COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio has seen an increase in the number of parents using the expanded EdChoice Expansion.

According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, more than 82,000 private school students across the Buckeye State are receiving the benefits of the EdChoice Expansion voucher program this school year. The number has increased more than 350% compared to last year due to the state expanding the program.

What You Need To Know

  • The EdChoice Expansion has provided opportunities for more Ohioans to take advantage of money to transfer students from public to private schools    

  • According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, more than 82,000 private school students across Ohio are receiving the EdChoice Expansion program's benefits 

  • The number of people utilizing the program has increased in Ohio ever since the expansion occurred

Ohio has budgeted just less than $400 million to the program this year. Although, the program is giving more children the opportunity to go to private schools, some families are not finding the voucher system as smooth as they had hoped. Tenira Kilgore has four children, three of whom are still in K-12. Kilgore, who is from the Columbus area, said her son RJ excelled public education, and did not think he was able to get the help he deserved in that setting.      

"We went to one of our parent-teacher conferences, Kilgore said, "and we were told that they didn't have time to challenge him." 

Kilgore and her husband decided decided to move RJ to a private school to help him excel in his studies. They said the decision became easier when the state made its EdChoice Expansion program available. She believes the vouchers let her family choose a school that also aligned with their values and beliefs at home. Parents across the state can receive anywhere from $650 to $8,408 for each child per year.

"The maximum amount that is awarded is based on two things," said Colleen Grady with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. "No. 1, the family's income level, and the other factor is what grade the student is in." 

However, Kilgore expressed the issue is not only about how much she is receiving, but also about how long the process can take. She mentioned every private school can operate differently, and it could be weeks or months before the school receives the money from the state. She parents need to be aware that they still need to have cash saved to pay for expenses. She said they still have to pay a portion of the tuition out of pocket each month. 

Kilgore worries as her other children begin to get older and tuition increases, it could become tougher for an average family to afford private school, despite, having the option of the EdChoice expansion program available. Still, she is thankful there are dollars that are helping at the moment. 

"Sometimes the cost of food is going up," Kilgore said. "So can you afford it? Or, does that money needed to be shifted? Budgeting is crucial."