Vouchers in other states

02/04/2005

February 4, 2005

Six states and the District of Columbia have laws on the books providing vouchers—payments from the government to a parent or institution on a parent’s behalf to be used for a child’s educational expenses. Some details:

Colorado

Students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches in 11 school districts with struggling schools may receive vouchers based on a percentage of the district’s per-pupil costs. Law was struck down by the Colorado Supreme Court in June 2004. Currently under appeal.

District of Columbia

Allows students in D.C. schools to receive vouchers of up to $7,500 to pay tuition, fees and transportation expenses at private or parochial schools in the D.C. area.

Florida

Students at “failing” public schools may receive a voucher worth at least $4,000 to attend a higher-scoring public school, private school or parochial school. In November 2004, the law was ruled unconstitutional by the Florida Court of Appeals and is now in limbo.

Ohio

Students in the Cleveland schools can receive vouchers of up to $2,500 to attend schools of their choice. Voucher amount based on student poverty. Program was challenged and eventually upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2002.

Wisconsin

Law passed in 1989 allows low-income students in Milwaukee public schools to attend the private or parochial school of their choice.

Maine and Vermont

If no public school exists in a town to serve students in Maine, school districts can send them to private schools and pay their tuition. Parochial schools, however, are prohibited. In Vermont, students without nearby public schools can go to approved independent schools or public schools in or outside Vermont.

Source: Education Commission of the States