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Displaced Pupils Choice Grants
Enacted 2006, Began Operation 2007

FAST FACTS
  • 140 students received vouchers in 2007-08
  • Worth up to $5,000
  • 93 private schools participating
Starting in spring 2007, Arizona provides vouchers to foster care students, allowing them to attend the private school of their choice.

PROGRAM DETAILS
Scholarship or Voucher Value: The maximum value of the voucher is $5,000. The value of the voucher may not exceed the actual tuition and fees paid to the private school. In 2007-08, the average voucher was worth $4,140.
Student or School Participation: In 2007-08, 140 students and 93 private schools are participating. The program is capped at 500 students.
Student Eligibility: A student is eligible if he or she has been placed in foster care at any time prior to graduating from high school or obtaining an equivalency certificate. Students need not be currently enrolled in public school to participate.
Legal Status of Program: In 2006 the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, People for the American Way and other interest groups asked the Arizona Supreme Court to strike down the program along with Arizona’s other new voucher program. That challenge was dismissed in January 2007. A second challenge was then filed with the lower courts by the Arizona Education Association and the original plaintiffs. This case was dismissed by the Maricopa County Superior Court in June 2007. The plaintiffs have appealed to the Arizona Court of Appeals, where the case was pending at the time of this publication.
Regulations on the Program: Participating private schools must be located in Arizona and may not discriminate based on race, color, handicap, familial status or national origin. Further regulations are currently being developed.
Research on Program:
02/05/08 Grading School Choice: Evaluating School Choice Programs by the Friedman Gold Standard
View All Research
News on Program:
05/29/09 Gov. signs school voucher bill
05/26/09 New school tax credits advance in Arizona House
03/25/09 Statement by Friedman Foundation President Robert Enlow on Arizona Supreme Court ruling on Vouchers for Special Needs and Foster Children
02/23/09 Evidence Shows Vouchers Are a Win-Win Solution
10/29/08 Arizona high court to rule on 2 school voucher programs
View All News
Governing Statutes: Title 15-817 and 43-1032 of the Arizona Revised Statutes
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Phone: 317-681-0745
Fax: 317-681-0945
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