In the last century, public schools changed in ways that dramatically reduced the control that parents have over their local schools. Regaining that control is one key to improving the quality of our schools, and giving students a choice of schools is one way of increasing the influence that parents have over the way schools are run. Several types of school choice have arisen in recent years, including magnet and charter schools. But when these are reviewed in terms of outcomes and incentives, charter schools are found to have a much better chance of providing the competitive pressure necessary to improve the quality of public schools. School choice comes in a variety of forms ranging from deciding where to live to home schooling. This Commentary contrasts two important forms of public-school choice that have developed: open enrollment programs and charter schools. (Includes a list of recommended readings.) [This Commentary was adapted from a paper Dr. Hanushek presented at the Conference on Innovation and Education, held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland on November 17-18, 2005.]