Over 13,000 Students Statewide Apply for EdChoice

(Columbus, Ohio, May 12, 2009)  The Ohio Department of Education has released the number of Educational Choice Scholarship Program (EdChoice) applications for the 2009-10 school year.

The scholarship application period, which ended on April 17, 2009, brought 13,064 applications from students across the state. This represents an increase of over twenty percent from the 10,818 applications received last year.

“The EdChoice Scholarship continues to attract a growing number of Ohio parents,” said Chad Aldis, executive director of School Choice Ohio. “In these trying economic times, parents realize more than ever the value of a high quality education and placing their child in an environment that will meet his or her individual needs.”

The EdChoice Scholarship allows students in low-performing public schools to receive a state scholarship to attend a state-approved private school. Only students attending public schools that have been rated in academic emergency or academic watch for two of the past three years may apply for a scholarship.

Once a student obtains a scholarship, it can be renewed each school year through high school graduation. Of the 13,064 applications this year, 4,284 applications were from new students who will be entering the program for the first time and 8,780 applications were from students who are renewing their scholarship for the upcoming school year.

“It is incredible that the number of applications for the EdChoice Scholarship has increased from 3,512 its first year to over 13,000 for the upcoming school year. This represents an increase of 271 percent,” Aldis added. “Ohio’s leaders should recognize the growing popularity of this program that empowers parents with real educational options.”

For additional information and data related to the number of EdChoice applications, please visit the SCO website at www.scohio.org and click on press releases.

• Number of Applications by Public School District (PDF)
• Number of Applications by Grade (PDF)
• Number of Applications by Nonpublic School (PDF)
• Historical EdChoice Application Information (Excel)
• EdChoice Thank You from Parents (video)

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.