Understanding School Choice Funding in the United States
As parents, you want the best for your children—especially when it comes to their education. But navigating the options can be overwhelming. That’s where school choice funding programs come in, offering families financial support to access the schools and educational resources that fit their needs.
Let’s break down what school choice funding is, the types of programs available, and how they might work for your family.

What Is School Choice Funding?
School choice funding refers to programs designed to give parents the financial tools to choose educational options beyond their assigned public schools. These programs empower families to explore alternatives like private schools, charter schools, homeschooling, and specialized learning environments.

Types of School Choice Funding Programs
There are several types of school choice funding programs in the United States. Here’s a quick overview:
1. Voucher Programs Vouchers provide parents with funds to cover tuition at private schools. These programs often redirect public education dollars to support students attending non-public institutions.
2. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) ESAs allow parents to use state-funded accounts to pay for approved educational expenses, such as tuition, tutoring, online courses, or even specialized therapies. Think of it as a flexible educational bank account tailored to your child’s needs.
3. Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) SGOs are nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships to students based on financial need, academic merit, or other criteria. These scholarships can help offset the cost of private school tuition or other educational expenses.
4. One-Time Grants Some programs offer one-time grants to families, which can be used for specific educational needs, such as transitioning to a private school, purchasing curriculum materials, or paying for supplemental learning services.
5. Scholarships Separate from SGOs, scholarships can be offered directly by private schools, charitable organizations, or government programs to help families manage tuition costs.
6. Refundable Tax Credits Refundable tax credits provide financial relief by allowing parents to claim educational expenses on their taxes. If the credit exceeds your tax liability, you receive the difference as a refund.
7. Nonrefundable Tax Credits Nonrefundable tax credits also help reduce your tax burden by offsetting the cost of educational expenses. However, these credits cannot exceed your total tax liability.
8. Tax Deductions Tax deductions lower your taxable income by allowing you to deduct qualifying educational expenses, such as tuition, books, and certain fees. This can reduce the amount of taxes you owe, making education costs more manageable.

Additional Information Related to Schooling in the U.S.
Public Schools Public schools serve approximately 50 million students across the United States. Funded by local, state, and federal governments, public schools are tuition-free and provide a standard curriculum aligned with state education requirements.
Private Schools Private schools educate around 5.7 million students nationwide. Funded through tuition and private contributions, these schools often offer specialized curricula, religious instruction, or smaller class sizes. Families may utilize school choice programs like vouchers or scholarships to help cover tuition costs.
Charter Schools Charter schools serve about 3.7 million students in the U.S. These publicly funded schools operate independently of traditional school districts and offer innovative curricula or specialized programs. While tuition-free, some charter schools may offer supplementary resources eligible for school choice funding.
Homeschooling Homeschooling is an educational option for approximately 3.1 million students in the U.S. Parents take on the responsibility of educating their children at home, often customizing the curriculum. School choice programs like ESAs or tax deductions can help cover expenses such as materials, online courses, and tutoring.
Microschools Microschools are small, community-driven educational environments that typically serve a handful of students. Combining elements of homeschooling and traditional schooling, microschools offer personalized learning experiences. Some school choice programs, including ESAs, may help cover the costs of attending a microschool.

Special Education Support and How It Relates to School Choice
Navigating the world of education can be especially challenging for parents of children with disabilities. Thankfully, there are specific supports and plans in place to help ensure every child receives the education and resources they deserve. School choice programs often intersect with special education services, providing families with options to meet their child’s unique needs. Below, we explain key terms and how they relate to school choice funding options.
1. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) The IDEA is a federal law ensuring that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Through IDEA, parents can access services and supports for their children in public schools. Some school choice programs, such as ESAs, can also fund private school tuition or specialized services for students with disabilities, helping families access tailored resources.
2. Individual Services Plan (ISP) An ISP is developed for students with disabilities who are placed in private schools by their parents. This plan outlines the specific services a student will receive, which may be funded through school choice programs like vouchers or ESAs.
3. Individual Education Plan (IEP) An IEP is a comprehensive plan developed for students with disabilities attending public schools, ensuring they receive the necessary accommodations and support. If parents choose to enroll their child in a private school using a voucher or ESA, they may still reference the IEP to ensure their child’s needs are met in the new setting.
4. Assessment Team Member Record (ATMR) The ATMR is a document used during the evaluation process for special education eligibility. It records the team members involved in assessing a student’s needs. This process is critical in determining whether a child qualifies for programs like ESAs or scholarships tailored for students with disabilities.
5. Multidisciplinary Team Evaluation (MDT) The MDT is a collaborative assessment involving various professionals to evaluate a child’s eligibility for special education services. The results can inform decisions about utilizing school choice funding options, such as private school placement or specialized services supported by ESAs or vouchers.

How Do These Programs Benefit Families?
School choice funding programs aim to:
Expand Opportunities: Enable access to schools and resources that best align with your child’s needs.
Reduce Financial Barriers: Make private and specialized education options more affordable.
Empower Parents: Give families the freedom to customize their child’s education.

Next Steps
Curious about what school choice funding options are available in your state? Explore our resources to learn more about eligibility, application processes, and how to get started.
Making informed decisions about your child’s education can transform their future. Let us help you navigate the world of school choice funding so you can focus on what matters most—your child’s success.