Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit Draws 6,069 Applications, 13,568 Students

The application window for Idaho's new Parental Choice Tax Credit closed with 6,069 submissions representing 13,568 students, a first-year turnout that signals deep and widespread demand for state-subsidized alternatives to traditional public schooling.

The program offers $5,000 per student toward approved education expenses, including tuition, books, tutoring, curriculum and certain transportation costs. Families with children who have qualifying disabilities can receive $7,500 per student. Because total funding is capped at $50 million for 2026, not every applicant will receive a credit; the program applies priority rules that favor households at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, defined as $93,600 annual income for a family of four. Families will learn whether their applications were approved on or before April 15.

Heidie Nesset, vice president of implementation at Yes. Every Kid., the nonprofit that supported program administration, called the response a clear signal of what Idaho parents want. "Idaho families showed up in a big way, and we couldn't be happier that so many are choosing unique paths to best support their child's learning," Nesset said.

For Kootenai County, the program's outcomes this spring could reshape fall enrollment patterns at public schools, where state funding is tied directly to student headcount. If even a fraction of the 13,568 students represented in those applications shift toward private schools, home-based curricula or tutoring programs, district budget calculations could feel the effect. Local private schools and independent tutors, meanwhile, may see increased interest as accepted families begin directing their credits.

The April 15 notification deadline gives families a narrow window to make decisions before the fall semester, with accepted applicants able to apply credits to any of the eligible expense categories. Families seeking documentation requirements, next steps, or information on appeals can access the official program portal at myschoolchoice.idaho.gov.