Majority of North Carolina private school vouchers go to white students and religious schools

The North Carolina General Assembly voted last year to significantly increase funding for private school vouchers.

Data shows the majority of the money has gone to white students and religious schools. 

As of the first week of January, the state has disbursed about $124 million in private school vouchers, also known as Opportunity Scholarships, for the 2024-2025 school year. 

That money went to more than 37,000 students — nearly 5,000 more than the year before.

Guilford County was one of the top recipients, with $7 million going to about 2,000 kids. Forsyth received a little less, with $5.4 million distributed to roughly 1,600 children. 

In both counties, the majority of schools that received funding are religiously affiliated. The most money went to Gospel Light Christian School of Winston-Salem and Greensboro Islamic Academy. 

Statewide data also shows that most of the scholarships disbursed this school year — 65% — went to white students. Black and multiracial students accounted for 17% and 11% respectively.

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.