School Choice Rhetoric and Arguments. A Conversation with Matt Frendewey.

We draw a hard line between tweaking the school system and transforming it, starting with one idea: parents should hold the decision rights for their child’s education. We also test the biggest critiques of school choice against polling, program data, and real parent experiences with flexibility and accountability.

• why “reform” misses the real problem and why transformation fits the moment
• what education freedom means in practice and how decision rights have flipped since COVID
• why families say they want different schools rather than “better” versions of the same model
• how microschools and homeschooling are growing and what customization makes possible
• what parents tell pollsters they want most and the size of the flexibility gap
• where ESAs and school choice policy are expanding across states and what demand looks like
• how to respond to claims about bankrupting public schools, fraud, waste, and accountability
• why switching schools can be stronger accountability than test-based systems

About our guest
Matt Frendewey is the vice president of strategy at yes. every kid. Matt has over two decades of experience in strategic communications, which includes working as a senior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, and Gov. Jeb Bush at Foundation for Excellence in Education. A Michigan native, Matt spent eight years working for the Michigan Department of Attorney General, and has held various roles in both gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. Matt resides in Washington, D.C. with Jenn and their two dogs, and remains a loyal Detroit Tigers fan.

Connect with Matt
yes. every kid.
Matt’s substack

About the podcast
The KindlED Podcast explores the science of nurturing children's potential and creating empowering learning environments.

Powered by Prenda Microschools, each episode offers actionable insights to help you ignite your child's love of learning. We'll dive into evidence-based tools and techniques that kindle young learners' curiosity, motivation, and well-being.

Got a burning question?
We're all ears! If you have a question or topic you'd love our hosts to tackle, please send it to podcast@prenda.com. Let's dive into the conversation together!

Important links:
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