An aggressive media campaign and expanded eligibility helped double the number of applicants for Arizona’s school voucher program, which allows students to use public funds for a private education.
The number of applications received by the Arizona education department for the 2014-15 school year is 2,479, compared with the current year’s 1,100.
Legislators expanded the program last year to include children from schools that have received a poor grade from the state, and to those with active-duty military parents. The program was created in 2011 for students with disabilities.
Legislators this year have proposed several measures to further expand the program. One proposal would have expanded eligibility to a majority of Arizona students, but the bill has so far not been heard by the House.
