Georgia’s sweeping school voucher program now covers over 400,000 students after state officials finalized eligibility lists tied to low-performing schools. Updated calculations released Friday show 65 entire districts qualify for $6,500 annual scholarships – including major systems like Richmond and Bibb counties.
Every student in these zones can apply, even if they attend higher-performing schools, thanks to the Georgia Education Savings Authority’s broad interpretation of the law. As applications open March 1, families face urgent questions:
- How districts like DeKalb County and Atlanta PS have partial eligibility
- Why rural communities dominate full-eligibility lists
- Whether $141 million in funding will meet demand
The program prioritizes applicants below 400% of the federal poverty line (≈$100k for family of 3). With 22,000+ vouchers initially available, randomized drawings may decide awards if applications surge past caps. Critics note most private schools’ 2025-26 admissions deadlines closed before eligibility clarity emerged.
Republican leaders like Lt. Gov. Burt Jones already push to expand access – proposing automatic inclusion for foster children. Meanwhile, Georgia’s approach contrasts with universal voucher states like Arizona and Florida, where budget overruns followed explosive demand.
Essential details:
• Mandatory 2-semester enrollment (or kindergarten entry) at qualifying schools
• Funds usable for tuition, homeschool materials, therapy, and college courses
• Taxpayer safeguards require full public school funding before voucher allocations
With June and September application windows pending, analysts warn rural families may struggle to utilize benefits where private options are scarce. As Georgia’s educational landscape pivots, this voucher experiment could redefine opportunity access statewide.