Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
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 Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MOScholars) is an education savings account funded through Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs). The 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.
Why this matters to families in Missouri:
The Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program gives parents the ability to choose alternate educational settings or services that are a better fit for their child’s learning needs. It ensures families have additional financial support for these choices.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
ESA
Past scholarship amounts were ~$7000. Each year, students participating in MOScholars receive scholarship funding based on the state adequacy target (SAT) as calculated by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Since amounts change each year, refer to the MOScholars site and scroll down towards the bottom of the page to the section: “Resources and Documents”. Click on the “+” and then click on the “Parent Handbook” to review the section “How much can an eligible student receive annually?” which describes the calculation for the SAT based on different student requirements.
Who is eligible for this program?
A child is eligible to apply for a Missouri MOScholars scholarship if they have an approved Individual Education Plan (IEP) Eligibility Determination under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Eligibility also applies to individuals with a service plan (ISP) developed in cooperation with a local educational agency under IDEA. The IEP or ISP that is provided for program eligibility must be dated within thirty-six months of the date of the student’s application to the program.
In addition, the child is a member of a household whose total annual income does not exceed an amount equal to 300% of the income standard used to qualify for free and reduced lunches (FRL). The student must also have attended a public school as a full-time student for at least one semester during the previous twelve months of applying to the program, or, is eligible to begin kindergarten or first grade.
How can families use the funds?
Families can use the funds from a Missouri MOScholars scholarship for educational expenses including:
- tuition and fees at a qualified school
- textbooks
- educational therapies or services from a licensed or accredited provider
- tutoring services
- curriculum
- computer hardware or other technological devices used to help meet educational needs
- fees for summer education programs
- specialized after-school education programs
- transportation costs for mileage to and from a qualified school
See a full list of eligible and ineligible expenses on the MOScholars site. After approval, a ClassWallet account will manage the funds.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Income Level: Families with a child with an IEP or ISP, total annual income does not exceed an amount equal to 300% of the income standard used to qualify for free and reduced lunches (FRL).
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Missouri.
- Educational Status: Students entering K-12 grades.
- School Requirements: Funds can be used at eligible private schools or educational service providers that meet state standards.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the student meets the income and residency requirements. Review the MOScholars site for additional important details, including reviewing the most current Parent Handbook (scroll to the bottom of the page to find Resources and Documents links and FAQs).
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including proof of income and residency.
- Choose an Eligible School: If desired, select a private school, homeschool option or other educational service provider that participates in the program. Next, identify and contact a certified EAO partnering with the type of schooling chosen.
- Complete the Application: EAOs are responsible for prescreening students for eligibility, and then providing access to the online MOScholars application. Follow the application process provided by the EAO.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation and forms required.
Where can families learn more?
For other Missouri School Choice Programs: Refer to our Missouri State Summary.