50 U.S. states, offering timely insights into the evolving landscape of K-12 education. For further inquiries or to continue this vital discussion, please contact us at [email protected].
