Ohio operates one of the nation's largest school voucher programs following the 2023 EdChoice expansion, spending more than $1 billion annually across all voucher programs and serving more than 140,000 students. Ohio spent more than a billion dollars on private school vouchers in fiscal year 2025.
The program allows families to use state education dollars to pay private school tuition, with eligibility based on household income rather than school performance. Critics, including the Ohio School Boards Association, note that voucher deductions pull more than 10% of state revenue in some districts, leaving public schools with less in state aid than the dollars redirected out of their budgets. Ninety-seven of the top 100 most-funded participating private schools are religiously affiliated.
Franklin County Judge Jaiza Page ruled the program unconstitutional, finding the EdChoice expansion created a parallel system of private schools that diverts money from public schools rather than simply providing scholarships. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost appealed the decision, and the case is now before the 10th District Court of Appeals. With a stay in place, the program continues to operate normally through the 2026-27 school year.
Lawmakers have since introduced House Bill 715 to increase transparency and establish reporting requirements for schools receiving EdChoice funds.