K-12 Education

Explore ideas that transform learning outcomes.

Discover the case for educational freedom in America and understand its importance today.

Classroom with students sitting at desks and raising hands, teacher at the front by a green chalkboard, backpacks on chairs.

Education is a cornerstone of personal and societal development, providing us with the knowledge and skills we need to thrive in an ever changing world.

Press Start Course below and learn how to spark a brighter future for American education with bold ideas.

How to Get Started

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Lesson One

About 80 percent of American children attend their assigned public school, even though polling shows that only around 40 percent of parents say that is their preferred option.

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Lesson Two

For years, school has been a one-size-fits-all deal: one building, one schedule, one set of classes. But now, families are "unbundling" education, choosing what works best for their kids.

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Lesson Three

Every major transformation begins with pioneers. People who see a problem and decide to build something better.

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Lesson Four

School choice helps the kids who need it most: low-income families, students of color, and those with special needs. Let’s break it down.

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Lesson Five

Will schools still be big buildings where everyone sits in rows, learning the same stuff at the same pace? Or could education be as personalized and flexible as your phone or your Netflix queue?

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What you will discover:

This Cato Course helps you understand how freedom in education empowers families, drives innovation, and strengthens equality.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

  • Explain the principles of educational freedom and why school choice matters;

  • Describe new models of learning, from microschools to unbundled education; and

  • Evaluate myths and misconceptions about school choice using real evidence.

In under an hour, you’ll gain a principled understanding of how educational freedom works—and why it matters for students, families, and the future of America.

Who this course is for:

  • Students and Young Professionals interested in education and libertarian thought.

  • Liberty-Minded Activists looking for intellectual ammunition for advocacy.

  • Lifelong Learners/Long-time Partners engaging more deeply with Cato’s resources.

Requirements

  • No background is needed. This Cato course is for anyone eager to dive into K-12 education.

Course FAQ

  • How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you will have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like—across any and all devices you own.

  • This online course is available at no cost thanks to Cato Institute’s Partners championing innovation, freedom, and prosperity.

  • The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course—you decide when you start and when you finish.

  • Yes! This course is designed for young minds, but it’s open to anyone eager to learn. Whether you are new to the topic or looking to sharpen your skills, you will find valuable insights here.


  • Everything you need is provided within the course, but having a notebook and an open mind is always a plus!