This paper identifies major education goals that conflict with educational choice and explores the context and causes of the conflict. Implications for family choice of the numerous reforms currently gaining nationwide support are examined, along with public policies that deny choice, such as attendance requirements, state-imposed curriculum requirements, teacher certification requirements, and tracking, either formally or informally through counselling. After an introductory overview, these issues are discussed first from the perspective of the consumer, then from that of society. Finally, in a section addressing the compatibility of choice and educational reform, prospects for increased choice are considered in light of the political and administrative relationships predominant within the contemporary public school system. Extensive footnotes and a 40-item bibliography are included. (TE)