Information about the Indiana School Choice Voucher

From the Desk of Principal Kanable

I’ve received several questions about how the Indiana School Choice Voucher program works and how it affects STSJP. So, here is a quick tutorial. As always, feel free to reach me directly if you have other questions.

In 2011, Indiana introduced its School Choice Voucher program, which offers parents a choice in where their child goes to school, and allows a portion of state tax dollars to follow the student to a state-accredited school.

Sts. Joan of Arc & Patrick School was one of the first schools to participate in the program. This year, more than half of our students in kindergarten through 8th grade are benefitting from the School Choice Voucher program. (The program is not available for preschool or pre-kindergarten students).

Voucher awards are applied to a child’s tuition, often paying most or all of the cost. This truly allows parents to choose the school they think is best for their child. For the 2021-22 school year, the state legislature greatly expanded eligibility by increasing the thresholds for family income. Our legislators recognized that all families should be able to choose the option that is the best fit for their child.

In addition to income eligibility, children must satisfy a “pathway” to receive a School Choice Scholarship. This can be prior enrollment in an Indiana public school, receiving an SGO scholarship, residing in an area served by a public school with an “F” rating, being in foster care, or several other pathways. Once the income and pathway eligibility are met, participation in the program is fairly easy.

School Choice Scholarships allow state education funds to be spent where a child actually goes to school. Families who are concerned that this is a “handout”should consider whether they would feel the same way if their child went to a public school, and the same dollars were paid to the public school corporation. In fact, the state only awards up to 90% of the same funds to a Choice school.

Families who are interested in learning more about their eligibility or the application process should contact Therese Bath at [email protected] The application process requires a copy of the 2022 Federal Tax Return, so families who are applying for the first time and those who want to reapply will need to submit that to Therese.

The household income guidelines can be found on our website (stsjp.org); keep in mind that the household size includes all members, not just children or those using the School Choice Voucher program. You will find that the guidelines are very generous.