Missouri Parents Victorious In Case Against MOScholars Program 

Press Release: For Immediate Release 
April 15, 2026  
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact: Mairead Elordi at [email protected] 

JEFFERSON CITY — On Tuesday, three families represented by EdChoice Legal Advocates were awarded a huge victory when a judge ruled the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program constitutional. 

Cole County Circuit Court Judge Brian K. Stumpe ruled in EdChoice’s favor on all five counts on the merits. He also held that the plaintiffs lack standing to bring the case and that the state is immune from this suit. 

“Missouri families deserve the freedom to choose the best education for their children, and we are proud to have defended that right,” said EdLA Attorney Bryan Cleveland, who litigated the case. “This decision ensures that students can continue attending the schools and accessing the programs and resources they depend on without disruption.” 

“This ruling is a decisive victory for Missouri families. The court made clear that empowering parents to choose the best education for their children is fully constitutional. We are proud to stand with families whose rights were affirmed today,” said Thomas M. Fisher, Executive Vice President and Director of Litigation at EdChoice Legal Advocates. 

In July, EdChoice Legal Advocates filed a motion to intervene on behalf of Missouri parents as defendants in the lawsuit brought by the Missouri National Education Association (MNEA) challenging the state’s expanded Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program, known as MOScholars. 

The scholarship program, enacted in 2021 and expanded through legislation in 2024 and 2025, provides education savings accounts for tuition and fees at qualified schools, tutoring programs, services and therapies, and technology or textbooks. Eligible students include those who have an individualized education plan (IEP) or whose family income is below a certain level. 

Thanks to Wednesday’s ruling, thousands of Missouri students will not have their education plans disrupted. 

EdChoice Legal Advocates represented three Missouri parents who currently use MOScholars. 

Kyla Knight, a mother of three living in Springfield, has seen her children benefit from a university-style education, part-time schedule and small class sizes. Through MOScholars, Kyla’s youngest has been able to access a tutor to address reading challenges. The appropriated funds for MOScholars also made funding available for Kyla’s older two children, allowing the family to keep up with rising tuition costs so her children can continue learning in a setting that is best for them.  

Cassie Clooten is raising three boys in Kearney. Cassie’s youngest son has been a part of MOScholars for three years, which has helped the family secure needed school supplies, such as a home computer for Google classroom courses and homework. Cassie received scholarships for her oldest two in MOScholars this year to help cover the cost of increased school tuition. 

Libby Eversgerd has relied on MOScholars for her youngest son’s schooling in Kirkwood for three years. Libby was disappointed in her local schools as she watched her daughter struggle and, ultimately, drop out. Years later, her youngest son began to resist attending school due to mounting pressure and lack of accommodations for his learning differences. Through MOScholars, she was able to enroll him in a small, private school where his grades and attendance improved dramatically. She is glad that additional funding for MOScholars means she no longer has to wait until late in the school year to receive a scholarship for her son.  

 Learn more about the case: 

• Order and Judgment 

• Motion to Intervene   

• Learn more about Kyla Knight 

• Learn more about Cassie Clooten 

• Learn more about Libby Eversgerd 

To be connected with Thomas Fisher, Bryan Cleveland, or one of the clients, contact Mairead Elordi at [email protected].   

EdChoice is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Its mission is to advance educational freedom and choice for all as a pathway to successful lives and a stronger society. EdChoice is committed to understanding and pursuing a K–12 education ecosystem that empowers every family to choose the learning environment that fits their children’s needs best. Learn more at edchoice.org.