Finding the right fit, faster. Because families can’t wait.

Sharon Sedlar | October 22, 2026

When we first started PaFEC, there was a steep learning curve. We were parents who saw something that needed to change: families and students were struggling in an inflexible education system, and lives were being changed – some for the better, some not. We wanted to help others, first focusing on Western Pennsylvania (that lasted five months!) and then expanding statewide. As we dove in, we wondered: What questions should we be asking? How much funding is provided for a child’s education? Does that amount change depending on the type of school – and, if so, by how much? What do terms like “reform,” “equity,” “hold harmless,” and “funding formula” actually mean? We had so many questions and precious little time to find the answers. 
 
Along the way, we found valuable resources: the National Center for Education Statistics, Pennsylvania Department of Education school finance reports, the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and the Future Ready PA Index. We also found helpful explainers from national organizations such as EdChoice and the American Federation for Children, along with books by authors including Neal McCluskey, Corey DeAngelis, Thomas Sowell, Mike McShane, Ian Rowe, Jude Schwalbach, Kerry McDonald, and E. D. Hirsch. 

School information can vary widely by district, town, and county, so families need a practical way to find the details that apply to their child and local community. 

Thanks to a generous grant last year, we created a way to help every parent in Pennsylvania. It’s called Learning Journey PA, and it brings together information about local populations, Keystone Exam and PSSA scores, student demographics, school safety, graduation rates, and enrollment. It also includes listings and links for district, charter, private, and career and technical schools in the area. 

Are you curious about your child’s school or schools in neighboring districts? What about charter or private schools that serve your area? If you’re considering private education, we also invite you to visit our Navigating Private Education page, which can help you explore scholarship opportunities for your child. Or take a look at our Homeschool Toolkit if you’re interested in that model! 

The goal is to make reliable education information easier for Pennsylvania families to find and compare. By bringing these resources together, families can spend less time searching across multiple websites and more time considering which district, charter, private, or homeschool option best fits their child.