Parents Can’t Get Enough of Vouchers

Published April 1, 2000

Sophisticated statistical techniques aren’t needed to prove that parents of Cleveland voucher students are overwhelmingly satisfied with their children’s new schools. Indeed, they’re more than twice as likely as the parents of public school children to express satisfaction with the school’s performance in academics, discipline, and safety.

What’s more, low-income families in other cities where public vouchers remain out of reach are voting for school choice with their feet. Private scholarships offered by philanthropic organizations such as CEO America and the Children’s Scholarship Fund have attracted staggering numbers of applications.


What Are Parents Telling Us?
Aspect Voucher Parents Public School Parents
Academics 66% 30%
Discipline 55% 23%
Safety 60% 25%
Cleveland parent interviews (voucher recipients and eligible public school families)