Delaware School Choice FAQ

Question 1

What does school choice mean in Delaware?

Accepted Answer

In Delaware, school choice mainly refers to the right of families to apply to any public school—traditional district, charter, or vo-tech—regardless of where they live in the state, using the statewide SchoolChoiceDE.org application process and timeline.

Question 2

Does Delaware have an ESA, voucher, or state tax-credit program for private schools?

Accepted Answer

No. Delaware does not operate ESAs, vouchers, or K-12 tax-credit scholarship programs due to constitutional constraints. Public funds follow students only to public schools.

Question 3

How can my family get help paying for private school in Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Families typically combine school-based financial aid, private scholarships (like ACE Scholarships offering $3,000-$5,000 annually), and community foundation scholarships. All private school funding in Delaware must come from private sources—no state funding is available.

Question 4

Are charter schools free in Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Charter schools in Delaware are public schools and do not charge tuition to Delaware residents. They are funded through state and local public education dollars.

Question 5

How do I apply to a charter or another public school outside my district in Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Use the statewide SchoolChoiceDE.org portal to submit applications during the annual choice window (typically November-January). If there are more applicants than seats, schools use lotteries following state law and local policies.

Question 6

What happens if my preferred Delaware school is full?

Accepted Answer

When schools reach capacity, they create waitlists. Applicants may be admitted later if seats open, following the order and priorities established by state law and local policy.

Question 7

Does Delaware support homeschooling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Homeschooling in Delaware is treated as a type of nonpublic school. Families must register with DDOE, submit annual enrollment, and report attendance, but they design their own curriculum and learning approach. No state funding is provided for homeschool expenses.

Question 8

Can my child attend some classes at a Delaware public school while we homeschool?

Accepted Answer

Delaware law does not create a statewide part-time enrollment or ESA funding program. Whether a homeschooled student may take individual public school classes depends on local district policy—check with your district.

Question 9

Are there limits on how many Delaware school choice applications I can submit?

Accepted Answer

The statewide application allows families to list multiple school choices. The exact number and ranking rules are managed within the SchoolChoiceDE.org system—review current online instructions each year.

Question 10

Is transportation provided if my child attends a school outside our home district in Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Transportation obligations vary. Generally, Delaware districts provide transportation for students in their attendance area, while transportation for out-of-district choice students depends on local agreements and bus routes. Confirm details with the receiving district or charter school.

Question 11

Are there income requirements for Delaware public school choice?

Accepted Answer

No. Public school choice (district, charter, vo-tech, magnet) is open to all Delaware residents regardless of income. However, private school scholarships like ACE Scholarships are income-based.

Question 12

Where can I see all the public schools and charter schools available in Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Use the Delaware Department of Education's school locator and list of charter schools, as well as the Delaware Report Card site, to see all public options and compare performance data and programs.

Question 13

What is the difference between magnet schools and charter schools in Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Both are public schools with specialized programs. Magnet schools are typically operated by traditional school districts with themed programs (STEM, arts). Charter schools operate independently under performance contracts with greater autonomy over curriculum and operations. Both are free and accessible through the same SchoolChoiceDE.org portal.

Question 14

Can I combine ACE Scholarships with school-based financial aid in Delaware?

Accepted Answer

Typically yes, as long as the school and scholarship provider allow it. ACE Scholarships can cover up to 75% of tuition, and Delaware families often combine this with school-based aid to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Check with both the school and ACE Scholarships about coordination rules.

Delaware Vocational-Technical Centers