When Tragedy Strikes, School Choice Is a Lifeline for Families

Tommy Schultz · CEO, American Federation for Children

Every year, families across the country face life-altering crises—a devastating diagnosis, the loss of a job, or the death of a loved one. In those moments of uncertainty and grief, parents are often forced to confront an impossible question: Can I still afford to keep my child in the school that’s helping them thrive? For Marquetta Finley, that question became real overnight.

Her husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and his decline came quickly. In the midst of heartbreak, Marquetta watched her daughter, Mariah, struggle with the loss of her father—someone she was incredibly close to. Yet even in that unimaginable season, something powerful held steady: Mariah’s education.

“She was really close to her dad. It really hit her hard,” Marquetta shared. “But the things that her dad instilled in her and the support that we got here really helped her get through the year.”

Despite her grief, Mariah didn’t fall behind. She maintained straight A’s and was even recognized as Crossover Woman of the Year. Just as importantly, she was surrounded by a school community that embraced her and her family when they needed it most.

But that stability was not guaranteed.

Without scholarship support, Marquetta knew she wouldn’t be able to keep Mariah in the school that was helping her heal and succeed. “I remember reaching out because I didn’t know if I could afford to keep her here—even though she was doing so well,” she said. Thankfully, private scholarships and existing school choice programs stepped in at the right moment. But not every family has access to that kind of support—yet.

The Education Freedom Tax Credit: Expanding School Choice Access by 2027

The Education Freedom Tax Credit, recently passed into law, will significantly expand access to school choice scholarships when it becomes available in 2027.

This landmark policy will:

• Increase access to scholarships for families facing financial hardship
• Expand educational freedom, giving parents more control over where their children learn
• Provide stability during times of crisis, so students can remain in supportive school environments
• Strengthen school choice programs nationwide through community-driven investment

For families like the Finleys, the Education Freedom Tax Credit represents a future where access to opportunity isn’t uncertain—it’s dependable.

School Choice Is More Than an Option—It’s Stability

In moments of grief, consistency matters. Relationships matter. Community matters.

For Mariah, staying in her school meant staying connected to teachers and mentors who supported her emotionally and academically. It meant not having to start over while processing the loss of her father.

“That took a huge load off of me,” Marquetta said. “We didn’t have to interrupt the good that was going on—even in the middle of everything.” This is the promise of school choice—not just academic success, but a support system that helps students persevere through life’s hardest challenges.

Why the Education Freedom Tax Credit Matters for Families

While the Education Freedom Tax Credit will not be available until 2027, its passage marks a critical step forward for families seeking educational freedom.

Too many parents today still face the risk of losing access to the schools that are helping their children succeed, especially during times of crisis. Expanding school choice through tax credit scholarships ensures that more students can stay in environments where they are known, supported, and able to thrive.

A Message from Families

“From the bottom of my heart, and from my family and even the other families that I know, thank you for supporting school choice,” Marquetta said.

Families like Mariah’s should not have to wonder if they can keep their child in a school that is helping them succeed. You can play a role in making that future possible. Take a moment to see if you are eligible for the Education Freedom Tax Credit. It is quick, simple, and one step closer to helping another student stay on track when it matters most.