-
Invention of concept
Economist Milton Friedman proposes school vouchers as a means to improve schools through the fair market. -
Stanley Plan takes effect
Virginia takes advantage of school vouches to improve schools for white children, exacerbating issues of inequity and de facto segregation -
Stanley Plan Outlawed
The practice of using school vouchers in Virginia and other states is outlawed in a court case (Griffin v. County School Board of Prince Edward County). -
Re-initiation of school vouchers
School vouchers initiated in Milwaukee, MN. -
First Charter School
The first charter school opens: a high school in St. Paul, MN. -
Founding of EdChoice
Milton and Rose Friedman found EdChoice in response to "dismal" results in American public schools. -
School Vouchers deemed Constitutional
A court case (Zelman v. Simmons-Harris) established that school vouchers could be used to pay for education in sectarian schools. States are free to offer voucher programs. -
Early Expansion of School Choice
D.C., Iowa, and N.J. offer scholarships and charter school opportunities for some children who are eligible (in poverty or a poorly performing school). -
Partisan Issue
School choice becomes political. Democratic support wanes, while Republican support continues to expand. Seven Republicans who support school choice win governorship. -
Majority popular Support
A poll determines that 60% of American voters believe tax credits support parents, while 26% feel that tax credits support religion/religious schools. -
Georgia Joins In
GOAL passes in Georgia, allowing for tax credits and furthering school choice policy. -
Louisiana Leads the Way
By 2014, New Orleans has enrolled 93% of its students in charter schools. -
Teachers Strike
Teachers in West Virginia fight charter expansion, launching strikes twice. -
Further Legal Rulings Support School Choice
Court cases result in Supreme Court rulings that states can not restrict voucher programs for religious schools or secular private schools. -
Significant Support beyond Party Lines
A poll finds that 72% of US school parents favor vouchers and charter schools in the United States. -
Pandemic-fueled growth
Widespread dissatisfaction with the handling of Covid-19 leads to 7% increase in private and charter school growth. -
SSO expansion in Georgia
Tax credit programs supported by legislation in GA under Governor Brian Kemp allow couples filing jointly to earmark up to $5000/year for specific schools of their choice.