Launched 1869 • Voucher
Many small towns in Vermont do not operate high schools, and some do not have elementary
schools. Students in those towns are eligible for vouchers to attend public schools in other
towns or non-religious private schools, even those outside the state. The “sending” towns pay
tuition directly to the “receiving” schools. For 2012-13, tuition amounts were $11,119 for grades
K-6 and $12,461 for grades 7-12. The Vermont Department of Education’s calculations show
an average of $13,958 being spent on per-pupil tuition. Although most towns allow parents
to choose which schools will receive their students, some towns send all their students to one
school.
Latest Stats (2011-12)
- Students participating: 2,501
- Schools participating: 95
- Average voucher value: $13,958
Program Details
Average voucher value as a percentage of
Vermont’s total per-student spending ($16,006)
Student Funding
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). That figure is calculated
separately for grades K-6, 7-8, and 9-12.
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
Friedman Contact
Robbie Rhinesmith | robbie@edchoice.org
Additional Links
http://education.vermont.gov/documents/EDU-Announced_Tuition_Report_for_2012_2013.pdf
