| Scholarship or Voucher Value: |
The voucher is worth up to the cost of the educational program the student would have received in public school, as calculated by existing state funding formulas. This includes most of the funding that would have been spent on the student in public schools; it excludes only things like capital costs and federal subsidy programs. The value of the voucher may not exceed the school’s tuition and fees. In 2007-08 the voucher value ranged from $2,536 to $15,324, with the average voucher worth $6,273.
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| Student or School Participation: |
In 2007-08, 899 students are using vouchers to attend 117 private schools. |
| Student Eligibility: |
Students who have attended public school for one year and who have disabilities, with Individualized Education Plans under the federal special education law, are eligible. Statewide, about 199,500 students are eligible. |
| Legal Status of Program: |
No legal challenges have been filed against the program. |
| Regulations on the Program: |
Participating students may take the state achievement test if their parents choose. Parents must comply with the rules and policies of the private school. Participating schools must be located in Georgia; be accredited or applying for accreditation; demonstrate fiscal soundness by having been in operation for one school year or by submitting a financial information report conducted by a certified public accountant; comply with antidiscrimination laws, health and safety laws, and all laws that apply to private schools; regularly report on the student’s academic progress to parents and the state department of education; and employ teachers with bachelor’s degrees or at least three years of experience, and make teachers’ credentials available to parents. Home schools and residential treatment facilities are not eligible. |
| Research on Program: |
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| News on Program: |
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| Governing Statutes: |
Georgia Code, 20-2-2110 through 20-2-2118. |
