As of February 2026, over 1.4 million students across 26 states are participating in school choice programs, according to data released by EdChoice.
The expansion of these programs – encompassing Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), voucher systems, and tax credit scholarships – marks a significant increase in options for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schools. Currently, 39 programs are active, with 15 designated as ESAs, 11 as vouchers, and 13 utilizing tax credits.
School choice policies allow parents to select a campus outside their assigned district, or, in some cases, leverage public funds to offset the cost of private education or supplemental services like tutoring. The Bush Institute, in a report published April 30, 2025, noted that roughly 32% of students were behind grade level at the finish of the 2023-24 school year, contributing to increased demand for alternative educational pathways.
The types of programs vary significantly by state. Some states offer universal school choice, making programs available to all students regardless of income or other factors. Others limit eligibility to low-income families or students with special needs, as highlighted by U.S. News & World Report. A free ESA Eligibility Calculator is available to facilitate families determine program availability based on their individual circumstances.
Private school choice policies permit the use of public funds for private education, including religious schools. According to the Bush Institute report, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred momentum for the school choice movement, as widespread school closures and disagreements over curriculum prompted families and policymakers to explore alternative options.
In 2024, the number of students participating in K-12 private school choice programs surpassed one million nationwide, a substantial increase from the approximately 10,000 students who participated in limited programs in Wisconsin, Vermont, and Maine in 1996.
The School Choice USA map provides a state-by-state breakdown of available programs, allowing users to filter by program type to identify opportunities in their area.
