AP Exclusive: The school choice scholarship boom benefits kids already in private school (opens original article in a new tab)

School choice scholarship programs in the US, including Texas' new $1 billion initiative, are expanding, but analysis shows they primarily benefit students already in private or home schools, while public school families face significant barriers. Texas' program prioritizes students with disabilities and lower-income children, but many public school students still struggle to access the scholarships due to eligibility and timing issues, with special education advocates expressing concerns about the adequacy of support in private schools.

• School choice scholarship programs in the US are expanding, with Texas launching a $1 billion program for private school or homeschooling expenses.
• Analysis shows that students already in private or home schools are most likely to benefit from these scholarships, while public school families face barriers like lack of awareness and transportation.
• Texas' program prioritizes students with documented disabilities and lower-income children, but many public school students still struggle to access the scholarships due to eligibility and timing issues.
• Special education advocates warn that private schools are not legally required to provide services for students with disabilities, raising concerns about the effectiveness of school choice for such students.