For generations, the traditional public school has been a bedrock institution in American life. But recent developments suggest that this model is undergoing a stress test like never before, exacerbated by the recent cratering of student achievement. The pandemic accelerated two key trends: a broad societal shift in literacy habits and a structural transformation in K–12 education through the rise of private school choice. Taken together, these two forces raise profound questions for policymakers about the future direction of American education and its role in shaping civic life. Dale Chu, Senior Visiting Fellow at the Fordham Institute, joins Newell to discuss the issue.