Education & School Choice

Every child in Florida's 16th District deserves access to a quality education that prepares them for success, no matter their zip code. From the rapidly growing school systems in Lakewood Ranch and Parrish to the established communities in Brandon and Valrico, John Peters believes that parents should have the power to choose the best educational path for their children.

Empowering Parents with School Choice

John Peters is a strong advocate for school choice. Parents in Riverview, Fish Hawk, and Bloomingdale should be able to select the school that best fits their child's needs, whether that is a traditional public school, a charter school, a private institution, or homeschooling. When parents have options, schools improve because they must compete for students.

Florida has led the nation in expanding school choice, and John will fight to protect and expand these opportunities at the federal level. He opposes any effort by Washington to restrict parental rights or impose a one-size-fits-all approach to education that ignores the unique needs of local communities.

Focusing on What Matters

Too often, education policy gets bogged down in political debates that have nothing to do with what happens in the classroom. John Peters believes schools should focus on the fundamentals: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and civics. Students in Bradenton, Palmetto, and throughout Manatee County deserve a curriculum that prepares them for college, careers, and civic participation.

John also supports full transparency in curriculum so that parents always know what their children are being taught. He believes that trust between families and schools is essential and that parental involvement leads to better outcomes for students.

Vocational Training and Workforce Development

Not every student needs a four-year college degree to find success. John Peters supports expanding vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and career and technical education pathways that connect students directly to high-paying jobs. Communities like Ellenton, Ruskin, and Wimauma have a growing need for skilled tradespeople, and John believes our education system should reflect that reality. By investing in workforce development, we can build a stronger economy while giving every young person in District 16 a path to a fulfilling career.