Public schools aren't the answer for everyone.

They weren't the answer for me.

Schools in my neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida

function less as places of learning,

and more as warehouses to keep kids off the street.

I know, I was one of those kids.

I don't blame teachers or parents.

I'm not interested in blaming anybody.

I'm only interested in making things better.

And the only way to do that is to give parents and students

a choice.

If a student can't get the education they need

at their public school, there has to be an alternative.

Thankfully, there was for me.

My early years in my Jacksonville school

were not a success to put it mildly.

I seldom understood the lesson.

I was often confused and frustrated.

I asked my teachers questions, but it seemed to me

that this just annoyed them.

So I stopped asking questions, and I withdrew into myself.

I failed third grade twice.

...