The government is running a business ( using tax dollars) and giving the product away to the parents for the price of FREE. If conservatives are going to compete against the price-fixed-monopoly government schools they **must** meet that cost to the parent. FREE.
They only way I see that it can be done is by very generous donations by the wealthy. Perhaps annuities could be offered. This would allow the middle classes to fund private K-12 schooling, as well. But...I do think it is possible. Harvard has and endowment of 35 Billion. Universities and colleges across the nation have endowments in the billions. I am willing to bet that a lot of that money came from conservatives.
What must be done is to convince conservatives that K-12 education deserves and needs the same funding that college and university endowments receive.
Also...If we are make private conservative education available to all the nation's children we **must** reduce the cost of delivering the education. There are many excellent and low cost curriculum available now. If conservative educational foundations funded the teacher directly, he or she could open small schools for up to 10 children. They could be run in homes and would not require any more regulation or zoning than a home day care. The foundations would certify the teacher, test the students, and certify the curriculum.
Conservatives **must** also break the government monopoly on team sports, government school theater and arts..etc. In my county these side activities create a great deal of “rah-rah” support for the government schools. The foundations could do this by sponsoring sports leagues and larger community theater, dance, and arts programs.
On the university level, conservatives, ( if they are going to donate to universities) should pool their money, again using educational foundations. If the amount of money given is large enough, it can influence who gets hired and fired on the university campuses.
( Not proof-read)
I just don't think of anything as “free”.
I think that those who receive anything at no cost to themselves don't appreciate it's importance.
I also think it necessary to start all sentences with “I think” as so few people realize all thoughts are filtered through personal bias. One can only speak for one's self.