Virtual, or online, education allows students to take one or all school courses online, allowing for more flexibility and options in education.
Individual state income tax credits of significant size can be used for a child’s educational expenses, including private school tuition, and can help families choose educational tools they otherwise could not afford.
Charter schools are public schools run by educators, members of the community, or other bodies, using innovative and specialized education programs. These schools have a fair amount of autonomy and operate without the bureaucracy that often plagues traditional public schools.
Education savings account programs give parents the power to use their child’s state education dollars on a variety of educational options, including tuition and fees, textbooks, and tutoring. In these programs, families receive a debit card with funds available for approved education expenses and are able to choose the best education for their children.
Scholarship tax credit programs give families greater access to high-quality private schools by providing incentives for businesses and individuals to get involved in education reform. In these programs, companies and individuals receive tax credits for donating to nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships to students.
Magnet schools are public schools that offer specific education programs, often emphasizing academic subjects like math, science, and technology, or use specific instructional approaches.
Course Choice allows K–12 students to enroll in individual course options, from both public and private providers, using state funds. Many of these courses are online but some are offered in traditional or blended-learning formats.
Public school choice (also known as open enrollment) allows students attending poor-performing public schools to attend a higher-performing public school inside or outside the student’s assigned school district. Public school choice is an important option for students assigned to failing schools because of their ZIP code.
Homeschooling has long been an educational option for families across the country. With the growth of online education and full curriculum available to parents, homeschooling allows parents the option of tailoring their children’s education at home.
Voucher programs give children (usually children from low-income families, children in failing schools, or children with special needs) greater access to high-quality private schools. In voucher programs, education dollars “follow the child,” and parents select private schools and receive state-funded scholarships to pay tuition.
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