DOE: Nearly 4,000 Students Receiving Vouchers

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Indiana’s new state-funded school voucher program has been a hit.

 

The Indiana Department of Education said Thursday that 3,919 students statewide signed up for the Indiana Choice Scholarship program to attend private schools.

 

“Hoosier parents are more empowered than ever before in our state,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said in announcing the figure. “Demographics do not determine a child’s ability to grow academically and should not determine the educational opportunities offered to any student. When you connect a child’s name and face to the Choice Scholarship program, it is easy to see the transformational results of increased educational opportunities.”

 

The program is capped at allowing 7,500 vouchers in its inaugural year. The cap will increase to 15,000 students next year, followed by an unlimited number in 2013 and beyond.

 

The vouchers redirected more than $16 million in state aid to follow those students from public to private education.

 

The department said 85-percent of the participating students come from families whose income qualifies for free or reduced lunch.

 

Fifty-four percent of the students are minorities. Just over 30 percent are from rural and suburban parts of the state.

 

About 250 private schools statewide have been approved to accept students for the program, including St. Mary School in Aurora, St. Louis School in Batesville, St. Michael School in Brookville, St. Paul Elementary School in Guilford, and St. Lawrence School in Lawrenceburg.

 

The Choice Scholarship program uses public funds to cover a portion of a student’s tuition to a private school. A family of four with annual income less than $41,348 can receive a 90 percent scholarship. A same sized family making up to $62,021 can qualify for a 50 percent scholarship.

More from Local News

Events

Glaub Selected as BMS Assistant Principal

He is a 2014 graduate of Batesville HS.

Kentucky State Police Investigates Fatal Collision in Gallatin County

One person sustained fatal injuries in a police pursuit on July 1.

2025 ILEARN Results Released

See how local students performed.

Cincinnati Man Takes First Place at Trojan Trot 5K

The second of six SIRC races was held on Saturday in St. Leon.

DCF's 24th Annual Golf Scramble Fundraiser Set for August 4

The round will be played at Hidden Valley Golf Club.

EC at L'Burg Kicks Off 2025 High School Football Broadcast Schedule

See where Eagle Country 99.3 is going to be each week of the regular season.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
LoCash - Wrong Hearts

Big & Rich Comin' To Your City 2:25
Brooks & Dunn That Ain't No Way to Go 2:22
Collin Raye I Want You Bad (That Ain't Good) 2:19
Michael Ray Spirits & Demons 2:16