Ohio Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help or official support, visit the state’s program website. Program information verified using official state information.
How does this program work?
The Ohio Jon Peterson Special Needs (JPSN) Scholarship provides scholarships to students who are eligible to attend grades K-12 and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) from their public school district. The scholarship allows students to attend approved special education programs other than the one operated by their resident school district. The program aims to increase educational options and access to services outlined in the student’s IEP.
Families choose from more than 300 public and private schools, therapists, and agencies.
Why this matters to families in Ohio:
Some children need a learning environment that provides more personalized support than their assigned public school can offer. The Ohio Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship program helps families find a school that better meets their child’s individual learning or developmental needs.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
Voucher
Scholarships are awarded according to the primary diagnosis on the child’s IEP and evaluation team report (ETR) from the child’s public school district. There are six different categories to assist families with the costs of intervention and educational services and the amount of each scholarship will be based on the primary disability identified on the student’s ETR. The categories are:
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Specific Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability or OHI-minor
- Hearing Impaired or Emotional Disturbance
- Vision Impaired or OHI-major
- Orthopedic Impairment or Multi-handicapped
- Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury, or Hearing and Vision Impaired
You can find the specific scholarship award amounts for these categories on the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Resources page.
Who is eligible for this program?
K-12 students with an IEP can apply for the Ohio Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship. The public district identifies the student as a child with a disability, and the district’s ETR confirms the need for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). The student must also hold a current, finalized IEP from the resident school district, with agreement from all parties, including the parent.
How can families use the funds?
Families can use their scholarships at Ohio JSPN program participating schools and service providers. Parents are responsible for any costs exceeding these amounts in addition to services not identified in the Individualized Education Program (IEP). To receive the full scholarship amount, students must enroll in the scholarship program for the entire program year.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Ohio.
- Educational Status: Students entering or in grades K-12 and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) from their public school district.
- School Requirements: Families can use funds at eligible participating schools and service providers that are approved by the state.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the student meets the residency and IEP requirements. Review the How to Apply for a Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship on the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce site. You can find additional resources on the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Resources page.
- Gather Information: Refer to the Parent Portal Manual for information on what to gather for the application and how you will set up an account on the Parent Portal site.
- Choose an Eligible Provider: Select an approved school or service provider (select Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship from the left hand menu to see providers). Confirm your child will be able to enroll or register with the eligible provider. You will need to go through their regular application process.
- Complete the Application: Once your child is accepted by the school or service provider, the school can provide you with the scholarship application form. Work with the school or service provider to complete the application process.
Where can families learn more?
For other Ohio School Choice Programs: Refer to our Ohio State Summary.