How is school choice changing across the US in 2026?
Caroline MolloyStates across the U.S. are expanding school choice programs in 2026 as lawmakers increase funding, broaden eligibility, adjust existing programs, and prepare for a new federal tax credit scholarship program set to begin in 2027.
The activity comes as legislative sessions wind down in many states and as nearly 30 states opt into the federal K-12 education tax credit scholarship program created under President Donald Trump’s 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The program is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
In an in-depth review of programs around the country, EdChoice, a national school choice advocacy and research organization, offered a look at how several states have expanded school choice programs this year, while others have seen proposed restrictions, legal fights, or stalled restrictions.
Funding boosts in key states: Alabama, Missouri, Oklahoma
In Alabama, Republican Gov. Kay Ivey signed a 2026 budget that allocates $250 million to the state’s Creating Hope and Opportunity for our Students’ Education ( CHOOSE) Education Savings Account (ESA) program, according to EdChoice. The funding could cover education expenses, such as private school tuition, for about 50,000 students.
In its state budget bill, Missouri lawmakers proposed increasing funding for the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program by $10 million, which would bring the tax-credit ESA program total to $60 million. The budget bill, HB 12, was delivered to Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, who is expected to sign it.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, signed legislation May 13 raising the cap on the state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit program from $250 million to $275 million. The legislation provides refundable tax credits of $5,000 to $7,000 per student to offset education expenses and expands resources for families seeking alternatives to public schools. Stitt said in a press release that the program has already helped nearly 40,000 students in 2026.
