Fraser Institute Press Release: Government Funding for

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Contrary to misconceptions, government funding of independent schools in British Columbia saves the province (i.e. taxpayers) millions of dollars a year, according to a new study released by the Fraser Institute. Canada’s independent, impartial public policy think tank.

“Some argue that B.C.’s funding of independent schools takes resources away from government-run public schools, but in fact funding of independent schools actually reduces the burden on government finances, saving taxpayers money,” said Paige MacPherson, associate director of education policy at the Fraser Institute and co-author Funding BC’s independent schools saves the government money.

The Government of British Columbia partially funds independent schools at a rate of 0 to 35 per cent, or 50 per cent of the schools’ per-pupil operating funds, which helps cover costs for families and makes independent schools more affordable.

In 2020/21, the average per pupil cost of attending a government public school was $14,601. That same year, the average per-pupil cost for a student to attend an independent school was $8,685.

In other words, the British Columbia government saves an average of $5,916 for every student who attends an independent school rather than a public government school.

If just 10 per cent of independent school students transferred to government-run public schools because the government eliminated funding for independent schools, the British Columbia government would have to increase spending by $51.6 million a year.

If 25 per cent of independent school students transferred to government-run public schools, it would cost British Columbia taxpayers an additional $129.1 million a year. And if 50 per cent of independent school students migrated to government-run public schools, the British Columbia government would have to spend an additional $258.2 million a year.

“Government public school is not right for every child, and BC’s school choice policy makes independent schools affordable for many middle-income families,” MacPherson said.

“If funding were taken away from independent schools, many families would have no choice but to transfer to the government school system, limiting parents’ school choice and increasing costs for taxpayers.”

CONTACT WITH THE MEDIA: :

Paige MacPherson, deputy director of education policy
Fraser Institute

To conduct an interview or obtain additional information, please contact:
Drue MacPherson, Fraser Institute
Office: (604) 688-0221 ext. 721
Cell: (604) 250-8076
[email protected]

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The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and education organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal and affiliated with a global network of think tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by researching, measuring and broadly communicating the impact of government policies, entrepreneurship and choices on their well-being. To protect the Institute’s independence, it does not accept government grants or research contracts. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org