School Choice Programs - AFC Growth Fund

Introduction

• Goal: Enable all families, regardless of income, to choose the right school for their children.
• Advocate: Sharon Chavez, AFC Fellow emphasizes the importance of school choice programs.

Types of School Choice Programs

1. Voucher Programs

• Function: Allow education dollars to follow the child to a private school of their parents' choice.
• Eligibility: Often targeted at low-income families, children with special needs, or those in failing public schools.
• Benefits:
  • Increase student achievement.
  • Boost graduation rates.
  • Lead to improvements in public schools.
  • High parental satisfaction.

2. Education Savings Account (ESA) Programs

• Function: Provide personal accounts for state education dollars.
• Usage: Funds can be used for:
  • School tuition and fees.
  • Textbooks.
  • Tutoring and special therapies.
  • Other approved expenses.
• Customization: Allows parents to customize their child’s education.

3. Scholarship Tax Credit Programs

• Function: Provide scholarships via tax incentives for private donations.
• Mechanism:
  • Corporations and individuals donate to nonprofits providing scholarships.
  • Donors receive a state income tax credit.
• Impact:
  • Expands funding pools.
  • Enhances access to private education.
  • 21 programs operating nationwide.
  • Positive impact on student achievement and cost savings for governments.

4. Individual Tuition Tax Credits

• Function: Provide state income tax credit for educational expenses.
• Coverage: Typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000.
• Benefit: Helps families afford private school tuition and other educational expenses.

5. Public Charter, Magnet & Other Schools

• Charter Schools:
  • Publicly funded.
  • Created by school districts, colleges, nonprofits, etc.
  • Have autonomy over policies and practices.
  • 45 states + D.C. allow charter schools.
• Magnet Schools:
  • Operated by school districts.
  • Focus on specific learning tracks (e.g., STEM, arts).
  • Free to attend.
  • Over 4,000 magnet schools nationwide.
  • Available in all states, often within traditional public schools.