Key Developments in School Choice Legislation Across the United States

Key Developments in School Choice Legislation Across the United States

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to deliberate on the establishment of the nation’s first religious charter school next week. This significant case may have profound implications for the ongoing school choice movement nationwide.

In recent years, a large number of states have enacted some form of school choice, yet only a handful have created programs that enable universal private school choice for K-12 students. This article provides a comprehensive overview of states that have implemented notable school choice measures and presents a timeline of this crucial movement.

Overview of Recent School Choice Programs

The landscape of school choice across the nation has seen several transformative changes. Each state has approached education reform differently, with varying degrees of success and inclusivity.

Alabama

In 2024, Alabama introduced its CHOOSE Act, establishing an education savings account (ESA) system that will be available to all families. This program aims to enhance educational options for students throughout the state.

Arizona

Arizona made history in 2022 by becoming the first state to offer universal school choice for all families. They launched an $800 million initiative that provides parents with $7,000 to contribute toward their children’s private school tuition.

Arkansas

With the passing of S.B. 294, Arkansas expanded choice programs to encompass all students, irrespective of income or disability status. These accounts allow families to allocate state funds not only for tuition but also for tutoring, online courses, and various instructional materials.

Florida

Following suit, Florida passed H.B. 1 in 2023. This legislation established choice programs that similarly open opportunities for all students regardless of their financial backgrounds or disabilities.

Idaho

Idaho has introduced a private school choice program featuring a refundable tax credit. Families can claim up to $5,000 per child for educational expenses, with $7,500 available for students with disabilities. This initiative has a cap of $50 million annually and targets families with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level, which is approximately $96,450 for a family of four.

Recent Legislative Actions by State

Iowa

Iowa enacted H.F. 68 in 2023, allowing all students access to choice programs, similar to their counterparts in other states. These accounts support funding not just for tuition but for other essential educational services.

Indiana

The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program offers qualifying K-12 students vouchers to help pay for private school tuition. To qualify, students must reside in Indiana and be part of families earning an annual income not exceeding 400% of the threshold for the federal free and reduced-price lunch program.

Montana

Montana features two significant school choice programs, though one is universally accessible only to students with special needs. The more expansive program allows individuals and corporations to claim a full tax credit for contributions to approved Student Scholarship Organizations, fostering greater financial support for families seeking educational alternatives.

The average scholarship value for participating students stands at $2,190.

North Carolina

North Carolina operates a major voucher program available to all students within the state but imposes budget limitations. Eligible students can receive an average voucher worth $5,701, which helps cover private school tuition, transportation, and associated educational costs.

Ohio

Ohio’s school choice program offers qualifying students $6,166 for grades K-8 and $8,408 for grades 9-12. Requirements for obtaining this funding mandate students to meet specific criteria, including income verification by parents.

Oklahoma

Similar to Montana, Oklahoma employs a tax credit system to facilitate school choice. The Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit offers parents a refundable tax credit ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 for private school tuition and fees, or $1,000 for families utilizing home-schooling options.

Tennessee

In 2025, Tennessee passed the Education Freedom Act, establishing a universal ESA program. Under this initiative, families receive $7,000 per student, which can be utilized for tuition as well as other educational expenditures. The program will launch with 20,000 scholarships, half of which are reserved for students from families earning up to 300% of the federal free and reduced-price lunch threshold, as well as students with disabilities. If demand proves high, the program could expand significantly in subsequent years.

Utah

Utah’s H.B. 215, enacted in 2023, introduced choice programs available to all students, promoting inclusivity regardless of income or disability status.

West Virginia

West Virginia utilizes an ESA framework to provide universal school choice for private institutions. Additionally, the state allows intra-district and inter-district public school choice through open enrollment, enriching choices for families.

Wyoming

Finally, in 2025, Wyoming passed HB 199, enhancing its ESA program by eliminating income restrictions and transitioning to a fully universal model starting in the 2025-26 school year. Renamed the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship, the program aims to provide families with $7,000, funded by a $30 million allocation, with student academic progress being assessed periodically.

Emerging Trends in Education Options

The growing momentum in school choice legislation illustrates a shifting perspective on educational access in the United States. As more states embrace these initiatives, the landscape of K-12 education continues to evolve, providing families with increased options tailored to their specific needs.

It is clear that school choice will remain a hot topic of discussion in both political and educational arenas. This shift could challenge traditional public school systems, fostering an environment where competition may drive improvements in education quality.

As the Supreme Court prepares to address significant legal questions surrounding school choice, the future of educational reform hangs in the balance. The outcomes will not only impact school choice programs in various states but also resonate throughout the national curriculum debates.