Key Takeaways (Table of Contents)

• California spends billions on K-12 education, but student outcomes in reading and math continue to decline
  
• Oversized classrooms and bureaucracy are undermining student learning
  
• Woke ideology in California schools has replaced core academic instruction
  
• Parental rights in California education have been systematically eroded
  
• Homeschooling produces strong academic results and is growing rapidly
  
• Charter schools outperform traditional public schools and deserve more funding
  
• Education reform in California requires courageous leadership and moral clarity
  

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Why Does California Rank So Poorly in Reading and Math Despite High Public Education Spending? (00:09)

Ché Ahn:
California is one of the highest-spending states in the nation when it comes to public education—yet our outcomes are among the worst. We’re spending roughly $25,000 per student per year, ranking in the top tier nationally, but we sit near the bottom in math and reading scores. That tells us this is not a money problem.

California used to rank number one academically. I believe we can be restored to that place again, but only if we focus on excellence. Education is one of the most important institutions in society, second only to the family. My wife and I are both deeply invested in education—she as a former special education teacher and I as a university and seminary chancellor. We’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t.

How Do Crowded Classrooms Hurt Student Learning in California Schools? (02:22)

Ché Ahn:
The size of our classrooms is a major issue. In a class of 30 students, even the most motivated child might get to ask one or two questions an hour. That severely limits learning. Children learn by asking questions.

When our children were homeschooled, they could ask as many questions as they wanted. That kind of engagement accelerates learning. Oversized classrooms, combined with bureaucratic inefficiencies, are holding California students back—despite massive spending.

How Has Woke Ideology Replaced Core Academics in California Education? (04:20)

Ché Ahn:
Instead of focusing on the basics—reading, writing, math, and civics—California schools have become obsessed with ideological agendas like DEI, critical race theory, and radical gender ideology.

We’re not teaching students how to be critical thinkers or informed citizens. We’re teaching them ideology. Many teachers are under-qualified because the system is desperate to fill positions, and the curriculum has drifted far from academic excellence.

This ideological takeover is one of the root causes of declining academic performance in California schools.

How Have Parental Rights in California Education Been Eroded? (06:10)

Ché Ahn:
Parents have been systematically cut out of their children’s education. A clear example is AB 1955, which prevents teachers and school administrators from notifying parents if a child wants to change pronouns or pursue gender transition.

The state has essentially said, “We know better than parents.” That’s unacceptable. Parents are treated as obstacles rather than partners. If parents object, they’re labeled extremists or even domestic threats. This is a complete reversal of common sense and moral responsibility.

Why Is Homeschooling Growing So Rapidly in California? (02:22)

Ché Ahn:
We chose homeschooling decades ago because we saw inappropriate content being introduced at the elementary level even back then. Homeschooling is now one of the fastest-growing education movements in America—and for good reason.

Our children thrived academically. One was accepted into UC Irvine, others attended top Christian universities. Homeschooling didn’t hold them back—it propelled them forward. Parents are choosing homeschooling because the system has failed them.

Why Should California Invest More in Charter Schools? (10:29)

Ché Ahn:
Charter schools consistently outperform traditional public schools. Their test scores are higher, and they’re more accountable to families.

I want to direct more funding toward charter schools, private schools, and faith-based education options. Families should have choices. Tax dollars should follow the student—not be trapped in failing systems.

When enrollment drops, funding drops. That’s how accountability works in a free society.

How Will Ché Ahn Overcome Teachers Unions and Bureaucratic Resistance? (18:16)

Ché Ahn:
Real reform requires courageous leadership. I demonstrated that courage when I challenged the state during COVID lockdowns and ultimately won at the U.S. Supreme Court.

As governor, I will restore parental rights on day one. I will audit the Department of Education, demand accountability, and put qualified, principled leaders in place. Education exists to serve families—not unions, not bureaucrats, and not political ideologies.

California needs revival, reformation, and leadership grounded in truth and courage. That’s how we make California number one in education again.