Since last year, the number of families receiving vouchers for private schools has more than doubled, and as more families apply for new Opportunity Scholarships this fall, the number may rise even further.
According to data issued by the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority on February 3, this school year, 79,372 students have been awarded $382.8 million in Opportunity Scholarships.
Compared to the previous school year, when 32,549 students received $185.5 million in vouchers, that is a 144% increase.
The increased figures show how state legislators increased money and made the voucher program available to all families, regardless of income level. Another spike might occur in 2025–2026 when lawmakers allocate $625 million for Opportunity Scholarships.
The number of new voucher holders who attended private schools prior to this school year is yet unknown.
However, evidence from other states indicates that as the program is expanded, the vouchers are mainly given to families who already attend private schools.
Here are the voucher numbers and the information you should know if you’re interested in getting one.
Who will now receive a voucher?
When compared to their numbers in traditional public schools, the state’s data indicates that a significantly smaller percentage of Black and Hispanic pupils obtain vouchers.
White children make up 74% of voucher holders, with Black pupils making up the next largest group at 11%, according to state data.
Hispanic is listed by the State Education Assistance Authority as an ethnic group rather than a race. Of those who received vouchers, 11% identified as Hispanic.
Hispanic children make up 22% of the student body in traditional public schools this year, according to the state Department of Public Instruction’s list of racial groups.
According to DPI, white students make up 43% of the student body and black students make up 24%.
With 10,466 kids, Wake County has the most Opportunity Scholarship recipients in the state. Mecklenburg County comes in second with 7,788.
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Who is eligible to apply?
Applications are open to any family who intends to enroll their child in a private K–12 school that receives financing via the Opportunity Scholarship program.
To apply, families must first create an account on MyPortal. Additional information can be found at www.k12.ncseaa.edu.
The deadline for applications is March 6 at 5 p.m. First-come, first-served is not applicable.
Applicants’ family income will determine which of four tiers they are placed in. Until the funds are exhausted, awards will be distributed, beginning with the families in the lowest income bracket.
Before lawmakers raised cash to address a backlog of 55,000 students, the program’s financing for this school year was initially exhausted.
Many families didn’t start using their voucher funding until the spring semester since the additional funds weren’t granted until November.
How much is available to families?
Individual scholarship prizes are getting bigger for the 2025–2026 academic year. They are based on the average amount of money the state spends on public education for each student.
Tier 1 families are eligible for up to $7,686 per student. A family of four might make up to $59,478 a year.
Tier 2 families are eligible to receive up to $6,918 for per student. A family of four might make up to $118,956 a year.
Tier 3 families are eligible to receive up to $4,612 for per student. Up to $267,651 is the income for a family of four.
Tier 4 families are eligible to receive up to $3,458 for per student. That amounts to more than $267,651 for a household of four.
Notifications of awards will be sent out in April.
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Is it a good idea to expand vouchers?
Supporters of school choice have hailed the initiative for granting families greater authority over their children’s future education.
However, some claim that the expansion of vouchers is stealing funds that could be used to support public school pupils. Last Monday, the State Board of Education decided to request that state legislators halt the Opportunity Scholarship program’s growth.
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