By Cheryl Stahle, MeD, academic administrator, West Virginia Virtual Academy
According to the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), 241,024 children receive an education within the Mountain State. However, do they all thrive under the same educational model? How does the state’s education system impact family decisions to move here? As reported on the WVDE zoomwv website, with overall enrollment in steady decline over the past seven years, a vibrant and adaptable education system made up of a variety of school models is essential to attracting and retaining families and businesses. The traditional “one-size-fits-all” school model no longer serves the diverse needs of every child—and this is where school choice changes the conversation.
West Virginia has made significant strides in expanding educational opportunities. Families now have access to a variety of options, including public schools, private schools, parochial schools, homeschooling, microschools, and public charter schools. Through initiatives like the HOPE Scholarship, West Virginia has empowered families to seek education that best fits their children’s needs.
Since 2021, West Virginia has joined 33 other states in embracing school choice and moving beyond outdated educational models. This progress deserves recognition. As we look ahead to National School Choice Week 2025, educators and families alike should take a moment to celebrate the state’s efforts to create opportunities for every child. We have the tools to support students’ unique learning needs—and now is the time to promote and build on these successes.
As a lifelong educator, both as a teacher and a school administrator, I know firsthand that the “one-size-fits-all” model is no longer sufficient. I have personally relied on both public schools and virtual public charter schools to meet my own child’s needs, and I transitioned my career to public charter schools to help deliver flexible, high-quality education for all students.
Today, public education faces immense challenges: funding shortfalls, teacher shortages, and inequitable access to resources. These issues disproportionately impact low-income, rural, and marginalized communities, deepening the gaps we are working to close. Now, as new state leaders step into their roles, they must embrace innovative solutions to address these inequities and think beyond traditional school models. School choice is not about competition– it’s about opportunity and equity.
National School Choice Week offers us the chance to engage in meaningful conversations about the role of public education and its importance to West Virginia’s future. By uniting around this issue, we can ensure that education remains a top priority for our elected leaders and that every family has access to choices that best prepare students for their future—whether through higher education, employment, or enlistment.
Let’s commit to supporting the diverse needs of West Virginia’s students. By promoting and expanding school choice, we can empower families, strengthen communities, and build a brighter future for our children.
Join the movement. Celebrate National School Choice Week 2025 and advocate for an education system that works for every child in the Mountain State. Together, we can ensure that West Virginia is a place where all students thrive.
Cheryl Stahle is the Academic Administrator at WV Virtual Academy and a 2024 Changemaker recognized by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
