It’s a common but misleading claim that Republicans are “anti-education” because we oppose certain policies like nationalized education standards. In reality, Republicans believe deeply in the value of education—just not in the one-size-fits-all approach often favored by big government. Our focus is on educational freedom—the idea that parents, not bureaucrats, should have the primary say in their children’s education.
Republicans advocate for policies that give families the power to choose the educational path that best fits their children, whether that’s public, private, charter, or homeschool. School choice is about empowering parents to decide what works for their family, rather than being restricted to underperforming or overcrowded schools based on their ZIP code. By offering vouchers, tax credits, and other school choice initiatives, Republicans aim to level the playing field so that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality education.
We also support local control of education. Republicans believe that decisions about curriculum, school policies, and standards should be made at the local level, not dictated by distant federal agencies. The needs of a school in Dallas County are very different from those in rural Texas, and local communities should have the authority to make decisions that reflect their unique circumstances. In fact, local accountability ensures that schools are more responsive to parents and students. Furthermore, we advocate for transparency in curriculum, so parents know what their children are being taught.
Critically, Republicans also emphasize teaching the foundational skills that prepare students for success in life—math, science, literacy, and history. We oppose the growing focus on social engineering in the classroom at the expense of academic excellence. By returning to a focus on traditional academic subjects, we believe schools can better equip students for the workforce and civic life. Education should be about empowering the next generation to think critically and succeed in the real world.
