Monday, July 14, 2025
By Don W. Allison
Today’s Perspective
Under normal circumstances, school voucher programs are designed to provide options for low-income students, but according to studies from other states, vouchers may not consistently accomplish what they are set out to accomplish. There are a number of factors to seriously consider about the program. Plus, and this is a major factor in the success of the program, the cost of private schools often exceeds the voucher amount and that creates a barrier for low-income families who will have to come out of their pockets to meet the costs.
Speaking of the funds, they will be allocated through the education savings accounts that will be managed by state-managed bank accounts. Families will have access to the funds, but for educational purposes only.
Families will receive $10,000 per student, and there will be additional funds for students with disabilities, which could help cover specialized services. Homeschoolers will receive a smaller voucher amount.
That all sounds good on the surface, but beneath the surface, the program gets ugly.
For one, private school tuition and fees most often exceed the voucher amount, and that makes it unaffordable for some low-income families.
Another reality provided by those studies in other states highlights that vouchers don't consistently improve academic outcomes for low-income students, and there are several factors that contribute to this outcome.
Private schools are not required, or obligated to accept all voucher applicants, and this includes students with disabilities or those from low-income backgrounds, as in inner-city communities, and then there's diversion of funds from public schools that can impact resources and services available to other students. Then there will always be the potential for private schools to exploit the system without any form of accountability.
The Texas voucher program intends to provide educational choices for low-income families, but the overall improvement outcomes are very much questionable because of factors like the cost of private schools, the availability of suitable options, and the extent private schools are willing to go in enrolling low-income students.
The cost of private schools will be the biggest detriment to the voucher program.
In Texas, the average cost of private school tuition varies, but generally ranges from $11,000 to $14,000 per year. In cities like Houston, the cost can be between $25,000 to $30,000. The average cost of elementary school tuition ranges between $10,898 per year, and high school tuition averages $12,435, For we are discussing low-income families, the main question is where they will get the additional funds.
In Houston, the average tuition at the high school level can be about $27,000.
St. Agnes Academy in Houston falls within the average price ranges, but there are some with high reputations or specialized programs that will be way too expensive which are influenced by the school's location, reputation, grade level, and resources offered. But there are opportunities such as financial aid and scholarships available, but again, how will low-income families afford these?
The voucher program is a good idea, but state leaders didn’t complete their homework on it.
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A Texas Perspective is designed to be informative, historical, and educational, reflecting the ever-evolving political cultures in the country that no longer prioritize voters' interests.
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