School Choice Programs Show Higher Test Scores at One-Third the Cost, Analysts Claim

Over 30 states currently operate some form of school-choice system, and a further 30 plan to participate in a federal Education Freedom Tax Credit starting in 2027. Proponents, including Ryan Cantrell of the American Federation for Children, argue that directing funds to parents creates stronger accountability and improves outcomes. Data from various studies show homeschooled, private and charter students typically outperform public-school peers, with homeschooled learners scoring 15-25% higher on standardized tests and private students achieving higher SAT scores and college-application rates.

Charter schools have demonstrated modest gains, such as an extra six days of math learning per year in a Stanford study. The average voucher cost is roughly $6,000 per child, compared with about $18,000 spent per public-school student, suggesting lower expenditures for comparable or better results. Research from Ohio, Wisconsin and the Urban Institute links choice programs to higher college enrollment and degree attainment among low-income participants. Critics remain skeptical, but supporters say the model offers a cost-effective path to improve K-12 education.