A Voice Beyond Her Years: Juliette Leong Advocates for Educational Freedom
On May 20, 2025, a powerful and unlikely advocate took the floor of the Nevada Assembly Committee on Ways and Means—an 8-year-old prodigy named Juliette Leong, whose testimony in favor of Assembly Bill 584 stunned lawmakers and galvanized public support for school choice.
Already a philanthropist, TEDx speaker, and accomplished painter, Juliette’s presence alone challenged conventional notions of what children can achieve. But it was her articulate and heartfelt defense of school choice that left the most lasting impression.
“What About the Child With the Same Potential… But No Options?”
Juliette’s message was clear and urgent: every child deserves a chance to thrive—not just those whose families can afford alternative education.
“I spell at a third-grade level and do high school-level math, and no school could accommodate my needs, so I’m homeschooled,” Juliette told the Committee.
“Because of that, I’ve performed at Carnegie Hall, won six national math competitions, and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to nonprofit organizations through the sales of my paintings.”
Her message wasn’t just about her own success—but about the injustice faced by students who are equally gifted but trapped in rigid, one-size-fits-all public school systems.
“What about the child with the same potential, except whose family can’t afford to homeschool?” she asked. “It’s not just about academics. It’s about unlocking talents, building confidence, and creating opportunities.”
AB 584: Expanding Options, Empowering Families
Assembly Bill 584 seeks to expand access to charter schools, private education, homeschooling, and performance-based funding for high-quality teachers. Governor Joe Lombardo has made school choice a top legislative priority, aiming to transform Nevada into a national leader in educational innovation.
Juliette framed this transformation not just as policy, but as a moral and practical necessity in a rapidly evolving world.
“Our school system is too large and too slow to keep up with the world shaped by rapidly changing job markets,” she explained. “That’s why families need options like smaller private schools, charter schools, and homeschooling.”
A Call for Real-World Readiness
At the heart of Juliette’s testimony was a vision of education that prepares children for real-world success—by recognizing their uniqueness and giving families the tools to support them.
“School Choice is how we prepare Nevada students for real-world success,” she concluded. “The world is moving forward, and Nevada needs to move forward with the world.”