What is a Voucher School?
A voucher school is approved by the Indiana Board of Education to accept voucher scholarships. Voucher scholarship programs enable families to choose a school that best fits their child’s unique learning needs by lessening the financial burden and opening the door to private school options. These voucher programs use all or part of the public funding typically spent by the school district to provide financial aid and expand school choice for students.
Families first decide on a participating voucher school that fits their needs, then they work with the school to apply for and receive their voucher. Families can supplement the voucher with additional funds to cover tuition costs.
Other Indiana School Choice Options
ESAs
An Education Savings Account (ESA) is another option to help cover the cost of tuition, educational services, and more. These government-authorized accounts provide funding so families can customize their child’s education experience. ESAs use funds from income and sales tax revenue allocated for a child’s education. Any remaining funds can roll over to help pay for future expenses, including higher education.
Tax credits
Non-profit organizations can offer financial aid to students through a tax credit scholarship. Tax credits are offered to taxpayers, including individuals and businesses, who donate to a non-profit that funds scholarships for students.
If a tax credit is received, families work with the non-profit organization and participating schools to find a school that fits their needs. Once decided, the student receives a scholarship to enroll in that school. The state can limit the amount reimbursed to donors, which affects the availability and size of the scholarships awarded to students.
