Table of Contents
School Choice Definitions School Choice Programs Across the Nation Frequently Asked Questions	View PDF

2009-10 Edition
(updated 10.20.09)

Slowly but surely, state legislators are catching up with the public and are enacting new voucher, tax credit scholarship and educational tax credit programs.

As a result, American students and their families are receiving more and more educational options.

As the private school choice movement continues its steady growth, consider these facts: today, 15 states and the District of Columbia now have 24 school choice programs, serving about 160,000 students who attend private schools. An additional 650,000 students are having their educational costs reduced by personal tax credit programs.

Each state structures its programs differently with specific eligibility guidelines, regulations, and other nuances. As a result, it’s important to keep a detailed scorecard. That’s what our annual publication The ABCs of School Choice does; it keeps readers up-to-date on every school choice program across the country.

The evidence that school choice works is too strong to deny. Consider these facts:

PARENTAL SCHOOL CHOICE WORKS FOR STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS — Children who use vouchers do better on basic skills tests and are more likely to graduate. Public schools exposed to competition tend to perform better than public schools not exposed to competition, according to research conducted by the Friedman Foundation.

PARENTS WANT MORE OPTIONS — According to survey after survey, Americans want a wide range of educational options for their children. A majority believes that parents should be free to choose the best school for their child.

PARENTAL SCHOOL CHOICE SAVES MONEY — Studies confirm school choice means big savings for states without reducing per-pupil spending in public schools.

Despite all these gains, opponents continue to fight against giving families the option to choose their schools. That’s why we publish The ABCs of School Choice. There continues to be a need for up-to-date and accurate information about the many school choice success stories taking place throughout the country. The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice hopes that you find this guide an essential resource on school choice and that you will find it useful as you help us bring choice to more and more families.

Robert C. Enlow
President and CEO, the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice