EdChoice 101: An Introduction to the Basics of School Choice. 2022 Edition

There are many different schooling options, but not all educational choice programs are created equal. Public charter schools and public-to-public transfers, for example, have provided options within the traditional system, but those programs leave many schooling types off-limits for families. EdChoice's goal as the nation's oldest school choice organization is to highlight and promote the programs that create the most pathways for students to lead successful lives, focusing on four types of programs: education savings accounts (ESAs), tax-credit ESAs, vouchers and tax-credit scholarships. In the past, individual tax credits and deductions were also highlighted, but those programs are not far-reaching and tend to provide minimal financial assistance to families. They are included in this publication alongside 529 savings accounts, which also provide limited options. EdChoice believes access should be universal and that all families should be able to find what works for their students--regardless of where they live or how much money they make. This guide will introduce the fundamentals of school choice and answer some basic questions about why and how these programs work.