Exploring Kentucky's Private Education Sector

EdChoice. 111 Monument Circle Suite 2650, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Tel: 317-681-0745; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.edchoice.org

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Enrollment Projections; Enrollment Management; Enrollment Rate; Private Schools; School Choice; Tuition; Student Financial Aid; COVID-19; Pandemics; Special Needs Students; Elementary Secondary Education; Financial Support; Student Transportation; Tax Credits; State Aid; Privatization

From November 2 to December 10, 2021, EdChoice Kentucky administered a survey of Kentucky's private K-12 schools. The purpose of that assessment was six-fold: (1) forecast a count of currently available seats and capacities to enroll additional students, (2) measure the familiarity with and potential interest in various private school choice programs, (3) estimate the average and median private school tuition, (4) document how many schools provide tuition assistance, (5) determine the impact of COVID-19 on enrollment and need for financial assistance, and (6) document how many schools serve students with special needs. EdChoice Kentucky administered a survey to Kentucky private school leaders from 11/2/21-12/10/21. Private schools in Kentucky have at least 6,607 open seats with a projected estimate closer to 19,600 open seats for K-12 students without construction of additional facilities--the projected capacity for K-12 students is 92,000 total seats. More than four out of five schools were aware that Kentucky passed the Education Opportunity Accounts (EOA) program. Nearly half of schools were not aware that Kentucky provides public funding for nonpublic school student transportation. The characteristics of Kentucky's private school sector detailed in this report will inform policy debates around creation of educational choice programs and will hopefully culminate in such. No additional materials. [This report was written with EdChoice Kentucky.]

As Provided

2022

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