February 25, 2011

If House Bill 1003 passes, who is eligible for the school choice bill?

Families that qualify for free and reduced lunch would be eligible for a scholarship valued at up to 90 percent of the state’s tuition support for a student in a public school.

Families whose income level falls below 200 percent of the free or reduced lunch income would be eligible for a scholarship valued at up to 50 percent of the state’s tuition support for a student in a public school.

Each child in a qualifying family would be eligible for up to $4,500 in school scholarship money to use at the private school of the family’s choice. Only students who were previously enrolled in a public school would be eligible for a scholarship. Scholarships are capped at $4,500 for elementary students. There is no scholarship cap for high school students.

According to the Indiana Department of Education, a family of four with an annual household income of approximately $42,000 would be eligible for the 90 percent scholarship. A family of four could earn up to approximately $82,000, and be eligible for the 50 percent scholarship.

Families with more children could have higher income levels and be eligible for the scholarships. †

(Related: House Education panel approves school choice bill)

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