In a first‑time release of performance data, Missouri’s MOScholars scholarship program shows test results that are close to the national average. The findings, released by the PRiME Center at St. Louis University, offer an early look at how the state‑backed private‑school scholarship initiative is serving its target population.
Program background and participation growth
MOScholars uses state tax dollars and private donations, incentivized with tax credits, to award scholarships for K‑12 students. These scholarships can be applied to tuition, supplies, fees and services at private, traditional public, charter, virtual or certain home schools. Since its creation by the legislature in 2021, the program has expanded rapidly, rising from fewer than 1,400 students in its first year to nearly 2,700 in the third year.
Test score results
Researchers examined scores from the 2022‑23 through 2024‑25 school years. After converting a variety of assessments—including Iowa Assessments, NWEA and ACT versions—into a national percentile, they found average math scores moved from the 47th to the 49th percentile, while English language arts scores rose from the 46th to the 51st percentile. Missouri’s own Nation’s Report Card places public‑school averages around the 45th to 47th percentile, making the MOScholars results comparable to, and in English slightly above, state averages.
Only students in grades three through ten are required to take the assessments, and about 22% of those eligible did not submit a valid score. Consequently, the analysis relied on fewer than 2,200 valid scores across the three years. The researchers caution that the data should be viewed as a baseline rather than proof of causation, given the limited timeframe and sample size.
Impact on students with disabilities and low‑income families
One of the program’s core goals is to assist students with individualized education programs (IEPs) and families meeting income guidelines. Approximately 30% of participants during the study period had IEPs—about twice the statewide rate—and they comprised 40% or more of the valid test‑score sample each year. While students with IEPs tended to score lower than peers without IEPs, the overall results suggest the program is reaching a demographic that traditionally faces educational challenges.
Collin Hitt, executive director of the PRiME Center and co‑author of the report, expressed optimism: “I would not have guessed that we would have seen test scores this high.” He added that as MOScholars continues to grow—enrolling more than 6,400 students last school year, with nearly 3,000 in the test‑eligible grades—future data should provide clearer insight into student growth trends.
Parental satisfaction and ongoing debate
A separate PRiME Center survey reported that 99% of responding parents are satisfied with MOScholars. Nonetheless, the program faces criticism from opponents who argue that public‑school funding is being diverted to private institutions that are not held to the same accountability standards. Some also raise concerns about potential discrimination based on religion, academic performance, disability or sexuality.
The lawsuit challenging the use of a portion of Missouri’s general tax revenue for MOScholars underscores the ongoing policy debate. Supporters contend that the scholarships expand educational choice for families, especially those with limited resources, while critics worry about the impact on already underfunded public schools.
Looking ahead
As the program matures, researchers anticipate more robust data that can better assess academic growth and long‑term outcomes. For now, the initial scores provide a hopeful sign that Missouri’s school‑choice initiative is delivering results comparable to national benchmarks while serving a population that often lacks adequate educational support.
Original reporting: The Beacon (Kansas City) — read the source article.
