US Supreme Court to hear landmark case on religious charter school, challenging separation of church and state – The Times of India

The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a pivotal case that could determine the future of religious charter schools in America. The case revolves around St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual Charter School, which seeks to become the nation’s first religious charter school. This decision could set a major precedent regarding the intersection of education, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state.
St. Isidore’s supporters argue that the school’s creation is a win for school choice, with backing from conservative groups such as the Alliance Defending Freedom. However, the case has sparked opposition from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS), which contends that religious charter schools violate the constitutional boundary between church and state. As the court prepares to hear arguments on April 30, 2025, the outcome could have profound implications for public education across the US.
Background on the case
The controversy began after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled against the creation of St. Isidore, stating that as a charter school, it would be considered a public institution, making it subject to the Establishment Clause of the US Constitution. The court reasoned that religious teachings in public schools violate Oklahoma’s constitution and the separation of church and state. As reported by Forbes, the ruling emphasized that charter schools cannot invoke private entity rights to free religious exercise because they are state actors.
The Alliance Defending Freedom, along with other pro-school choice groups, has petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn the Oklahoma decision. Amicus briefs in support of St. Isidore have also been filed by President Donald Trump’s administration and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, according to Forbes.
Charter school sector divided
The case has divided the charter school community. While some groups, like the NAPCS, view charter schools as public institutions that must adhere to constitutional protections, others argue that the creation of religious charter schools would allow for greater freedom in education. As quoted by Forbes, NAPCS President Starlee Coleman stated, “Charter schools are public schools that are part of states’ public-school systems. Like all public schools, charter schools are bound by the US Constitution and are therefore not allowed to be religious schools.”
The court’s decision in this case could reshape the future of charter schools, school choice, and religious freedoms in the US education system.