School Choice Programs Grew By 300 Percent Statewide
The Louisiana Board of Education has announced a 300-percent enrollment increase for the state's school choice programs since 2012.
For the 2015-2016 school year, 8,228 students enrolled in schools participating in the Louisiana Scholarship Program, Tuition Donation Rebate Program, and the School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities, an increase from 2,005 in 2012.
In 2010, lawmakers passed by Act 515, creating the School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities. During the 2012 Legislative session, Act 2 expanded the Louisiana Scholarship Program statewide and Act 25 created the Tuition Donation Rebate Program. While most states have either a state-operated scholarship program or a taxpayer-funded donation-based program, Louisiana's implementation of both programs increases the overall number of high-quality options for parents.
John White, Louisiana Department of Education
Enrollment in the Louisiana Scholarship Program increased more than 5,000 students since statewide expansion in the 2012-2013 school year, representing a 290 percent increase over four years. The Tuition Donation Rebate program, launched in 2013-2014, increased more than 1,100 percent in 2015-2016. The School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities, offered in parishes with a population of 190,000 or more, increased nearly 88 percent over four years.
More From 97.3 The Dawg
