Georgia Promise 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 Georgia Promise Scholarship, passed in 2024, is an Education Savings Account (ESA) initiative that gives families greater flexibility in customizing their child’s education. Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, eligible students in Georgia can receive state funds to pay for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, therapy, curriculum, and more. Designed to prioritize students in the greatest need, the program will be expanded gradually.
Why this matters to families in Georgia:
Some children thrive when they have access to a school or education provider that offers a different educational setting or learning approach. The Georgia Promise Scholarship program lets parents choose an option that better supports their child’s growth.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
ESA
Funding Amount: Up to $6,500
Who is eligible for this program?
To qualify for the Georgia Promise Scholarship in the 2025–2026 school year, students must:
- Be residents of Georgia and their parent has resided in Georgia for more than 1 year (with the exception of active-duty military personnel)>
- Be enrolled in a public school ranked in the bottom 25% of academic performance, or
- Be children of active-duty military personnel, or
- Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan
How can families use the funds?
Georgia Promise Scholarship funds can be used for a wide variety of educational expenses, including:
- Tuition and fees for approved private schools
- Homeschool curriculum and instructional materials
- Educational therapies (occupational, speech, etc.)
- Tutoring services and academic support
- Standardized testing fees and college entrance exams
- Technology needed for educational use (e.g., laptops)
- Online courses, dual enrollment, and career prep programs
Families must make purchases through the state-approved vendor portal. Once approved, they will receive training from the Georgia Department of Education. For a complete list of eligible expenses, refer to the Eligible Expenses List (third orange button on the third row) on the Resources section on the Georgia Promise Scholarship site.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Georgia.
- Educational Status: Students entering K-12 grades enrolled in a public school ranked in the bottom 25% of academic performance, or a child of active-duty military personnel, or a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan
- School Requirements: Eligible private schools registered with the state of Georgia
- Application Requirements: Parents must agree to use the funds solely for educational purposes and comply with program guidelines.
- Assessment Requirements: The program requires participating students to annually complete a nationally norm-referenced test or state-wide assessment, measuring academic progress in math and language arts.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your child meets the eligibility requirements for the current school year by checking the program site for the Georgia Promise Scholarship. You can also use the pre-screen tool to help you determine if your child is eligible.
- Choose an Eligible School or Provider: Ensure your selected private school or education service provider is approved to receive Georgia Promise Scholarship funds by reviewing the Approved Service Providers list (middle orange button on the third row) on the Resources section on the Georgia Promise Scholarship site.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including proof of residency, most recent federal 1040 tax form, for grades 1-12 proof of public school enrollment for the 2024- 2025 academic year (e.g., report card, transcript, enrollment/attendance report). For more information and help for the Georgia Promise Scholarship, refer to the Resources section on the Georgia Promise Scholarship site.
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the program site site during the open enrollment period.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation.
- Upon approval, follow the provided instructions to set up your ESA account and begin allocating funds towards eligible educational expenses.
- Additional and re-certification information: Please refer to the Family Handbook on the Georgia Promise Scholarship site.
Where can families learn more?
For other Georgia School Choice Programs: Refer to our Georgia State Summary.