LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada is defending its school choice program that offers parents several thousand dollars to send their children to private schools if they choose.

State solicitor general Lawrence VanDyke argued Thursday in a Clark County court that a case filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Separation of Church and State should be dismissed.

Clark County Judge Eric Johnson didn't say when he would return with a ruling after hearing three hours of arguments.

Van Dyke says the program isn't unconstitutional because it doesn't directly fund religious schools. He says the money goes to parents who spend it however they want on education.

Attorney Richard Katskee says there's nothing wrong with parents choosing to send children to private schools but the state shouldn't be paying for it.