Home »
Massachusetts School Choice
Massachusetts does not offer state-funded programs such as vouchers or Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for private schooling. However, families have various public-school choice options—including charter schools, inter-district open enrollment, and magnet programs—and Massachusetts has not pursued universal private-school funding through vouchers or tax-credit scholarships.
Program Types & Funding Mechanism
- Public School Options
- Charter schools: Independently operated public schools funded through per-pupil allocations from school districts, with approximately 78 charter schools operating statewide.
- Inter-district school choice: Enabled under Massachusetts law, this program allows students to enroll in public schools outside their home district, with tuition paid by the sending district.
- Private School Funding
Massachusetts does not provide public funding for private school tuition. This includes the absence of voucher systems, ESAs, and tax-credit scholarship programs.
Legislative & Historical Context
The state’s 1993 Education Reform Act authorized charter schools, sparking sustained growth in that sector. Despite periodic interest in expanding private-school choice, Massachusetts has maintained its commitment to traditional public-school funding and has not passed legislation to support private-school choice programs.