Public funding of private schools: Pitfalls and possibilities

Public Funding of Private Schools: Pitfalls and Possibilities is a qualitative dissertation study based on interviewing 24 individuals with expertise related to the issue of public funding of private schools in the United States of America. Three primary questions are addressed: (1) Do you, personally, believe that some degree of public funding for students in private K-12 education, including religious schools, is appropriate in American society? (2) Is public funding for students in private religious K-12 education in the United States becoming an increased probability? And, (3) If public funding of private education was to be increased in American society, what forms of public funding would best allow for the philosophical independence of recipient private schools? Responses emphasize the significance of vouchers and tuition related, or general education related, tax credits or deductions.;The findings determine that a majority of experts in the field believe more public funding for private education in the United States is likely to develop in the future. Approximately one-half of those who believe public funding of private schools is appropriate in American society also believe in its increased occurrence in the future whereas most of those who do not believe public funding is appropriate in American society believe we will see an increased occurrence of public funding for private education in the near future. Interviewees were primarily experts in one of three areas related to public funding of private religious education: (1) Historical and legal developments in public aid to private schools, (2) The funding of private school education, and (3) The principle of the separation of church and state affairs.