Parents in a number of cities and states have access to privately financed programs that support school choice by offering students full or partial scholarships.
A wide range of local and national programs and foundations provide preschool�12th grade students with scholarships to attend private schools.
Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia have privately funded scholarship organizations that provide tuition assistance to more than 60,000 students. But demand for such scholarships far outstrips supply.
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.
Amounts can range from full to partial scholarship, with partial grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. It is in these cases 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.