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- calendar_today October 31, 2026
Missouri Releases MOScholars Program Performance Report
Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek has unveiled a comprehensive report evaluating the first three years of the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program (MOScholars). The report analyzes student performance from the program's inception in the 2022-23 school year through its third year, offering key data on educational outcomes, student demographics, and parental satisfaction.
Analysis of Student Performance in MOScholars
The report, titled "MOScholars Program: Three-Year Report, Student Outcomes," was prepared by the Policy Research in Missouri Education (PRiME) Center at Saint Louis University. It evaluates 2,156 scores from 19 nationally norm-referenced assessments for students in grades 3-10 who participate in MOScholars. These students are required to take assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and math to measure achievement and growth.
Key Findings: ELA and Math Performance
- The average ELA scores for MOScholars participants increased from the 46th to the 51st national percentile over three years.
- Average math scores rose from the 47th to the 49th national percentile during the same period.
- In comparison, the typical Missouri public school student scores between the 45th and 47th percentile on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in 2024, according to PRiME Center analysis.
Focus on Special Needs and Diverse Student Demographics
More than 30 percent of MOScholars participants are special needs students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), a proportion significantly higher than the state average. The remaining students qualify for the program based on statutory income limitations.
Educational Pathways and Growth in Enrollment
MOScholars supports a variety of educational pathways in Missouri, including private schools, family-paced education, interdistrict enrollment, and special education services. The program has seen rapid growth in enrollment, starting with 1,361 students in the 2022-2023 school year and reaching over 10,000 students by the current year. For the 2026-27 school year, $68.7 million in educational funds have been awarded to 10,235 students under the program.
Parental Satisfaction with MOScholars
The PRiME Center also conducted a Parent Satisfaction Survey at the end of each school year from 2022-23 through 2024-25. SurveyMonkey was used to gather feedback from families participating in the program:
- 99% of respondents expressed overall satisfaction with the MOScholars program.
- 98% indicated satisfaction with their child’s academic achievement.
- 359 open-ended responses voiced gratitude and appreciation for the MOScholars program; 95 described its impact as beneficial.
- 77 respondents called for increased funding, while 56 requested greater flexibility in how scholarship funds are used.
- 42 respondents asked for expanded eligibility to include more students.
Overview of the MOScholars Program
The MOScholars program was established in 2021 when the Missouri General Assembly enacted HB 349 and SB 86. It provides financial assistance for educational expenses to qualified Missouri students, prioritizing those with IEPs and from low-income households. Approved nonprofit Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs) administer scholarship accounts and awards according to state guidelines. Scholarship amounts and usage are governed by statute.
Statements from Leadership
"My office is proud to support the MOScholars Program because an investment in our children’s education is an investment in Missouri’s future," said Treasurer Vivek Malek. Collin Hitt, executive director of the PRiME Center, added, "These early results are encouraging. They provide a baseline for future years. The program is growing exponentially. As it does, so will our ability to go beyond single-year tests and watch how students grow over time."
Looking Forward
As the MOScholars program continues to expand, ongoing assessment and feedback from families will play a vital role in its development. Interested families can sign up for the MOScholars newsletter for updates on future application periods and program developments.
Source: suntimesnews.com.
