Nearly 11,000 Students Apply for EdChoice Scholarships Statewide

May 2nd, 2008

Today the Ohio Department of Education released the final number of EdChoice Scholarship applications for the 2008-09 school year.

10,818 students applied for the scholarship from across the state, up from 7,957 last year. This represents a 36% increase. Scholarship awards, which allow students in low-performing public schools to attend private schools, will be made in July. “The rapid growth of the EdChoice Scholarship is a testament to the continuing desire of Ohio parents for access to quality school choice options,” said Chad Aldis, Executive Director of School Choice Ohio. “It is heartening to see so many parents who might not otherwise have access to educational choice actively involved in finding the very best educational environment for their individual children.” 

In the low-performing public schools whose students are eligible for the program, an average of 81% of the student body is eligible for free or reduced price lunches.

Of the 6,580 students currently enrolled in a private school using the scholarship, 6,165 signed up to continue using the scholarship next year.  This renewal rate of over 93% suggests parents are pleased with the education their children are receiving with the scholarship.

Columbus parent Devon Hooper, whose daughter receives an EdChoice Scholarship, said he appreciates her school’s focus on academics and family values.  “EdChoice has instilled in the children of Ohio that they are future leaders of tomorrow, and that mediocrity is not a choice and success is their destiny.”

The scholarship covers up to $5,150 in tuition at the private school of the family’s choice. Students who receive the scholarship can continue to renew through high school graduation. Parents could choose from more than 300 schools statewide this year. The number of private schools that enrolled EdChoice Scholarship recipients jumped to 282 this year, up from 261 last year, and 187 in the program’s first year.“The growing interest in this scholarship comes in spite of a very public attempt by Governor Strickland to eliminate the program,” Aldis added.  “Politics aside, the number of applications suggests parents feel a real need for quality educational options.”

About School Choice Ohio

School Choice Ohio (SCO) is committed to the goal of every child in Ohio having access to a quality education. Because this is not yet a reality, the organization works tirelessly to educate both the public and our leaders on the importance of empowering parents to find the best educational setting for the needs of their children. SCO believes that all parents should have the opportunity to choose which school is best for their children, regardless of their income level.