Kansas School Choice
While Kansas does not offer any automatically funded school choice programs, it does provide an open enrollment program by public school district and some funding through business donations incentivized by tax credits. Kansas offers a limited but meaningful tax-credit scholarship program for qualifying low-income families (earning up to 250% of federal poverty line, approximately $57,720 for a family of four), providing scholarships up to $8,000 annually for private school tuition (average award: $3,200). The state allocates $10 million annually in tax credits on a first-come, first-served basis, along with charter schools, homeschooling, and open enrollment within public systems. Note: The Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP) concluded on January 31, 2025 and is no longer available.
Kansas Open Enrollment Program
Kansas provides an open enrollment program by public school district, if there is capacity. Kansas school districts will determine and publish how much extra capacity they have for transfer students for each of their schools on or before May 1st of each year.
Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship
Kansas has a Tax Credit for Low-Income Students Scholarship Program, which provides businesses with tax credits for their donations to scholarship-granting organizations. These scholarships help low-income students attend private schools, funded through business contributions rather than automatic public funds. This Kansas school choice program therefore expands your child’s educational options.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Family
Kansas offers fewer school choice options compared to some neighboring states, but families do have meaningful alternatives to traditional district public schools based on their situation:
For Families Seeking Private School Tuition Help
Best Option: If your family income is below 250% of the federal poverty line (~$57,720 for a family of four) and your child meets other eligibility requirements, the Tax Credit for Low-Income Students Scholarship Program is the primary option. Apply through an approved SGO in your region.
Funding: Up to $8,000 per student (average $3,200).
Important: K-8 students must have attended Kansas public school the previous year when first applying. High school students (9-12) do not have this requirement.
For Higher-Income Families: If your family income exceeds 250% FPL, you are not eligible for the current state tax-credit scholarship. Explore charter schools (free and publicly funded) or open enrollment in another public school district. The new federal tax credit program (effective 2027) may expand opportunities—monitor updates.
For Families Transitioning from Public Schools
Options: (1) Apply for a scholarship to a private school through an SGO if income-qualified (≤250% FPL), (2) Explore charter schools (which are free and operate as public schools), or (3) Request open enrollment to a different public school district (subject to district policies and capacity).
Timing: If considering private school scholarships, apply early as funds are first-come, first-served with a $10 million annual cap.
For Families Considering Homeschooling
Reality: Homeschooling is a flexible option requiring only registration and meeting state hour and instructional requirements (1,116 hours/year, 186 days × 6 hours/day). No tuition funding is available—families have full control over curriculum and approach but bear all costs.
Requirements: Register once with KSDE, provide competent instructor (no credentials required), teach required subjects (reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies).
For Families Seeking Free Public Alternatives
Best Options: (1) Charter schools are free, publicly funded schools open to all students via lottery if oversubscribed. They offer innovative approaches while maintaining public school costs (zero tuition). Apply November-February for following school year. (2) Open enrollment also allows access to other public school districts, subject to district policies and capacity (published by May 1 annually). Contact your local district for availability.
For Families Above Income Thresholds
If your family income exceeds 250% of federal poverty line, Kansas’s current tax-credit scholarship program is not available. However, you may explore private school options directly (paying tuition out-of-pocket) or investigate whether the new federal tax credit program (launching 2027) offers opportunities. Charter schools and open enrollment remain available to all families regardless of income.
Income Comparison:
- ≤250% FPL (~$57,720 for family of 4): Eligible for tax-credit scholarships (up to $8,000, average $3,200), charter schools (free), open enrollment (varies)
- >250% FPL: Charter schools (free), open enrollment (varies), private school (full tuition out-of-pocket), federal tax credit possibility starting 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my family qualifies for a scholarship?
The main eligibility requirement is household income. Your family income must not exceed 250% of the federal poverty line (approximately $57,720 for a family of four). Additionally, children in grades K–8 must have attended a Kansas public school the previous school year when applying for the first time (this requirement does not apply to high school students, grades 9-12). Check with your chosen SGO for the most current income limits and exceptions.
What if I’ve been told I’m not eligible—is there any other way to get help?
If your family income exceeds the 250% poverty line threshold, you are not eligible for the current state tax-credit scholarship. However, the new federal tax credit for SGO donations (effective 2027) may expand opportunities. For now, explore charter schools (free and publicly funded) or open enrollment in another public school district.
Can I use a scholarship at any private school in Kansas?
No. The scholarship must be used at a private school that has notified the Kansas State Board of Education of its intention to participate in the program. Schools must also be accredited by the State Board of Education or a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Contact your SGO for a current list of participating schools.
What happens if the scholarship doesn’t cover the full tuition?
Families may supplement the scholarship with their own funds to cover the difference. Most private schools allow this, but confirm the policy with your chosen school before enrolling.
Do I have to choose a school in my home district?
No. Scholarships can be used at any qualified private school in Kansas, regardless of district. Some families travel to schools outside their home areas. Be aware of transportation logistics if the school is far from home.
What if the private school I want is full—can I get on a waiting list?
Private schools set their own enrollment policies and may maintain waiting lists. Contact the school directly. Charter schools (free public schools) also may have waiting lists if oversubscribed; ask about their waitlist process when you apply.
Can my child attend a charter school and also receive a scholarship to a private school?
No. A student cannot attend both simultaneously for the same school year. However, a family could choose a charter school one year and apply for a private school scholarship in a different year. Charter schools are free, so there’s no financial barrier to trying a charter school first.
Do charter schools cost money?
No. Charter schools are public schools and are completely free to attend. No tuition, fees, or required donations. Parents are not charged to enroll.
If I homeschool, can I receive any funding from the state?
Kansas does not provide direct funding for homeschooling through school choice programs. Homeschooling families bear the cost of curriculum, materials, and instruction. However, private tutoring or educational services purchased by the family may be available through other means (such as the federal tax credit for SGOs, effective 2027, if family income qualifies).
What is the difference between a scholarship and an ESA (Education Savings Account)?
A scholarship is a direct award to help pay private school tuition. An ESA is a government-funded account that parents control and can use for multiple education expenses (tutoring, online school, therapy, curriculum, etc.). Kansas currently does not have an ESA program, though several have been proposed in the legislature.
How do I apply for a scholarship? Do I need to contact the school or the SGO first?
Contact the Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) directly—not the school. The SGO evaluates your family’s eligibility, awards the scholarship, and then works with your chosen school. Your school will be notified by the SGO once the scholarship is awarded.
Once I receive a scholarship, do I keep it from year to year?
Scholarships are awarded annually. You must reapply each year if you wish to continue. Renewal is typically given priority (before new applicants), so families who have received scholarships are more likely to continue receiving them in subsequent years, subject to continued eligibility.
What is the $10 million cap and when does it reset?
Kansas allocates $10 million annually in tax credits for the scholarship program. Once this cap is reached, no additional scholarships can be awarded until January 1 of the following year when the cap resets. Applications are processed first-come, first-served, so applying early increases your chances.
What happened to the KEEP program?
The Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP), which provided $1,000 awards for educational goods and services, concluded on January 31, 2025. This program is no longer available.
What is the federal tax credit starting in 2027?
Congress approved a new federal tax credit for donations to SGOs (up to $1,700 per donor per year) effective 2027. Kansas will need to formally opt into this program for donors to claim the federal credit. This could potentially expand scholarship availability for eligible families. Monitor updates from the Kansas Department of Education.