Plans have direct effects on student assignment to schools and indirect effects on the design of American education. Most plans fall near the middle of the continuum between these two types. Virtually every state in the nation has either enacted or is considering a choice plan. Intradistrict choice allows students to choose schools within one public school district. Depending on the specific plan, the range of choice may include a few to all schools in a district.
Interdistrict choice permits students to cross district lines to attend school.
Tuition funds from the state follow the student and transportation costs are usually provided. Unlimited interdistrict choice is equivalent to statewide open enrollment. Intrasectional choice is limited to public schools. Intersectional choice includes both public and private schools. Controlled choice requires families to choose a school within a community, but choices can be restricted to ensure the racial, gender, and socioeconomic balance of each school.