Which Schools Participate? An Analysis of Private School Voucher Program Participation Decisions Across Seven Locations

Abstract

Using data from the most recent (2015-16) round of Private School Universe Survey, I examine the types of private schools that decide to participate in school voucher programs in seven locations. Regression analysis indicates that more specialized private schools are less likely to participate in voucher programs than regular private schools. Specifically, the preferred model finds that private schools that identify as Montessori, special education, and alternative are less likely to participate in voucher programs than schools that identify as regular. In addition, schools that are non-co-educational and schools that focus on serving home-school students are less likely to participate.