School Vouchers

School vouchers represent state funding for a child’s education.

Universal School Voucher Programs

Allowing all parents, regardless of their income, where they live or any other criteria, to direct all or part of the funds set aside for education by the government to send their children to a school of choice, whether that school is public, private or religious. In effect, separating the government financing of education from the government operation of schools.

Example: Sweden

Means-Tested School Voucher Programs

Enabling poor families who meet specific income criteria, typically around 185% of the federal poverty limit, to direct funds set aside for education by the government to pay for all or part of tuition at the public, private or religious school of their choice.

Examples: Cleveland, Milwaukee, Colorado

Failing Schools, Failing Students School Vouchers

Allowing parents whose children are doing poorly in school or whose children attend failing public schools to direct the funds set aside for education by the government to send their child to a better performing public, private or religious school.

Examples: Florida’s A+ Program, Colorado

Special Education School Voucher Programs

Allowing all parents with children identified as having special educational needs to direct public funds set aside by the government to send their children to a school of choice, whether that school is public, private or religious.

Examples: Florida’s McKay Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities

Tuitioning School Voucher Programs

Enabling parents who live in areas that do not operate elementary or secondary schools to send their children to public or non-religious private schools in other areas in the state, or even out-of-state, using the public funds provided by the child’s home district.

Examples: Maine, Vermont