The growth of an Oklahoma school voucher program for disabled children is fueling the expansion of private schools that offer specialized education.
The Oklahoman reports during last school year, 528 students used state funds for private school tuition through the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship Program, an increase of 73 students over the previous year.
The growth was the smallest percentage gain since the program's inception in 2010, when Oklahoma began offering school vouchers to disabled children already attending a public school. In the 2015-16 school year more than $3.5 million in state education funds was spent on the program.
Good Shepherd Catholic School, which serves children with autism and other developmental issues, has opened three new classrooms. Of 35 students attending Good Shepherd, 25 receive tuition assistance through the program.