Began Operation 1869
Many small towns in Vermont do not operate local high schools, and some do not operate local elementary schools. Students in these towns are eligible for vouchers to attend public schools in other towns or non-religious private schools, even outside the state. The “sending” towns pay tuition directly to the “receiving” schools. Although most towns allow parents to choose which schools will receive their students, some towns send all their students to one school.
Latest Stats (2010)
- Students Participating: 6,329
- Towns Participating: 97
- Average Voucher Value (2006-07): $9,773
Program Details
Program Type
Voucher
Scholarship/Voucher Value
When students are tuitioned at public schools, the sending town pays the receiving school district an amount equal to the receiving district’s average per-pupil costs, as calculated by the Vermont Department of Education. When students are tuitioned at private schools, the voucher is worth up to the average announced tuition for Vermont public schools, calculated each year by the state, or the private school’s tuition (whichever is less). This figure is calculated separately for grades K–6, 7–8, and 9–12. In 2007, the figures were $8,430 for grades K–6, $9,645 for grades 7–8, and $9,773 for grades 9–12.
Participation
In 2010–11, 6,329 students received school vouchers and 97 towns participated in the program.
Student Eligibility
Students must live in Vermont and reside in an identified tuition town.
Legal Developments
In 1961, Vermont’s Supreme Court ruled that including religious schools in the Town Tuitioning program first established in 1869 violated the First Amendment. In 1994, the Vermont Supreme Court overturned this decision, but the Vermont Department of Education refused to allow parents to choose religious schools. In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court again barred religious schools from participating, this time under the state constitution. Chittenden Town School Dist. v. Dept. of Education, (97-275); 169 Vt. 310; 738 A.2d 539
Rules & Regulations
- Income Limit: None
- Geographic Limit: District (w/o Elem or HS)
- Enrollment Cap: None
- Voucher Cap: Conditional
- Testing Mandates: None
Governing Statutes
Vermont Statutes, Title 16, Chapter 21
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