Voucher programs provide funding to send students to private schools or for home-schooled students. Using public money for private schools harms public schools. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), “this harms public education.” This is consistent with a December 19, 2024, report.
Vouchers were created to help students from low-income families attend a more resourced school. However, money for pubic schools is based on student enrollment. Public schools receive about $7,500 in state funding for teacher salaries, instructional materials, and/or transportation. As lawmakers lift income limits for families, wealthier families can access the money, eliminating lower-income students in the selection process.
Private schools, including religious, charter, and magnet schools, use money from vouchers. Parents can select state-funded scholarships for schools of their choice. A charter school must admit all students, but alter services that limit attendance for certain students.
Voucher Programs for Schools
Several private schools have few regulations on how to use the money. The schools with few regulations only have to report their name and address.
- They do not report on the performance of students.
- There is no reporting on race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status.
- Private schools do not have to hire qualified teachers.
- State academic standards are not required.
- There are no requirements for students with disabilities.
In several states, the voucher system for private schools shows a loss in the academic performance of math as compared to pubic school students.
The New 2027 Voucher Program
Families must earn a stated income to be eligible, and states must opt in to the program. This gives governors control over implementation. The new voucher system, which is to begin in 2027, has the potential to expand private schools and parental choice. However, it is feared that it takes money from public schools.
The new voucher program is part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”. It is known as the Choice for Children Act. It provides a tax credit of up to $ 1,700 for individuals donating to nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations that then distribute scholarships for educational purposes. Money for vouchers is usually worth less than the cost of a private school’s tuition. Thus, the vouchers do not help parents from low-income families choose a school of learning. Also, they do not help students in rural areas because of the lack of availability of private schools.
Look-fors
Know a state’s requirements before submitting to a school voucher. Be aware that private schools are not required to abide by the same requirements as public schools. In this, students may receive fewer supports and services and may incur an extra cost.
Whether the voucher system for education is good or bad, it takes money from the free public school system. The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution does not specifically guarantee the right to education. With the Equal Protection Clause, if a state provides public education, it must be on equal terms, Brown v. Board of Education. With the growth of private schools and the voucher system, free public schools may become nonexistent.
