As a mother who wants the best for her children, I was troubled when my daughter Jessica was assigned to A.A. Dixon Elementary School-one of Florida's failing public schools. I support public education, but no parent wants to sacrifice his or her child for the sake of a system that fails to educate the kids trusted to it. Because I do not have a lot of money, however, my choices of schools were limited.

I thought of the awful sacrifices that I would have to make to be sure my daughter received the education she deserves. I thought of sending Jessica to live with my mother for a year so she could attend a better public school while I tried to save enough money to send her to a private school closer to home. We would be separated, but she would be educated, which was the important thing.

But then Governor Jeb Bush's A+ education reform plan passed. Jessica was accepted into the program and we remain together everyday. Jessica now receives the high-quality education every Florida school child needs. While other school reform efforts offer promises of hope at some uncertain date, school choice is the only education reform that provides my daughter, and many more like her, with a quality education today.

By my choice, Jessica now attends kindergarten at St. Michael's in Pensacola. There she is learning her letters and numbers. The school provides a safe and structured environment, the children learn respect for themselves and for others, and parents are encouraged to take part in a variety of activities. Her teachers pay close attention to the individual needs of each child and get to know them. This was demonstrated to me earlier this school year when I received Jessica's progress report. They recognized her quiet depth, even for a child of five: a special gift that I fear would have been overlooked in failing public school.

I see the personal attention she receives everyday when Jessica brings home papers, like pictures she has drawn. Her teachers take the time to talk with her about these little works of art and write on the bottom of the paper a description of what my child has drawn. When she works on a classroom computer, a teacher is right beside her.

Although I am not Catholic, I am also glad she is learning prayers and moral education as part of her instruction. Jessica is being raised in a Christian home and I appreciate the fact that her school reinforces those values. Again, it is by my choice that she attends this school, not by the choice of any government official and the most important thing she is receiving is a well-rounded education.

But organizations like the ACLU and the NAACP are working to take away my choice. They would place my daughter back at A.A. Dixon. These organizations refuse to see the damage caused by sending students who are bright and ready to learn to schools that themselves can't make the grade. A school is a place where learning happens. A failing school is an oxymoron. Forcing kids to stay in those schools is inexcusable and a tragedy. This is especially tragic for grade school, which sets the foundation of learning necessary for children like my daughter to succeed in middle school and high school.

Among the many things I want for Jessica is a good education. Without school choice, she would never have the opportunity she is enjoying today.

The ACLU and the NAACP should pick a better battle than to fight against a bunch of five year olds and their parents who want nothing more than to know their children are safe and in a place where they can learn. Stop picking on the kids. Pick on someone your own size.

Dermita Merkman is one of 134 parents in Florida whose children are participating in Florida A+ education reform program.

The Institute for Justice represents Dermita Merkman in defense of Florida's school choice program.