In the ongoing conversation about education in Texas, the topic of school vouchers has become a significant point of discussion. As an institution committed to our mission and the families we serve, Selwyn School has been closely following these developments. After careful consideration, our leadership has decided that Selwyn School will not be participating in the state’s school voucher program at this time. This decision is rooted in our commitment to preserving the independence and unique educational environment that defines our community.
Upholding Our Mission and Independence
At Selwyn School, our mission is to provide a superior education in a nurturing, student centered environment that fosters a love of learning, academic excellence, and responsible citizenship. This mission guides every decision we make, from our curriculum to our community-building efforts. As Deborah Hof, our Head of School, explained in a recent interview with CBS Texas, accepting public funds through the voucher program could compromise our ability to stay true to this mission.
Once I take money from anybody, it's not just the state," Ms. Hof stated. "Once I take money from another entity, there's some reciprocal agreement. There is some oversight... that responsibility is no longer in my hands or my board's hands. It's in somebody's hands that I don't know. And that is not what you signed up for when you came here."
Our independence is the cornerstone of our ability to offer a unique and effective educational experience. It allows us to make decisions that are in the best interests of our students, guided by educators, not by outside entities or political agendas. “I would prefer that educators are making decisions about education” Ms. Hof added, emphasizing the importance of keeping educational decisions in the hands of those with expertise in the field.
A Deliberate and Measured Approach
The decision to abstain from the voucher program is not a permanent one, but rather a “no for now.” The current program lacks the transparency and tested longevity needed for us to make a fully informed commitment. Key requirements and regulations for participating schools will not be finalized until May 2026, creating a level of uncertainty that we are not willing to introduce into our educational model.
We believe in making deliberate, well-researched decisions. As Ms. Hof explained, “We have to be who we are. Once you start trying to be a little bit of everything, then you’re not anything.” By waiting to see how the voucher system is implemented and what its true impact will be, we are choosing to protect the integrity of the Selwyn experience that our families have come to value.
Our Commitment to the Selwyn Community
We understand that this decision may raise questions for our current and prospective families. We have had open conversations with our community, and while some parents were hopeful for the financial assistance vouchers might provide, the response has been overwhelmingly understanding. Our families choose Selwyn for its small class sizes, its dedicated faculty, and its commitment to knowing every child by their “heart and their mind.”
Selwyn School has been a cornerstone of the Denton community since 1957, thriving as an independent institution long before the introduction of voucher programs. We remain confident in our ability to provide an exceptional education that prepares students to be engaged, compassionate, and knowledgeable global citizens. We will continue to monitor the development of the voucher program and will always make decisions that align with our mission and the best interests of our students.
