From Advocate to Witness: Defending MOScholars and the Fight for Educational Freedom

How one parent’s journey turned into standing in defense of school choice for families across Missouri
By Lisa Smith

Recently, Missouri families received powerful news: the court has upheld the MOScholars program, rejecting all constitutional challenges against it. This decision reinforces what so many of us have known all along. Parents deserve the freedom to choose the best education for their children.

MOScholars is a K-12 scholarship program that provides funding to eligible families, allowing them to choose the learning environment that best fits their child’s needs. Families can use these scholarships for private school tuition, homeschooling resources, virtual education, tutoring, therapy, and other approved educational services. It gives parents the ability to customize their child’s education in a way that truly works for them.

This court decision confirms that MOScholars is here to stay.

There will always be challenges. There will always be opposition.

And that is why advocacy still matters.

For me, this victory hits differently.

I have been advocating for the MOScholars K-12 Scholarship Program since before it became law, back when I had no school choice options for my own children. MOScholars was the opportunity I wanted for my family and for so many others across the state.

When MOScholars became law, it marked a major turning point for families. It meant access to opportunities that once felt out of reach and a pathway to educational environments that truly meet children where they are.

This time, I did not just speak about the importance of this program. I had to defend it.

I served as a witness in this case. I shared my story, my experiences, and the reality that Missouri families face when there are no school choice options. I carried not only my story, but the stories of so many families still searching for better educational opportunities for their children.

I know what it feels like to sit in an education system that is not working for your child and be told to wait, to settle, or to accept that this is your only option.

I also know what it feels like to keep going, to keep showing up, and to keep advocating for your child to receive a quality education that meets their needs.

MOScholars is often described as a scholarship program, but that does not fully capture what it means to families.

It means access.

It means choice.

It means relief.

It means a child finally being in a learning environment where they can grow, feel safe, and succeed.

Today, the program serves thousands of students across Missouri. This outcome is a reminder of what is possible when parent advocates refuse to stay silent, when families share their experiences, meet with their elected officials and when people stand firm for what they believe their children deserve.

I am proud to have been part of this journey, from advocating before MOScholars was law, to becoming a MOScholars parent, to standing in defense of the program when it was challenged.

And we are not done.

Because as long as there are families still searching for better educational opportunities and still waiting for access, this work continues.

At CEAM, we empower parents with the tools, knowledge, and resources to actively advocate for their children’s education. If you are a parent looking for better school choice options, support, guidance, or someone who wants to get involved or support this cause, we are here for you.

Visit us at ceamteam.org and showmeschooloptions.org.

Get involved. Reach out. Ask questions. Share your story.

Because when parents speak up, change happens.

Lisa Smith is a parent, advocate and member of the CEAM Team where she helps mobilize and empower other parents seeking K-12 options for their children.