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The school choice scholarship boom benefits kids already in private school: AP analysis

An Associated Press analysis finds Texas's Education Freedom Accounts program, launched with around $1 billion, primarily benefits students already in private or home schools rather than those leaving the public system.
Gov. Greg Abbott fast-tracked the program last year with President Donald Trump's support, abandoning a provision that would have reserved 80% of scholarships for students transitioning from public schools to secure legislative passage.
Fort Worth parent Maria Contreras struggled to secure required disability testing for her son, Ian, before the voucher deadline, demonstrating the barriers public school families face navigating the application process.
Only 43% of recipients recently attended public school, while the share of approved applicants with disabilities, 28%, doubled the share in the public school system.
Nationwide, states and the federal government increasingly promote taxpayer-supported scholarships, yet advocates warn that leaving public systems remains risky for students with special needs who may lack adequate support in private settings.

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AP Exclusive: The private school choice boom leaves behind many kids in public school

Soon, half of all American schoolkids will live in states that offer public money for a private education. Texas is the latest to join in, budgeting $1 billion to spend this fall on private school scholarships or homeschooling expenses. Next…

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