Nate Rogers Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

Mississippi has the nation’s only school choice program created exclusively for students with speech-language impairments. The program allows participating students to receive vouchers to attend nonresident public schools or accredited nonpublic schools that emphasize instruction in speech-language therapy and intervention. The voucher amount is equal to the state share of per student funding under the state aid formula, with no additional factors. Parents must make up any difference between the voucher amount and the school’s tuition and fees. Private schools that wish to participate in this program must fulfill several requirements, including being a state accredited nonpublic special purpose school that provides instruction in speech-language therapy and intervention as its primary purpose. They must be academically accountable to the child’s parent or guardian. The voucher is not available to fund homeschooling, virtual schools, or students in juvenile detention schools.

Funding Mechanism: A set-aside within the state aid formula  

Honorable Mention Fact: This is the only choice program exclusively serving students with speech language impairments.  

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

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

The voucher may only be used to pay tuition and fees at state-approved private schools that emphasize instruction in speech-language therapy and intervention. 

(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)

Miss. Code Ann. §§ 37-175-1 through 29

(Last updated April 21, 2025)