Elite athletes; children with compromised immune systems; students on the autism spectrum; LGBTQ children; teens who don’t feel safe in a traditional setting; students who want to learn at their own pace, and homeless youth. These are just a few kinds of students who choose, with their parents, to pursue a K-12 education through public cyberschools. They come from every walk of life. This important piece of our state’s educational quilt hasn’t always been an option, and its future is never guaranteed.

In our 15th year of rallying at the Colorado State Capitol today, we reflect on the thousands of parent advocates who have stood arm-in-arm on the Capitol steps to rally for greater education options. They have testified bravely, telling their school choice stories to the most hard-hearted of opposition. They have given so much of themselves and only asked for greater opportunity via cyberschools for their students. They bring us hope and inspire us every day.

Cyberschools are a critical component of our public school system and must be preserved, but too often, even school choice advocates view cyberschools as first on the chopping block. From budget cuts, to different accountability standards for different schools, to lack of recourse for school closings, parent and school choice is under attack.

This is a disservice to our parents and students who rely on this model to not just complete their education, but to launch into greatness. Those who claim that cyberschools are not worthy of the same attention and admiration as traditional brick-and-mortar schools haven’t met the parents I have.

Behind every cyberschool student is a devoted parent or guardian who has undeniably fought for his or her family’s right to choose the best education. Parents and guardians interact with their children and students at a deeply personal level every day. These advocates are major stakeholders in their children’s education and future. Who better to understand their children than these parents, grandparents and guardians?

That’s why it’s so puzzling when school choice advocates claim to know better than these parents which education model works best for these kids, who each require a unique education system to meet their academic, physical, and emotional needs. Their voices must be heard so that their children can receive an education that will unlock their fullest potential.

Only parents and guardians can speak to how policy recommendations will affect their children and their communities. To ensure the success of school choice in Colorado and beyond, these voices must not only be heard, but must echo throughout Colorado.

Not only should policymakers and elected officials offer parents and guardians a seat at the table, but their opinion should be the first sought. Our parents don’t seek special treatment, just equal treatment for their students. We will keep fighting to preserve education choice and to tell our success stories throughout the halls of the Capitol.

We ask that you join us in this fight, just as you would for your own children. When parents speak up, policymakers listen. And when all parents stand together, we become a force bigger than ourselves. Let’s preserve every option available to allow our children the very best – and most appropriate – avenues to education and a bright future. It’s the least we can do for the next generation.

Tillie Elvrum is president of the National Coalition of Public School Options and director of the Colorado Coalition of Cyberschool Families.