Expanding Educational Freedom for Native Students with a New Era of School Choice
The future of Native education is on the horizon, and with it, the opportunity to right the wrongs of history while giving Indigenous students and families the freedom they deserve. President Trump’s recent executive order on expanding school choice marks a defining moment for all American students, particularly those attending Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. As we know, Native students have been confined to underperforming, government-run educational institutions with little say in their academic futures. Now, that is set to change.
In the 2020–2021 school year, only 17.09% of BIE students demonstrated proficiency in English Language Arts, and a mere 10.75% were proficient in mathematics (BIE_2020-2021_report_card). These statistics highlight the pressing need for educational reforms to provide Native students with better opportunities for academic success. Research indicates that Native American students attending low-density public schools–where less than 25% of the student body is American Indian or Alaska Native–tend to perform better academically compared to their peers in high-density schools (National Indian Education Study 2019). This suggests that inviting Native students into more diverse educational environments – with increases in parent involvement – could be a strategy to enhance educational outcomes.
BIE schools only represent about 7-9% of the Native student population, with approximately 47,000 American Indian and Alaska Native students enrolled (CBS News). This means we are responsible for thinking of new and better options for our students. We can improve schools on Tribal land, end government-run schools, and enhance culture and language instruction while simultaneously boosting math and reading proficiency, increasing graduation rates, and reducing absenteeism. Let’s make our schools nests of knowledge for our next leaders.
Four Solutions for Native Students in BIE Schools
Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) for Native Families
A game-changer in the school choice movement, ESAs allow families to take a portion of the federal funds allocated for BIE schools and use them for alternative education options. This could include tuition for private, Native-based charter schools, faith-based schools, homeschooling resources, or customized education plans tailored to the needs of Native students. By placing the power of education funding directly into the hands of parents, ESAs ensure Native children receive the best possible education.
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________Expansion of Public Charter Schools on Tribal Lands
Charter schools provide an alternative to traditional public schools while still maintaining access to federal funding. Tribally operated charter schools can incorporate culturally relevant curriculums, Indigenous languages, and community-driven learning models. The executive order’s directive for the Department of the Interior to review and implement mechanisms for educational choice within BIE schools presents an opportunity for tribal nations to take greater control of their students’ futures by establishing charter schools rooted in Indigenous values and educational excellence.
Partnerships with Faith-Based and Private Institutions
Many Native families seek an education that aligns with their values; faith-based institutions and other successful Native-based charter schools have long provided high-quality education with strong moral foundations. Allowing BIE school funding to follow students to accredited private and faith-based schools means Native children can access an environment supporting academic success and cultural preservation. Tribes and community organizations can work with these institutions to ensure culturally responsive education remains a priority.
Funding Opportunities for Tribal Education Initiatives
Funding opportunities should also include tribally controlled schools, tribally compacted schools, and tribal nation-maintained schools. Additionally, state and tribal partnerships can be leveraged to increase graduation rates, improve reading and math scores, and expand STEM activities to create better academic outcomes for Native students. These collaborative efforts will provide sustainable and culturally appropriate educational models that address the unique needs of Indigenous communities.
The time for school choice in Indian Country is now. President Trump’s executive order is a step toward educational sovereignty–one that empowers Native families to make the best decisions for their children’s futures. Native Americans for Sovereignty and Preservation fully support expanding these opportunities and encourage tribal leaders, parents, and educators to engage in this conversation.
“This executive order is a monumental step forward in giving Native families the autonomy they deserve in deciding their children’s educational futures. Our people have endured generations of government overreach in education, and now we can reclaim that power. We fully support expanding school choice and ensuring our youth have access to the best education possible,” said Michael Woestehoff (Navajo), Executive Director of Native Americans for Sovereignty and Preservation.
By embracing school choice, we reclaim our right to determine the educational destiny of our children. No longer should Native students be forced into failing government-run schools. Instead, we should fight for an education system that truly serves our people–one that respects our values, strengthens our communities, and prepares the next generation for success.
This is an encouraging moment, and together, we will ensure every Native child has access to the high-quality education they deserve. Let’s make this vision a reality.
