$50 Million State Voucher Program Continues To Grow

The Department of Education released its annual choice scholarship program report Thursday, showing participation in the scholarship continues to grow, with almost three percent of students statewide using the scholarships to attend a private school. More than 32,000 students now use scholarships, up from around 4,000 students the first year, 2011-2012.

The choice scholarship program passed the General Assembly in 2011, and the 2011-2012 school year was the first time scholarships were awarded. The scholarships, funded by the state, allow low income students to enroll in private schools.

The 2015 General Assembly allocated up to $50 million for the program for the next two years.

Below are the seven ways a student can qualify for a scholarship. During the first year of the scholarship, the first two ways were the only choices. For the 2012-2013 school year, the legislature added the third. The 2013-2014 school year was the first year all seven pathways were available.

The income requirements are based on free/reduced lunch levels. For a family of four, the 150% level is $67,294 a year and the 200% level is $89,725.

1. After attending a public school for two semesters before receiving scholarship. Family must have an income equal to or below 150% of what it takes to qualify for free/reduced lunch.

2. Received a scholarship from a different state approved organization. Family must have an income equal to or below 150% of what it takes to qualify for free/reduced lunch.

3. Received a choice scholarship previously (doesn’t have to be consecutive). Family must have an income equal to or below 150% of what it takes to qualify for free/reduced lunch.

4. Student received a choice scholarship the previous year. Family must have an income equal to or below 200% of what it takes to qualify for free/reduced lunch.

5. Student requires special education classes and has an individualized education plan. Family must have an income equal to or below 200% of what it takes to qualify for free/reduced lunch.

6. The public school the student would be required to attend has an F on the state accountability system. Family must have an income equal to or below 150% of what it takes to qualify for free/reduced lunch.

7. Student has a sibling that received a choice scholarship the previous year. Family must have an income equal to or below 150% of what it takes to qualify for free/reduced lunch.

The scholarships pay for either 50 percent or 90 percent of tuition, depending on the family’s income. For the 2015-2016 school year, 69 percent of the participants received a 90 percent voucher and 31 percent received a 50 percent one.