A Journey of Choices: How Wei Never Gave Up On Finding the Right Educational Fit for Her Daughters

For Wei Barr, school choice has been more than just a policy issue, it’s been a journey across states, schools, and educational models, all in the pursuit of giving her daughters the best opportunities. Wei’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a fierce commitment to finding the right educational fit, no matter the obstacles. Now a mother of two college students, Wei reflects on her journey with hope for expanded school choice options for every family.

Finding the Right Fit in Atlanta 

When Wei first arrived in the United States, she and her family settled in inner-city Atlanta. Coming from China, she didn’t know much about the U.S. education system and assumed that every child could attend a high-quality school that nurtured their growth and prepared them to succeed. But it didn’t take long to realize this wasn’t always the case.

“We lived in a neighborhood where the public schools weren’t safe or academically strong,” Wei recalls. “My oldest daughter was reading at age five, and I knew she needed an environment where she could thrive academically.” After some research, she discovered Georgia Cyber Academy, a public virtual school open to residents statewide. They entered a lottery, won a spot, and Wei’s family’s journey into alternative education began.

A New, Homeschooling Chapter in Alabama

After a few years in Georgia, Wei’s family relocated to Alabama, where they faced a different educational landscape. With no virtual public school available to her children, Wei decided to homeschool, providing both daughters with the flexibility and quality she wanted.

“When my oldest entered seventh grade, Alabama finally introduced a public virtual option—the Alabama Virtual Academy. She was able to finish high school there and is now studying history and philosophy at the University of Virginia,” Wei shares with pride.

Her youngest daughter also began her education in Alabama Virtual Academy. “It wasn’t until later that we learned the true importance of fit,” Wei notes. While the virtual model was ideal for her eldest, her younger daughter was much more social and craved the in-person connections that a traditional school could offer.

Finding Home at a Tennessee Private School

A new opportunity opened when Wei’s husband received a job offer in Tennessee, along with a scholarship option for their youngest daughter to attend Chattanooga Christian Academy (CCS). “It was a leap of faith,” Wei says. But it was the right choice. CCS had a low student-to-teacher ratio, and a vibrant arts program… everything her daughter needed to thrive.

“It wasn’t just about academics,” Wei explains. The teachers at CCS were so caring and involved in her daughter’s life. “People often think private school choice is about getting into the most prestigious school, but for us, it was about finding a home and support system.” Her daughter flourished at CCS, graduating as a National Merit Scholar and is now a first-year student at Duke University.

Never Take Having Choices for Granted 

For Wei, school choice has been essential to her family’s success. It’s given her daughters options that she herself didn’t have growing up. “I come from a society where you do not have the ability to choose,” she explains. “Here, even if you’re an upper-middle-class family, you might not have options if you’re tied to your local school system.” School choice, for Wei, wasn’t just about finding a better school.. it was about giving her daughters a safe environment and the freedom to pursue their passions.

“Sometimes, it’s as serious as life or death,” she says frankly. “I didn’t have to worry about my kids being stabbed in school. It sounds dramatic, but that’s the reality for some families.” Wei believes every parent should have access to a range of educational options for their children, regardless of where they live or their financial situation.

A Hopeful Outlook for School Choice in Tennessee

Now one of the PSO Board of Directors, Wei attends Capitol Days across the U.S., connecting with other parents who’ve chosen alternative education. “It can be a lonely journey, especially for homeschool and virtual school families. But when we gather, we hear each other’s stories, and it reminds us that we’re not alone,” she says.

Wei is encouraged by Tennessee’s progress toward expanded school choice options and the potential for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to give every family access to high-quality schools, whether online or in-person. “If this bill passes, all students will have access to the schools that fit them best,” she says with optimism.

Reflecting on What Works for Your Family

Wei’s story is a powerful reminder that every family deserves the right to choose the best educational path for their children. From virtual public schools to private academies, her journey illustrates the importance of flexibility and fit in education. 

For families considering alternative education, Wei’s message is clear: take the leap. School choice isn’t just about academics; it’s about finding a safe, supportive environment where children can truly thrive. And for Wei, it’s been the adventure of a lifetime.