government
The private school choice boom leaves behind many kids in public school
By Bianca Vázquez Toness and Sharon Lurye | The Associated Press at NBC DFW
· June 16, 2026
· 8 min read
FORT WORTH — The Catholic school tour ended, and Maria Contreras felt an overwhelming desire to enroll her 7-year-old. But first, a difficult question for the principal. The second grader has trouble focusing. He doesn’t listen to teachers and runs around the classroom, she explained. Could he be ex
Key takeaway But first, a difficult question for the principal.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The growth of private school choice programs in Texas, including in Fort Worth , raises concerns about the impact on the city's public schools, such as those in the Fort Worth ISD. As more families consider private education options, the district may face challenges in maintaining resources and support for students who remain in public schools. The story of Maria Contreras and her son Ian highlights the difficulties that some families in Fort Worth may face in navigating the education system, particularly when it comes to accessing special education services. The low rate of learning disability diagnoses at Ian's elementary school suggests that some students in the district may not be receiving the support they need. As the private school choice movement continues to expand in Texas, it will be important to monitor its effects on the Fort Worth ISD and ensure that the district is able to provide adequate resources and support for all students, regardless of their background or abilities.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 8 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? FORT WORTH — The Catholic school tour ended, and Maria Contreras felt an overwhelming desire to enroll her 7-year-old. But first, a difficult question for the principal. The second grader has trouble focusing. He doesn’t listen to teachers and runs around the classroom, she explained. Could he be ex
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bianca Vázquez Toness and Sharon Lurye | The Associated Press at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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