Iowa is one of eight states with a statewide choice program.

Although other states and cities offer choice programs, they fall short of Colorado's initiative.

Like many parents, she doesn't see a choice program as a fair option because experiences of students differ.

One day, the students in the choice program arrived in school and were told not to come back.

They also dispute the value of the choice program.

Choice programs within one school district have been the most successful in improving student achievement, the report concludes.

"Religion hasn't been an issue for the families coming on the choice program," Brother Smith said.

Several local school boards already have established choice programs.

Choice programs in various forms have swept the country in the last few years.

Minnesota started the first statewide choice program in 1988.