Parents for School Options

Want a peek behind the curtain at PLC 2026?

Three days. The Watergate. Parents from across the country. Capitol Hill meetings. Award ceremonies. And a whole lot of advocacy.

Every year, our Parent Leadership Conference brings together the most passionate school choice advocates in the nation - and this year did not disappoint. Get the full recap at the link below.

🔗 https://www.parentsforschooloptions.org/post/the-parent-leadership-conference-2026-a-week-of-advocacy-and-storytelling-in-washington-d-c

Want to be part of it next year?

Join our coalition, connect with your coalition manager, and share your story today. 👇
https://forms.gle/eNKe1qggz2Wdjdat5

This year, we were honored to bestow the Lori Cooney Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award to an incredible advocate, mother, and leader in the school choice movement: Melissa Ley.

A true champion of choice in her state, Melissa has testified countless times, shows up ready to jump into any fight, and brings a relentless commitment to students and families.

Honoring her with an award named in memory of Lori Cooney could not have been more fitting.

Thank you, Melissa, for everything you continue to do to fight for parent voices.

It was with great excitement and honor that we got to present the National Golden Apple Award to Congressman Mark Alford at this year’s Parent Leadership Conference.

Congressman Alford has been a steadfast leader and fighter for parent voices in education in the state of Missouri. As our keynote speaker, his remarks on school choice and the irreplaceable role of parents resonated deeply across the room.

His message was powerful and a strong reminder of why this work matters.

Thank you, Congressman Mark Alford for your leadership.
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Phenomenal time last week with Team Indiana - some of the fiercest and seasoned advocates we have!

Thank you Representative Jeff Bradley for being a champion of School Choice!

Congratulations to Representative Jeff Bradley, one of our 2026 Golden Apple Award winners! Thank you for all you do for school choice in South Carolina!

The warmest of congratulations to Subi and her mom, PSO Parent Advocate Shenell!

Subi graduated earlier this year from the Virtual Academy of Florida, and we couldn't be prouder of everything this duo has accomplished.

Last year, we sat down with Shenell as she began advocating for equity in the National School Lunch Program - making sure virtual students have access to the same meal benefits as their in-person peers. Her words, her story, and her determination are truly admirable.

What a mother-daughter team. 💛

Read Shenell and Subi's story: https://www.parentsforschooloptions.org/post/why-school-options-lunch-benefits-matter-when-life-turns-upside-down-shenell-and-subis-story

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Hundreds of thousands of families across the country are being forced to choose between the educational model that best meets their child’s needs and access to basic nutritional support.

Due to outdated congregate meal requirements, students enrolled in full-time virtual public schools are excluded from participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), even if they would otherwise qualify for free or reduced-price lunch (FRL) in a traditional setting.

Virtual Students deserve better. Call on Congress to modernize the NSLP and provide equitable access to school meals for all eligible students.

🔗 We invite you to get involved, share your story, and amplify the message: lunchforeverylearner.com