D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program

Families must reside in the District of Columbia and either receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits or earn no more than 185% of the FPL upon entering the program. Students may continue receiving vouchers even if household income exceeds that amount, as long as it remains under 300% of the FPL. Priority is given to students who previously attended a low-performing public school under D.C.’s accountability system or have a sibling already in the program. Vouchers may only be used at private schools in the district. For 2023–2024, vouchers are worth up to $10,713 for K–8 students and $16,070 for students in grades 9–12; the amount increases annually with the Consumer Price Index. A 2019 congressional reauthorization set the program’s budget cap at $20 million, including administrative costs. Currently, only $17.5 million is appropriated annually. All funds have been distributed this year, supporting roughly 1% of D.C.’s K–12 students.

Funding Mechanism: Congressional appropriation

Universal Eligibility: ❌
Universal Usage: ❌
Universal Funding: ❌
Truly Universal: ❌

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

Funds must first be used on private school tuition. Other qualifying expenses include school fees such as uniforms, books, field trips, before and after care, and public transportation.

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

View program requirements for parents, schools, and scholarship granting organizations by clicking on each hyperlink.

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

DC ST § 38-1853

(Last updated January 17, 2023)