Oklahoma’s New School Choice Program Sees Thousands Shift to Private Schools, But Tuition Caps Remain Untapped
Oklahoma families are increasingly utilizing the state’s new school choice program, with 3,945 children leaving public schools for private alternatives this year.However, despite concerns about program costs, private schools aren’t maximizing the allowable tuition amounts under the new law, indicating potential for further shifts and raising questions about long-term funding implications.
The program, enacted earlier this year, provides eligible families-those with incomes below $150,000-with state funds to offset private school tuition. While the median household income for married-couple families in Oklahoma is $95,573, meaning half earn less and half earn more, the actual tuition charged by participating private schools remains below the maximum funding levels established by the legislation.The Oklahoma Tax Commission reports this is the first year data on student transitions from public to private schools has been collected.
The 3,945 students opting for private education represent the equivalent of the entire student body of the 27th-largest public school district in Oklahoma, a meaningful movement within the state’s more than 500 districts. This influx is occurring as the program’s financial impact is being closely watched by public school advocates and policymakers alike.
