Missouri School Choice
Missouri supports school choice for families through the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program (MOScholars), which provides eligible students with funds to cover educational expenses at private schools, homeschooling costs, tutoring, and other approved educational services. The program was expanded statewide in January 2025 (previously limited to major metropolitan areas) and serves students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and families earning up to 300% of the federal free/reduced-price lunch threshold (~$178,433 for a family of four). Scholarships range from $6,375 to $11,156 per student depending on eligibility, funded by up to $75 million annually in tax credits. Missouri also operates extensive charter school systems in Kansas City (~40 schools, 47.9% of students) and St. Louis (~36 schools, 41.8% of students), plus public school open enrollment. Average private school tuition is $10,673. Homeschooling families are now eligible for MOScholars through select Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs). Missouri has also opted into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program for 2027, allowing taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for up to $1,700 in annual donations to certified Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs).
Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program (MOScholars)
The Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) Program provides eligible students with funds to cover educational expenses at private schools, homeschooling costs, tutoring, and other approved educational services. The program aims to increase educational choice and opportunities for low-income Missouri families and for families with children with disabilities.
MOScholars Tax Credit
The MOScholars Tax Credit Program allows individual and business donors to receive Missouri state income tax credits for donations made to certified Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs). These donations in turn fund the scholarships for students under the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) Program (MOScholars). The tax credit program provides tax credits of 100% of the donation amount, up to 50% of donor’s tax liability subject to an overall cap for the program as determined each year by Missouri.
Charter Schools
Missouri has one of the most extensive charter school systems in the nation, particularly in Kansas City and St. Louis. Missouri’s charter schools are independently operated public schools that do not charge tuition and are open to all students via lottery enrollment, if demand exceeds capacity.
Public School Open Enrollment
Missouri’s Public School Open Enrollment program allows students to transfer under certain circumstances to public schools outside their home school district. It is a voluntary program and participating districts set their own policies and capacity limits.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is a legal educational option and Missouri has relatively flexible homeschooling regulations: for notification, required subjects, attendance, record and progress tracking. Homeschooling families can now access MOScholars funding through select Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs) for approved homeschool expenses.
Private School Tuition Assistance
Beyond MOScholars, Missouri families have access to additional resources for private school tuition assistance, including school-based financial aid and federal tax-advantaged savings accounts such as 529 College Savings Plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Family
Missouri offers diverse school choice options including funded scholarships, extensive charter schools, and public school transfers. Here’s guidance based on different family situations:
For Families with Children with IEPs (Special Needs)
Best Option: MOScholars – Students with IEPs receive $11,156/year with NO income restrictions. Use funds for private school tuition, therapies, tutoring, curriculum, technology. Expanded statewide in January 2025. Apply February 1 for 2025-26 (October-March 31 for 2026-27). First-come, first-served. Also consider charter schools (free, must provide IEP services) or public school options (traditional or open enrollment).
For Low-to-Middle Income Families (Up to ~$178,433 for Family of Four)
Best Options: (1) MOScholars – $6,375-$7,650/year scholarships. Must have attended public school for one semester in past 12 months OR entering K/1st grade. Covers most private school tuition (avg $10,673). First-come, first-served; apply early. (2) Charter Schools – Free, extensive presence in Kansas City (47.9% of students, ~40 schools) and St. Louis (41.8% of students, ~36 schools). Apply Nov-March; lottery if oversubscribed. (3) Open Enrollment – Free transfer to other public districts. (4) Homeschool with MOScholars – Family Paced Education through approved EAOs.
For Families Above Income Threshold
Options: (1) Charter Schools – Free, excellent options in Kansas City and St. Louis areas. (2) Open Enrollment – Free transfer to other public districts. (3) Private School Self-Pay – Average $10,673; use 529 plans (up to $10,000/year K-12 tuition, increasing to $20,000 in 2026) or school-based financial aid. (4) Traditional Public Schools with magnet programs or specialized offerings.
For Homeschooling Families
New in 2025: MOScholars for Homeschoolers – Apply through select EAOs (e.g., Herzog Tomorrow Foundation). Receive $6,375-$11,156/year for curriculum, materials, online courses, tutoring, technology. Requires curriculum approval and standardized testing. Must meet same eligibility (IEP OR income ≤$178,433 + public school attendance). Traditional Homeschool: 1,000 hours instruction/year, 600 in core subjects. No testing required (unless using MOScholars). No certification needed. Costs $300-$3,000+/year without funding.
For Kansas City Area Families
Extensive Charter Options: ~40 charter schools serving 47.9% of students. Apply through SchoolAppKC (Nov-March). Free, lottery-based. MOScholars: Statewide expansion means all KC families eligible if meet income/IEP requirements. Open Enrollment: Transfer to other districts.
For St. Louis Area Families
Strong Charter Presence: ~36 charter schools serving 41.8% of students. Apply Nov-Feb through slpsmagnetschools.org. Free, lottery-based. MOScholars: All St. Louis families eligible if meet requirements. Open Enrollment: Available with district participation.
For Families in Other Missouri Areas (Statewide)
NEW: MOScholars expanded statewide January 2025 – Previously limited to major metros, now available to all Missouri families meeting eligibility. Charter schools expanding to Boone County (Columbia). Open enrollment available statewide (district participation varies).
Application Strategy and Timing:
MOScholars:
- 2025-26: Opens February 1 at 12:01 AM, first-come first-served
- 2026-27: Opens October 2025, closes March 31, 2026
- CRITICAL: Apply early – $75M annual cap, ~4,000 students maximum
- Prepare all documents before application opens
- Priority: returning recipients, siblings, IEPs, lowest income
Charter Schools:
- Kansas City: Apply Nov-March via SchoolAppKC, lottery deadline early March, results mid-March
- St. Louis: Apply Nov-Feb, priority deadlines vary
- Lottery if oversubscribed; first-come if space available
Open Enrollment:
- Contact receiving district for specific policies and deadlines
- Some districts limit transfers to 5% of enrollment
- Participating districts set capacity annually
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “school choice” mean for my family?
School choice means you have options beyond your assigned neighborhood public school. In Missouri, this includes scholarship programs to fund private school or homeschooling (MOScholars), free public charter schools, and the ability to transfer to other public districts (open enrollment).
Am I eligible for MOScholars if I don’t have an IEP?
Yes, if your household income does not exceed 300% of the federal free/reduced-price lunch threshold (~$178,433 for a family of four in 2024-2025) AND your child has attended a public school for at least one semester in the past 12 months OR is entering kindergarten or first grade.
How much funding will I receive from MOScholars, and is it enough for private school tuition?
Base scholarships range from $6,375 to $11,156 depending on eligibility. Average private school tuition in Missouri is $10,673, so scholarships cover most tuition at many schools but may not cover all costs at higher-tuition institutions. Families may need to contribute additional funds or seek school-based financial aid.
What schools can my child attend with a MOScholars scholarship?
Eligible schools include private schools, charter schools (outside your home district), public schools in other districts via open enrollment, Family Paced Education (homeschooling) programs through approved EAOs, and online/virtual schools. Schools must provide instruction in English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science.
Can I combine MOScholars with other programs?
No. If your child receives a MOScholars scholarship, they cannot simultaneously be enrolled in their home district’s public schools. However, siblings can pursue different options (one private via MOScholars, one in a charter school). MOScholars funds may be used to attend non-home-district public schools via open enrollment.
Do charter schools charge tuition?
No. Charter schools are free, publicly funded alternatives. They do not charge tuition or impose entrance requirements, though they use lotteries if demand exceeds capacity.
Can my child transfer to a different public school district?
Yes, through Missouri’s Public School Open Enrollment program. Participating districts may accept transfer students if space is available. Sending districts cannot prevent students from leaving, but receiving districts set capacity and may prioritize siblings of enrolled students, military families, and district employees.
When do I apply for MOScholars, and is there a deadline?
For 2025-2026, applications open February 1 at 12:01 AM and are awarded first-come, first-served. For 2026-2027, the application window extends from October 2025 through March 31, 2026. Early application is strongly recommended to secure a scholarship before the $75 million cap is reached.
Can I use MOScholars for homeschooling?
Yes, effective 2025, families can use MOScholars to fund Family Paced Education (homeschooling) through select Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs). This requires curriculum approval from the EAO and standardized testing, but offers funding ($6,375-$11,156) for materials, programs, and approved services.
What happens if I move to a different district in Missouri?
If you were using open enrollment to attend a different district, your transfer status becomes void and you would need to reapply if seeking to transfer again. If using MOScholars, you may continue the program as long as you remain a Missouri resident, regardless of district change.
How are MOScholars scholarships funded, and why do donors get tax credits?
MOScholars is a tax-credit scholarship program. Individuals and businesses donate to certified nonprofits (EAOs) and receive Missouri state income tax credits (up to 100% of their donation, capped at 50% of their tax liability). This allows private donations to fund scholarships while incentivizing donor participation. Tax credits are non-refundable, cannot be transferred, but can be carried forward four years.
What if my income is slightly above the threshold?
If your income exceeds 300% of the free/reduced lunch threshold (~$178,433 for family of four) and your child doesn’t have an IEP, you are not eligible for MOScholars. However, you can still access free charter schools, open enrollment to other public districts, or private school with school-based financial aid and 529 plan withdrawals.
Can I apply to multiple EAOs?
Families typically apply through one EAO at a time, though you can research multiple EAOs to find the best fit for your needs (geographic location, school partners, homeschool support, etc.). Check the State Treasurer’s MOScholars portal for the full list of certified EAOs.
What is the difference between MOScholars and traditional school vouchers?
MOScholars is a tax-credit scholarship program funded by private donations that receive tax credits, not direct state appropriations. Traditional vouchers use direct government funding. MOScholars offers more flexibility in how funds can be used (tuition, homeschool, tutoring, therapy, technology) compared to vouchers which typically only cover tuition.
How does the MOScholars Tax Credit work with the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit?
MOScholars is a tax-credit scholarship program funded by private donations that receive tax credits from the state (50% of your total Missouri state tax liability), not direct state appropriations. Missouri has also opted into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program for 2027, allowing taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for up to $1,700 in annual donations to certified Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs). As a donor, you cannot use the same donation for both tax credit programs but you can give separate donation amounts up to the limits. By Missouri opting into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, additional donations in turn should result in additional funds for more scholarships.
Are there geographic restrictions for MOScholars?
No, not anymore. MOScholars was expanded statewide in January 2025. Previously, the program was limited to Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Joplin, Cape Girardeau, and select counties. Now all Missouri families meeting eligibility requirements can apply regardless of where they live.