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20,047 students apply for school vouchers

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A total of 20,047 students applied for school vouchers for the 2013-2014 school year as of the Sept. 1 deadline, according to data released by the Indiana Department of Education.

More students are participating in the Choice Scholarship Program and the latest figures reflect the largest applicant pool in Indiana history.

ā€œItā€™s encouraging to see so many Hoosier families taking advantage of this outstanding program,ā€ said Betsy Wiley, president of School Choice Indiana. ā€œThis record number of applicants demonstrates the ongoing demand for choice, and we applaud Gov. Pence for signing the School Voucher Improvement Bill (HB 1003) into law earlier this year and giving more parents this important option.ā€

HB 1003 ā€“ which took effect on July 1, 2013 ā€“ expanded eligibility to more low- and middle-income families. Another provision gave families living in the area of a school labeled as D or F ā€“ by the State Board of Education ā€“ the opportunity to benefit from the voucher program too.ā€ØMore than 9,300 students received Choice Scholarships during the 2012-2013 school year. Nearly, 4,000 students participated in the program during the 2011-2012 school year.

ā€œThe growth of this program is good news for Indiana families and students,ā€ said Wiley. ā€œWhile most kids are well served by their public school, we canā€™t deny that some families need different options. This program gives more parents the tools they need to make the best educational choices for their children.ā€

When parents receive a voucher, the state helps pay for tuition at a private school depending on the familyā€™s income. Students qualifying for the federal free-and-reduced lunch program ($43,568 for a family of four) are eligible for a voucher worth up to 90 percent of the state tuition amount for the school district of residence. Children from families who earn up to 150 percent of the free-and-reduced lunch eligibility (around $65,352 for a family of four) can receive a scholarship for up to 50 percent of the state tuition amount.

According to a news release, School Choice Indiana Inc. is a non-partisan, statewide organization dedicated to the principle that providing parents with real choices in the education of their children will improve educational outcomes and improve the quality of education, both in private and public schools.

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