Scholarship Programs
The 2006 Philadelpha BAEO Scholarship recipients
A wide range of local and national programs and foundations provide preschool - 12th grade students with scholarships to attend private schools. An estimated 60,000 students in more than 80 cities used private scholarship programs in the 2000-01 school year.
Demand for such scholarships far outweighs supply: parents submitted more than 1.25 million applications for the 40,000 scholarships awarded by the Children's Scholarship Fund in April 1999.
In Pennsylvania, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program has awarded private school tuition scholarships to nearly 20,000 Pennsylvania students. Through this program, Pennsylvania businesses receive a tax credit for contributions they make to approved scholarship organizations. This year, EITC funds can also be used to fund early childhood education.
The Kindergarten - 5th Grade Scholarship Program
The Philadelphia BAEO K-5 Scholarship Program provides Philadelphia�s low-income public school students with an opportunity to attend a private school; an opportunity they might not otherwise have. It also benefits students from low-income families who are already in private schools. This scholarship program is unique in that it requires students to maintain high academic standards and parents to be active participants in their child�s education.
Each scholarship recipient receives up to $4,000 per year, not to exceed the amount of tuition and fees charged by the school in which the student is enrolled. Awards are presented based on family income, parent involvement, and student achievement. Priority is given to families who are members of BAEO, who have an annual income of less than $30,000 and whose children currently attend public schools.
The Deirdre L. Bailey, Esq. Scholarship Program
Deirdre L. Bailey, Esq. was a founding Board Member of Philadelphia BAEO who died suddenly at the age of 32. She was a bright, beautiful young woman who was committed to serving her community.
Deirdre's family wanted to create a scholarship in her memory to provide Philadelphia students with quality educational options.
The Deirdre L. Bailey, Esq. Scholarship is awarded annually to a young lady in the 8th grade attending any Philadelphia public or private school to attend the private high school of her choice. Eligible students will exemplify Deirdre�s legacy of academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to community service.
Privately Financed Scholarships in Action
Most private scholarship programs serve students from low-income families, but eligibility criteria vary widely. Some programs require that families qualify for the federal free- or reduced-price lunch program and live in the district or community that the program serves. Others, particularly those admitting students to selective day and boarding schools, provide scholarships to children whose parents have low- to middle-incomes. Scholarship amounts can range from $1,000 to $2,500, and parents often are required to supplement scholarships with personal funds or voluntary service at the private school. In addition, many private schools independently offer financial aid and tuition/fee grants to low- to middle-income families.
Parents who are interested in a particular private school should contact the school directly and talk with parents of children who already attend the school to learn more about the school's curriculum, student/family services, overall academic program and financial aid opportunities. Application deadlines for private schools vary, but admission periods generally take place between late October and the end of February for the following academic year.