Georgia's New School Voucher Plan: What to Know

Starting from 2025, Georgia will launch a new program called the Georgia Promise Scholarship. This program aims to help families cover private school costs or homeschooling needs. Eligible students are those who attend the lowest-performing public schools. Funds can be used for various educational needs, like tuition fees, books, and transport. The bill passed earlier this year with a vote of 91-82. The program is part of a national trend toward education savings accounts (ESAs). To qualify, students must have attended public school for at least two semesters or be starting kindergarten. Families need to have lived in Georgia for a year, unless they are in the military. The funding cap is $141 million, enough for over 21, 000 scholarships. Families earning under $100, 000 get priority. Any remaining scholarships will be decided by a lottery system. The program has its critics. Some say it drains public school resources, which could make things worse for struggling students. Others worry it boosts inequities. Still, the program is gaining traction with many families. Georgia joins other states like Arizona and Iowa with similar setups. The Governor's Office will announce eligible schools by December 1, 2025. Private schools can now apply to accept vouchers, and parents can start applying for scholarships early next year.