Empowering Families Through School Choice

Empowering Families Through School Choice

Monday, March 29, 2021

Most parents would agree that each child learns in different ways, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. Children should have access to what works best for them and their family, which is why Senate Republicans support the concept of school choice.

The General Assembly passed legislation in 2011 that expanded options, allowing families to take a more active role in their child's education. This is made possible due to Indiana's school funding formula.

In Indiana, funding for K-12 education is based on students, not school buildings. This means schools receive state funding based on how many students are enrolled in the school, and this benefits all involved. Parents' tax dollars are being used to fund their child's education in the way they see fit, and schools receive funding commensurate to enrollment numbers.

Education is a massive priority in Indiana, with half of the state budget going to our schools. In the most recent state budget, the General Assembly increased education funding by a historic $763 million.

With roughly 92% of Indiana students currently enrolled in traditional public schools, most families who exercise choice are doing so through public-to-public transfers. In Indiana, 92% of students attend traditional public schools, and those schools receive about 93% of the state's education dollars. Compare that to the roughly 3% of state funding private schools receive, even though they educate about 3.5% of students.

The freedom of school choice helps ensure families have the opportunity to find what works best for their kids, and encourages schools to do their best to accommodate and attract families.