Private School Vouchers and School Choice

In This Section

Where Does National PTA Stand on Public School Choice, Private School Vouchers and Public Charter Schools?

National PTA believes that no one educational program is best for all children. Public school personnel and parents must address the different ways that children learn and how public school systems can provide the best education for all children.

Furthermore, National PTA acknowledges public charter schools as one of many avenues to improving student achievement. National PTA supports public charter schools provided the authorizing bodies and schools reflect the positions and principles of National PTA in charters granted and implemented.

That said, our association opposes any private school choice proposal and/or voucher system that diverts public funds to private or sectarian schools. Public dollars carry the responsibility for providing public access, governance, and accountability. National PTA believes that public support of any school must not be allowed to detract or divert money from the continued operation of a viable system of public education.

Read the full position statements by National PTA on public school choice, private school vouchers, and public charter schools below.

Position Statement: Public School Choice

Position Statement: Public Charter Schools

What Can You Do as a PTA Advocate to Ensure Public Funds Go to Public Schools?

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Press Statements and Letters to Policymakers on Private School Choice and Voucher Proposals

April 25, 2023 - National PTA submits letter on school vouchers to the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

May 23, 2022 - National PTA joins letter urging Congress to require voucher schools provide civil rights protections and reject attempts to divert taxpayer dollars away from public schools towards the D.C. voucher program.

July 30, 2021 - National PTA jointly submits comment calling for the Department of Education to prioritize funding public education rather than diverting limited public funds towards private school vouchers.

June 30, 2020 - National PTA Disappointed with Supreme Court’s Ruling in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue Case

February 2, 2017 — National PTA letter in advance of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce's hearing on “Helping Students Succeed Through the Power of School Choice”

January 10, 2017 — National PTA Statement on Newly Formed Public Education Caucus

Resources on Private School Vouchers

National PTA is a founding member of the National Coalition for Public Education (NCPE). Founded in 1978, the NCPE supports public schools and opposes the funneling of public money to private and religious schools through vouchers, tuition tax credits, education savings accounts and portability. NCPE now consists of over 50 education, civic, civil rights and religious organizations devoted to the support of public schools. Find the latest resources developed by the NCPE below: