Chart du jour: Opportunity Scholarship's spending rise
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North Carolina's funding of Opportunity Scholarships has reached $589 million this year, with taxpayer money now going to more than 100,000 students at private schools, according to data from North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority.
Why it matters: The amount of money flowing into the voucher program has grown significantly since 2024, when the state legislature expanded the eligibility requirements for families able to use the program.
- The program has been a priority of state Republicans, who view it as a way to give families more educational choices. Spending is expected to continue growing.
- Democrats and teacher associations have opposed the program for sapping money away from public education.
Driving the news: The state auditor's office, led by Republican Dave Boliek, said in May that it is conducting an audit of the program, which it expects to release later this year, The News & Observer reported.
Zoom in: The school that receives the most money from the program is located in Raleigh, per the Triangle Business Journal.
- North Raleigh Christian Academy received nearly $6.3 million in Opportunity Scholarship vouchers for the 2025-2026 school year.