A school voucher is a certificate of government funding that allows parents to use public education dollars to pay private school tuition instead of enrolling their child in public school.
What is a School Voucher?
School vouchers redirect public education funding to private schools chosen by parents. Rather than tax dollars flowing automatically to public school districts based on enrollment, voucher programs let families take their share of that funding to approved private institutions. The state typically sends money directly to the school, not to parents. The concept gained national traction with Milwaukee's Parental Choice Program in 1990, though Vermont and Maine have operated "town tuitioning" programs since the 1800s for students in districts without public high schools. Today, vouchers exist alongside newer school choice mechanisms like Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and tax credit scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- Vouchers fund private school tuition using public education dollars
- Unlike ESAs, vouchers typically only cover tuition—not curriculum, tutoring, or other expenses
- Homeschoolers generally cannot use traditional vouchers but may qualify for ESA programs
- As of 2026, 18 states have universal or near-universal school choice programs
Vouchers vs. ESAs vs. Tax Credits
State Programs Expanding in 2026
The school choice landscape is shifting rapidly. Texas launched its first universal ESA program for 2026-27, providing approximately $10,330 per student for private school or $2,000 for homeschool expenses. Indiana eliminated income caps on its Choice Scholarship Program, making vouchers available to all families regardless of income. Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Wyoming all have new programs taking effect. By 2026-27, roughly half of U.S. students will be eligible for some form of school choice program—a dramatic expansion from just a few years ago. Check EdChoice or your state's Department of Education for current eligibility.
What Homeschoolers Should Know
Traditional voucher programs typically don't serve homeschoolers—they're designed for private school tuition. However, ESA programs often include homeschool families, providing funds for curriculum, online courses, tutoring, educational therapy, and testing fees. The trade-off: accepting government funds usually means accepting some oversight. Texas explicitly exempts homeschoolers receiving ESA funds from additional testing requirements, while Florida requires standardized testing for participating families. Before applying for any program, understand what strings come attached. Some families conclude the funding isn't worth the regulatory relationship; others find the support transformative.
The Bottom Line
School vouchers represent one piece of a broader school choice movement that's expanding rapidly across the country. For homeschoolers, the more relevant programs are typically ESAs rather than traditional vouchers, since ESAs offer flexible spending on educational expenses beyond private school tuition. The funding can be significant—several thousand dollars annually in many states—but comes with varying levels of oversight and reporting requirements. Research your specific state's program thoroughly before participating, understanding both the benefits and the regulatory obligations. The landscape is changing quickly, so programs that didn't exist last year may be available now.
