- The strength of the American educational system is in its diversity of educational choices;
- Parents should be able to choose from a broad selection of appropriate educational opportunities, regardless of family income; and
- Children should be able to attend a school that provides the best match for their educational needs.
Educational Opportunity Initiatives
An independent school education can be made more accessible by providing parents with a scholarship or voucher that can be applied to the cost of tuition. Likewise, a tuition tax credit or deduction can also make an independent school more affordable. In addition, tax credits for contributions to scholarship organizations encourage philanthropic giving and provide a means for businesses and individuals to support educational options for all families in their community.Today, scholarship, voucher, educational tax credit or deduction programs exist in several states including Arizona, the District of Columbia, Florida, Ohio, and Wisconsin. They are garnering increased interest and attention in the U.S. Congress and in state legislatures as a way of expanding educational opportunity for all children.
Considerations about Participation in an Educational Opportunity Program
Independent schools should consider questions, such as those below, before agreeing to participate in an educational opportunity program. If the answer is "yes" to all or most of these questions, an independent school might favorably consider participating. If the answer to all or most of these questions is "no," an independent school should carefully weigh the issues before agreeing to participate. It is also advisable to consult with the state or regional independent school association or NAIS for additional information.- Do funds flow through parents rather than directly to the school?
- Does the program in any way jeopardize the school's operational, governance, instructional, academic, or athletic programs or structures?
- Does the program allow the independent school to control the hiring and promotion of staff?
- Does the program follow current state law without adding additional burdensome requirements?
- Has funding been allocated and committed to the program for multiple years?
- Can the school maintain its existing admissions policy?
- Does the program rely exclusively on test scores, or are there additional factors used to demonstrate academic achievement for participating students?
- Do the benefits ensure that those families with the greatest financial need receive the greatest benefits?
- Are families with children already in private schools eligible for benefits?
- Are schools required to comply with federal, state, and locate requirements that currently apply to private schools, including those relating to civil rights, nondiscrimination, background checks for employees, and student health and safety?