In this article, the author discusses the idea of "Pell Grants for Kids," a plan that would provide a $500 scholarship to each middle- and low-income child in America. Children could use these scholarships at any public or private school or for any educational program, such as private tutoring. Homeschooled children would also be eligible for the scholarship, as long as the money was spent on an accredited educational program. The plan would put the parents of approximately 30 million children directly into the education marketplace, thereby encouraging choice and competition. Once parents made their decision about where the $500 would be spent, the principal and teachers in that school or program would decide how it should be spent. As a result, "Pell Grants for Kids" would provide more federal dollars for schools while also encouraging more local control--which means more control by parents and teachers--over how that money is spent. Aside from stimulating competition, these new federal funds would help to narrow the gaps in spending between wealthy and poor districts and make more real the promise that no child will be left behind. Some criticisms of the program are considered and rebutted.