
As we recognize National School Choice Week, acknowledging the power of educational freedom is more important than ever. Families deserve the right to choose the best learning environments for their children, whether that’s public, private, charter, homeschooling, or microschooling.
The newly released 2024 NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) data highlights the persistent gaps in student achievement—especially for Black and Hispanic children in Maryland. These results reinforce why families need access to high-quality alternatives to the traditional school system.
Maryland’s NAEP Data Shows Persistent Gaps
According to the 2024 NAEP Mathematics Snapshot Report for Maryland's fourth graders:
Black students had an average math score of 219, which is 32 points lower than White students (251).
Hispanic students scored 222, trailing White students by 29 points.
Only 21% of Black students and 24% of Hispanic students scored at or above the Proficient level, compared to 56% of White students.
The performance gap for Black students has remained virtually unchanged since 2000 (34 points then, 32 points now).
Economically disadvantaged students scored 29 points lower than their more affluent peers.

Despite some progress in overall state scores, these disparities remain deeply entrenched. If we want all students to succeed, we must provide families with the ability to choose the best educational environment for their children.
How School Choice Can Help Close the Gap
The NAEP data confirms what many parents already know—one-size-fits-all education doesn’t work for every child. School choice empowers families by:
Providing Alternatives: Charter schools, homeschooling co-ops, and microschools can offer smaller class sizes, personalized instruction, and innovative teaching methods that better serve diverse learners.
Addressing Learning Gaps: Customized learning plans and culturally responsive curricula can help students of color thrive academically.
Encouraging Competition & Accountability: When families have choices, schools must improve to retain students, leading to better educational outcomes across the board.
Time for Action
The achievement gap is not just a statistic—it represents real children being left behind. Maryland families, especially those in historically underserved Black and Hispanic communities, deserve access to high-quality educational options that meet their needs.
This National School Choice Week, let’s advocate for policies that expand access to diverse learning environments, empower parents, and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Are you considering an alternative education model for your child? At SOL Learning Center, we provide a nurturing, community-driven microschool experience designed to support student growth academically, socially, and emotionally. Let’s work together to create the best educational path for our children!
Check out these resources to learn more about school choice in Maryland:
🔗 NAEP Data & Report Card: Nation’s Report Card
🔗 Learn About School Choice Nationwide: EdChoice.org
🔗 Maryland BOOST Scholarship Program (for private school tuition assistance): BOOST Program Information
🔗 Maryland Homeschooling Laws & Support:
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) - Maryland: HSLDA Maryland Homeschooling Info
Maryland State Department of Education - Home Instruction Q&A: MSDE Home Instruction
🔗 Maryland School Choice Roadmap & Options Guide: My School Choice - Maryland
📩 Contact us today to learn more about your options!
📍Website: Learningwithsol.com 📧 Email: info@learningwithsol.com📱 Phone: 301-900-5790
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