INDIANAPOLIS (AP): The number of Indiana students receiving private school vouchers grew by 12 percent this school year to nearly 33,000.

Figures released Thursday by the state Department of Education show that private schools could receive nearly $135 million in state voucher payments this school year, up from $116 million last year.

Almost 4,700 students living in the Fort Wayne Community Schools district are receiving vouchers, which is the highest mark in the state. The Indianapolis Public Schools and South Bend Community Schools are the next highest.

The state report says students receiving vouchers represent 2.9 percent of the total statewide school enrollment.