Oklahoma Expands Access to Private Education Through Three Key Laws

Oklahoma is leading the nation in expanding access to private education through three state laws that significantly reduce financial barriers for families and strengthen accredited private schools across the state. Together, the Parental Choice Tax Credit, the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship, and the Equal Opportunity Scholarship create a comprehensive system of support that benefits students from a wide range of backgrounds.

These laws, administered through state agencies and Scholarship Granting Organizations, help families access private education while supporting schools in expanding enrollment, diversity, and program offerings. As the Council of Oklahoma Private Education notes in its materials, “the greatest barrier is minimized or eliminated so parents or guardians can access a private school education for their child.”

Parental Choice Tax Credit

The Parental Choice Tax Credit provides refundable tax credits ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 per child, per year, depending on household income. Families earning up to $75,000 qualify for the maximum credit of $7,500.

The credit is issued in one installment and can be used toward tuition at any participating accredited private school.To participate, families must request an Enrollment Verification Number and complete an online application through OkTAP. Schools must register with the state to appear in the Parental Choice Tax Credit School Directory and to access the verification system.

Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship

The Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship (LNH) supports students who meet specific eligibility criteria, including those with an IEP, ISP, or MEEGS; students in foster care or adopted from foster care; students with a parent in the military who relocated to Oklahoma; students experiencing homelessness; and those who have been in an Office of Juvenile Affairs out‑of‑home placement.

The scholarship allows qualifying students to attend an approved private school of their caregiver’s choice. Schools must be approved by the Board of the State Department of Education before serving Henry Scholars. The law also allows families to benefit from both the LNH Scholarship and the Parental Choice Tax Credit simultaneously.

Equal Opportunity Scholarship

The Equal Opportunity Tax Credit Scholarship provides bridge funding for students attending private schools associated with Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These organizations distribute financial gifts from individual and corporate donors to help families cover tuition costs. Donors receive a 50% or 75% state tax credit depending on whether their gift is a one‑ or two‑year commitment.Students may receive support from both the Equal Opportunity Scholarship and the Parental Choice Tax Credit.

Strengthening Private Schools Across Oklahoma

For private schools, these laws offer significant benefits. Schools that participate in all three programs report increased enrollment, greater diversity, and improved financial stability. The laws also help schools expand educational programs and better serve families seeking faith‑based or specialized learning environments.

COPE emphasizes that when schools are accredited and participate in all available programs, tuition becomes more affordable for families, and access to private education increases statewide.