TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Tax credit scholarship programs give families greater access to high-quality private schools by providing incentives for businesses and individuals to get involved in education reform. In these programs, companies and individuals receive tax credits for donating to nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships to students.

EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

Education savings account programs give parents the power to use their children’s state education dollars on a variety of educational options, including tuition and fees, textbooks, and tutoring. In these programs, families receive funds in an account available for approved education expenses and are able to choose the best education for their children from multiple providers.

INDIVIDUAL TUITION TAX CREDITS

Individual state income tax credits of significant size can be used for a child’s educational expenses, including private school tuition, and help families choose educational tools they otherwise could not afford.

SCHOOL VOUCHERS

Voucher programs give children (usually children from low-income families, children in failing schools or children with special needs) greater access to high-quality private schools. In voucher programs, parents select private schools and receive state-funded scholarships to pay tuition.

HOMESCHOOLING

Homeschooling has long been an educational option for families across the country. With the growth of online education and full curriculum available to parents, homeschooling allows parents the option of tailoring their children’s education at home.

COURSE CHOICE

Course choice, also known as course access, allows K-12 students to enroll in individual course options, from both public and private providers, using state funds. Many of these courses are online, but some are offered in traditional or blended learning formats.

CHARTER SCHOOLS

Charter schools are independently operated public schools that have the freedom to design classrooms that meet their students’ needs. All charter schools operate under a contract with a charter school authorizer that holds them accountable to the standards outlined in their “charters.”

VIRTUAL SCHOOLS

Virtual education allows students to
take one or all school courses online, allowing for more flexibility and options in education.

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Open enrollment policies allow students to attend public schools outside of a student’s assigned school district.

Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are public schools that offer specific education programs, often emphasizing academic subjects, such as math, science and technology, or using specific instructional approaches.