Released: 1/1/2006
Author(s): Leon Michos
This study finds that the Washington D.C. voucher program saves the city nearly $8 million, and that even if federal subsidies were withdrawn it would still save about $258,000 due to the increased efficiency of school choice. A universal voucher program would extend this efficiency, saving about $3 million annually.
Programs
Enacted 2004 • Launched 2004–05 • Authorized through 2015–16
To give parents in the District of Columbia the ability to select the educational setting that best serves their child’s interests and needs, the U.S. Congress passed the D.C. School Choice Incentive Act of 2003. This five-year pilot program was part of the omnibus spending bill passed in 2004 and became the first voucher program to be overseen by the U.S. Department of Education. The program is funded separately from District of Columbia public schools. In April 2011, the program was re-authorized through 2016.
