This argument again assumes that everyone should be denied the right to choose because only some might not be able to get exactly what they want in a school. School choice does not create a Utopia, but it does respect the rights of all families, including those with special education needs, to seek the best education for their children. There is also no reason to believe that competing schools will not be able to fill demand for important services: Private schools already serve many students with special needs.
The Facts:
School choice will most likely reduce transportation costs.
Transportation is a minor barrier compared to the cost of tuition or of buying a home in the "right" school district. A recent poll asked 502 Detroit parents with children in government schools why they did not enroll their children in a private or charter school of choice. Only 11 percent of all respondents cited lack of transportation as the primary barrier, but 43 percent said the expense of tuition was the chief reason. When asked which was the greater concern for them, tuition costs or transportation, 100 percent said tuition costs.169
Private schools are already serving special education students. According to the U.S. Department of Education, over 100,000 students attend private schools with public money. Students with serious emotional disturbance account for 40 percent of the students enrolled in these private schools, according to a recent study.170 There is no reason to believe that private schools would not continue to serve these and other special-needs students in an increasing number under a school choice program.