Setting the Table (for Students)

Abundance defines Thanksgiving. Everything that makes this holiday special—the celebration of unity, the cultural tradition, the shared history—coalesces over a meal of plenty, with choices for all shapes and sizes of humanity. For the traditionalists, turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin remain the staples. For vegetarians, vegans, or those avoiding red meat, tofurkey is a readily available option, too.

The care and thought put into preparing the perfect Thanksgiving meal—considering individual preferences, needs, and traditions—should also extend to our kids’ education.

Whether it’s public schools, private schools, charter schools, magnet programs, or homeschooling (all of which can be supplemented with after-school activities, tutoring, summer camps, gymnastics, Scouts, music lessons), each offers distinct advantages for every kid.

With today’s explosion of educational options, families are no longer limited to a single approach, just as Thanksgiving menus have evolved to include new traditions and preferences. Diversity in choices honors the varied needs and backgrounds of our kids. Relying on just one standard—be it a turkey-only meal or a single educational choice—will not satisfy everyone, nor does it help kids thrive. Providing choices, whether at the dinner table or in the classroom, provides every child with a seat and a voice, fostering growth and opportunity.

At the Commonwealth Foundation, we support the rights of parents and students to choose what is best for them within a robust environment abundant with options.

But this can only be possible if we remain open to exploring new recipes. For example, the addition of the new federal tax credit scholarship program will provide new educational options nationwide. And this program can do the same in Pennsylvania, so long as Gov. Josh Shapiro opts into it.

New dishes can also complement older ones. The new federal scholarship program will supplement Pennsylvania’s existing tax credit scholarship programs: the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. EITC and OSTC have provided tuition relief to hundreds of thousands of students over the last 25 years.

Over time, abundance begets more abundance. The most recent addition to the spread was the $50 million increase to the Economically Disadvantaged Schools program in the most recent state budget. This policy victory will surely provide more educational opportunities to Pennsylvania families and students.

Abundance in tradition and education is not just about having plenty; it’s about appreciating diversity, honoring your loved ones, and nurturing growth. By embracing choice at home and in our schools, we offer every child the chance to learn, belong, and flourish.

Each dish, from stuffing to sauces to desserts, carries its own significance. And one of the greatest strengths of the holiday spread is the freedom it gives each person to choose the foods that fill their plate.

We have a collective responsibility to “set the table” for our kids’ learning and growth. The array of options on the Thanksgiving table reflects the school choice options: an à la carte feast of educational options where each family can choose the best fit for their children.

May we all cherish the abundance we share at the table and extend the same goodwill to our future generations.