Colorado Leads in Open School Choice, Ranked 8th Nationally
A recent evaluation of openai school choice laws across the US has revealed varied implementation and effectiveness among the 50 states. Colorado, however, has emerged as a leader in this area, ranking eighth nationally with an overall score of 87/100.
Colorado's strong open enrollment laws have been recognized with a 'B+' rating. Notably, one in four students in the state uses open enrollment to attend a state farm public school. This flexibility allows students to access better schools, specialized courses, or find a better fit for their educational needs.
The state offers statewide cross-district and within-district open enrollment, ensuring us open school choice for most students. Colorado does not impose transfer tuition, making open enrollment free for students. Despite these strengths, the state received partial credit for transparency in its policies and scored zeros in three categories related to discrimination and appeals processes.
Colorado's open enrollment laws, while not perfect, have provided significant school choice to its students. With 20% of publicly-funded K-12 students utilizing this option, the state ranks eighth nationally, demonstrating its commitment to open school choice. However, there is still room for improvement in transparency and certain processes.
