When school vouchers first became an option, the Annie E. Casey Foundation supported the effort, hoping to give poverty-stricken kids a chance at a quality education. This publication presents an in-depth look at Casey’s investment in the Washington, D.C. voucher effort and summarizes results and lessons learned at the time of the report. 

September 11, 2008

Closing the Achievement Gap Series

In This Report, You’ll Learn

  1. 1

    How Casey made a difference in the Washington, D.C. voucher program at the time of this report.

  2. 2

    The challenges of implementing a voucher program across public, private and parochial schools.

  3. 3

    Who partnered with Casey to leverage more funding and support for the D.C. program.

  4. 4

    Why data collection and analysis is important in reviewing educational improvements.

Key Takeaway

Parents with vouchers increased involvement in their children’s education.

Casey’s involvement and credibility in the controversial vouchers program reinforced the notion that vouchers may be a means to provide quality education choices to low-income families.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations