Puerto Rico Free School Selection Program
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help or official support, visit the state’s program website. Program information verified using official state information.
How does this program work?
The Puerto Rico Free School Selection Program was established under Puerto Rico’s 2018 Education Reform (Act 85) and provides publicly funded vouchers to eligible K–12 students to attend private schools or transfer to another public school. The program was established to provide additional education alternatives and opportunities to students in the public school system.
Why this matters to families in Puerto Rico:
Not every school is the right fit for every student, and the Puerto Rico Free School Selection program gives families options when their assigned school is not meeting their child’s needs. It helps parents access an accredited private school.
How much funding can families receive?
Funding Type: Voucher
Funding Amount: Based on official Puerto Department of Education budget per student each year
Who is eligible for this program?
To be eligible for the Free School Selection Program, students must:
- Have completed 2 years of studies in any Puerto Rico public school, and in public school the semester immediately prior to the time of application
- In first grade to 11th grade during the semester prior to the time of application
- More than one student may apply from the same family
The program is capped at 5% of public school enrollment. Due to the volume of applications, once a student is deemed eligible by the Puerto Rico Department of Education, and the student has been accepted in their private school of choice, the final selection is through a lottery process. Priority is given in the following order:
- Low-income families according to federal guidelines (FPL)
- Students with severe disabilities
- Students who are adopted, in shelters, or in foster homes
- Students who are victims of bullying or sexual harassment
- A gifted student
- Any other student, using the student’s average in ascending order, giving priority to students with academic lag
What can families use the funds for?
Funds from the program are used for tuition and/or monthly fees for approved private schools.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Puerto Rico.
- Educational Status: Students in grades 1-11 enrolled in a Puerto Rico public school.
- School Requirements: Funds can be used at accredited private schools that meet the requirements of the Department of Education. Each private school determines the number of vouchers that it will accept.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Review the FAQs on the Free School Selection Program page of the Puerto Rico Department of Education site.
- Choose an Accredited Private School: Ensure your selected private school will accept your child.
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process in the Request Your Educational Voucher here section on the Free School Selection Program page of the Puerto Rico Department of Education site.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation.
Where can families learn more?
For other Puerto Rico School Choice Programs: Refer to our Puerto Rico Summary.