Episode 46 - Bonus Episode: A Snapshot of Choice
In this special bonus episode, Cesar and Sarah dives deep into the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, exploring its evolution, impact, and what the future holds for private school participation in Indiana. This episode breaks down the latest 2025 Choice Report from the Indiana Department of Education, providing insights into how school choice is shaping educational opportunities and equity across the state.
Key Takeaways:
Historical Evolution of School Choice in Indiana
Indiana’s journey to educational freedom, beginning with the first charter school law in 2001, major reforms in 2008 that enabled public-to-public school transfers, the introduction of tax credit scholarships and vouchers for private schools, and recent expansions to universal eligibility.
The Choice Scholarship Program: Opening Doors
Impact on Hoosier families, making private school education accessible to more students.
How expansions have progressively reduced barriers, especially income requirements, paving the way for nearly universal eligibility by the 2026–27 school year.
By the Numbers: School Choice Participation
Enrollment breakdown:
~80% of students attend their assigned traditional public school.
20% participate in some form of school choice (public-to-public transfers, charter, innovation network, or private schools).
Largest group: ~95,000 students using public-to-public transfer.
Private school choice: 8% overall, 6% using vouchers (~74,741 students).
Growth in private school enrollment—steady increase of ~5,000 students per year.
Who is Participating?
Spotlight on demographics and financial background:
Average participating family size is about 4.6 people.
Average family income: just under $100,000.
Majority white, split evenly male/female, with strong representation from other ethnicities.
Higher participation at elementary levels (K-5).
Average voucher received: ~$6,000; average private school tuition: just under $8,000.
Geographical Trends
Highest choice participation in metropolitan/suburban areas due to more available options (private and charter schools).
Some rural/small-town counties have limited or no private schools, affecting participation.
Looking Forward
The imminent shift to universal school choice and its potential implications.
Challenges in expanding access to options in underserved areas.
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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org
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