Delaware School Choice
Delaware school choice encompasses charter schools, magnet schools, vocational–technical centers, and statewide open enrollment, but the state does not fund private school tuition. There are no voucher programs, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), or tax-credit scholarships available, due to constitutional constraints and longstanding policy. Families can apply to any Delaware public school—traditional district, charter, or vocational-technical—regardless of where they live, using the SchoolChoiceDE.org portal during the annual application window (typically November through mid-January).
Program Types & Funding Mechanism
- Public Schools
- Charter Schools: Delaware charter schools operate independently and receive state per-pupil funding. These schools serve students across multiple communities.
- Open Enrollment: Families can apply to attend public schools outside their assigned district. Most public, magnet, and charter schools accept transfer students if space allows.
- Magnet Schools: These public schools offer specialized themes and admit students from several districts.
- Vocational–Technical Centers: Regional centers provide career-focused education. They are publicly funded and serve students from across the state.
- Private School Funding
Delaware does not provide public funding for private education. The state constitution prohibits using public money for private or religious school tuition. Although private-school choice has entered policy discussions, no programs have passed into law.
Legislative & Historical Context
Since the 1990s, Delaware has expanded public school choice through charters and inter-district enrollment. Yet efforts to support private school choice with public funds have not progressed. As a result, all private education remains privately funded.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Family
Delaware’s school choice landscape is entirely public-focused, with limited private scholarship options. Here’s guidance based on common family situations:
Families Seeking Different Public School Options (Free)
Best Options: Charter schools (specialized missions like STEM, Montessori, military leadership), Magnet schools (themed programs), Open Enrollment to different district schools, or Vocational-Technical Centers (career-focused high schools). All are completely free with no income requirements. Apply through SchoolChoiceDE.org during November-January.
Families Seeking Private School
Delaware provides no state funding for private school tuition due to constitutional constraints. Families must pay tuition through personal resources, school-based financial aid, and private scholarships. Lower-income families should apply to ACE Scholarships (February-April) for partial tuition support ($3,000-$5,000 annually, covers up to 75% of tuition). Also contact private schools directly about institutional financial aid and the Delaware Community Foundation for scholarship opportunities.
High School Students Interested in Career Training
Best Option: Vocational-Technical Centers provide career-focused education combined with academics. Students graduate with both high school diplomas and industry certifications, career-ready for immediate employment or further education. Free tuition through public funding.
Families Wanting Specialized Educational Approaches
Best Options: Charter schools and magnet schools offer diverse specialized programs including STEM, Montessori, classical education, dual language, arts integration, college prep, and more. Apply through the statewide portal.
Families Needing Guaranteed Enrollment
Delaware families have the right to attend their assigned neighborhood district school without participating in the choice process. However, the statewide choice system allows families to explore alternatives if desired.
Homeschooling Families
Homeschooling is treated as a type of nonpublic school in Delaware. Families must register with DDOE, submit annual enrollment reports, and report attendance, but they design their own curriculum and learning approach. Important: Delaware does not provide ESA funding or state support for homeschool expenses (unlike some other states). Whether homeschooled students may take individual public school classes depends on local district policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “school choice” mean in Delaware?
In Delaware, school choice mainly refers to the right of families to apply to any public school—traditional district, charter, or vo-tech—regardless of where they live in the state, using the statewide SchoolChoiceDE.org application process and timeline.
Does Delaware have an ESA, voucher, or state tax-credit program for private schools?
No. Delaware does not operate ESAs, vouchers, or K–12 tax-credit scholarship programs due to constitutional constraints. Public funds follow students only to public schools.
How can my family get help paying for private school in Delaware?
Families typically combine school-based financial aid, private scholarships (like ACE Scholarships offering $3,000-$5,000 annually), and community foundation scholarships. All private school funding must come from private sources—no state funding is available.
Are charter schools free in Delaware?
Yes. Charter schools in Delaware are public schools and do not charge tuition to Delaware residents. They are funded through state and local public education dollars.
How do I apply to a charter or another public school outside my district?
Use the statewide SchoolChoiceDE.org portal to submit applications during the annual choice window (typically November-January). If there are more applicants than seats, schools use lotteries following state law and local policies.
What happens if my preferred school is full?
When schools reach capacity, they create waitlists. Applicants may be admitted later if seats open, following the order and priorities established by state law and local policy.
Does Delaware support homeschooling?
Yes. Homeschooling is treated as a type of nonpublic school. Families must register with DDOE, submit annual enrollment, and report attendance, but they design their own curriculum and learning approach. No state funding is provided for homeschool expenses.
Can my child attend some classes at a public school while we homeschool?
Delaware law does not create a statewide part-time enrollment or ESA funding program. Whether a homeschooled student may take individual public school classes depends on local district policy—check with your district.
Are there limits on how many school choice applications I can submit?
The statewide application allows families to list multiple school choices. The exact number and ranking rules are managed within the SchoolChoiceDE.org system—review current online instructions each year.
Is transportation provided if my child attends a school outside our home district?
Transportation obligations vary. Generally, districts provide transportation for students in their attendance area, while transportation for out-of-district choice students depends on local agreements and bus routes. Confirm details with the receiving district or charter.
Are there income requirements for public school choice?
No. Public school choice (district, charter, vo-tech, magnet) is open to all Delaware residents regardless of income. However, private school scholarships like ACE are income-based.
Where can I see all the public schools and charter schools available to my family?
Use the Delaware Department of Education’s school locator and list of charter schools, as well as the Delaware Report Card site, to see all public options and compare performance data and programs.
What’s the difference between magnet schools and charter schools?
Both are public schools with specialized programs. Magnet schools are typically operated by traditional school districts with themed programs (STEM, arts). Charter schools operate independently under performance contracts with greater autonomy over curriculum and operations. Both are free and accessible through the same SchoolChoiceDE.org portal.
Can I combine ACE Scholarships with school-based financial aid?
Typically yes, as long as the school and scholarship provider allow it. ACE Scholarships can cover up to 75% of tuition, and families often combine this with school-based aid to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Check with both the school and ACE Scholarships about coordination rules.