Disability Participation Rates Rose in School Choice Programs
New data shows more students with disabilities are opting for private choice programs than traditional public schools.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Special Education
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A report from the American Enterprise Institute found that 17.2% of students in private school choice programs have disabilities, surpassing the 15% rate found in public schools. This shift in enrollment trends highlights how families of children with special needs are increasingly utilizing alternative funding options for education.
Why it matters
Understanding these participation trends helps families navigate the evolving landscape of specialized education funding, which can significantly impact household budgets. As demand grows for these programs, the competitive nature of securing awards remains a key consideration for parents planning their children's schooling.
Nationally, disability enrollment in choice programs hit 17.2% compared to the 15% baseline in public schools. North Carolina saw a significant rise in ESA+ enrollment, reaching 5,723 students with disabilities in the 2025-26 school year, up from 3,566 in 2023-24.
The players
American Enterprise Institute
A Washington-based public policy organization that researches education reform and school choice impacts.
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
The state agency responsible for managing financial aid and scholarship programs for North Carolina students.
The details
The American Enterprise Institute analyzed data across fiscal years 2023 to 2027 by synthesizing information from 18 disability-specific programs and five broader school choice initiatives. These programs function by providing direct financial support, such as North Carolina’s ESA+ awards, which offer $9,000 annually or $17,000 for students with specific disabilities. This funding structure is designed to offset the cost of private educational services that may not be available within a traditional public school setting.
Timeline
2023-24: NC ESA+ program enrollment reached 3,566 students.
December 2025: NC public schools served 206,639 exceptional children.
2025-26 school year: NC ESA+ program enrollment rose to 5,723 students.
October 2026: Opportunity Scholarship program funded 104,366 students.
First Monday in February 2027: Application window opens for NC programs.
The Home Front
The growing popularity of these programs marks a significant shift in how households utilize state-funded education vouchers to access specialized support. This trend follows broader documented increases in the use of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts as primary vehicles for funding disability-specific education.
Parents should review state eligibility requirements and award amounts to determine if these programs align with their child's specific educational needs. It is also wise to document any existing exceptional children's services currently provided to your student before applying for private program funding.
The takeaway
The higher percentage of students with disabilities in choice programs suggests a rising demand for tailored educational environments outside the traditional system. Families should prepare by keeping track of state-specific enrollment deadlines and current documentation of their child's disability status.
What happens next
Families interested in North Carolina programs should mark their calendars for the first Monday in February 2027, when the application window officially opens for the ESA+ and Opportunity Scholarship programs.
Further reading
For more information on navigating these resources, visit our Special Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Carolina Journal.
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