Montana School Choice
Montana supports school choice for families through tax-credit scholarships (up to $6,000/year via Student Scholarship Organizations), ACE Scholarships ($3,000-$4,000/year for families earning up to 300% FPL), 22 public charter schools authorized in 2024 (completely free), and public open enrollment effective 2024 allowing students to attend any public school statewide. The Montana Tax-Credit Scholarship program serves all Montana students ages 5-18 with no income limit, funded by donor tax credits (up to $200,000/donor, $6M statewide cap). Montana also allows homeschooling with part-time public school enrollment. IMPORTANT: The Special Needs ESA Program was blocked by court order in December 2025 and is NOT currently available. Average private school tuition ranges $8,000-$20,000+. Montana’s school choice landscape expanded significantly in 2024 with charter school authorization and statewide open enrollment.
Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account Program
On December 9, 2025, the Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account (ESA) Program was blocked by court order and is not currently available. Updates will be provided as available.
The Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account (ESA) Program provides education savings accounts to eligible students with special needs. These accounts allow families to customize their child’s education by accessing approved private services, therapies, and educational resources using state funds.
Tax Credit Scholarships
Montana offers tax credits to individuals and businesses that donate to scholarship organizations, which provide scholarships for students to attend private schools. This Montana school choice program depends on donations instead of automatic public funding.
ACE Scholarships
ACE Scholarships in Montana are income-based partial tuition scholarships designed to help lower-income families afford ACE partner private schools. As the scholarships are partial grants, families are responsible for any remaining tuition balance. There are currently over 100 ACE partner private schools operating across Montana.
Charter Schools
Public charter schools in Montana are tuition-free public schools operated independently from traditional district schools. They are funded like traditional public schools but have greater autonomy to design curriculum and operations. Some of their specialized focus areas include trades and career technical education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Montessori methods, Classical education, and alternative learning environments.
Public School Open Enrollment
Montana’s open enrollment policy allows families to transfer their child to any public school within the state. Application deadlines and procedures vary by district with enrollment subject to school capacity and several other state requirements. While there is no tuition charged, families are typically responsible for transportation to the school outside their resident district.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling in Montana is a legal choice for families who wish to instruct their children in a home setting. Homeschooling is subject to specific state requirements including registration to homeschool, required instructional hours based on grade, required subjects, and record keeping. Montana also allows homeschool families to enroll their children part-time in public schools in specific courses at no cost.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Family
Montana offers expanding school choice options including tax-credit scholarships, income-based scholarships, free charter schools, statewide open enrollment, and homeschooling. Here’s guidance based on different family situations:
For Families Seeking Private School Funding
Options: (1) Tax-Credit Scholarships (SSOs) – Up to $6,000/year, NO income restrictions, all students ages 5-18. Apply through approved Student Scholarship Organizations (first-come, first-served, $6M statewide cap). (2) ACE Scholarships – $3,000 (K-8) or $4,000 (9-12), income-restricted (up to 300% FPL). Apply Feb-April 15, awards announced June. Reality: Average private school tuition $8,000-$20,000+. Scholarships cover 25-50% of costs; families responsible for remainder. Many schools offer additional financial aid to supplement scholarships. Strategy: Apply for both tax-credit AND ACE scholarships to maximize funding. Apply early – tax-credit scholarships are first-come, first-served.
For Low-Income Families (Up to 300% Federal Poverty Guideline)
Best Options: (1) ACE Scholarships – $3,000-$4,000/year, apply Feb-April 15. (2) Tax-Credit Scholarships – Up to $6,000/year, apply year-round through SSOs. Can potentially combine both. (3) Charter Schools – 22 free schools statewide with specialized programs. (4) Public Open Enrollment – Free transfer to any Montana public school. Strategy: Apply for both scholarship programs, consider free charter/public options as backups.
For Families Above ACE Income Threshold
Best Options: (1) Tax-Credit Scholarships – Up to $6,000/year, NO income limit. (2) Charter Schools – Free, specialized programs (trades, Montessori, classical, STEM). (3) Public Open Enrollment – Free transfer to any Montana public school. (4) Private School Self-Pay with school-based financial aid. Note: Tax-credit scholarships available to ALL Montana families regardless of income – this is Montana’s primary private school funding mechanism for middle/upper-income families.
For Families with Special Needs Students
Current Situation: ESA program for special needs was blocked in December 2025 – NOT currently available. Alternative Options: (1) Charter schools specializing in alternative instruction or special needs (must provide IEP services). (2) Public open enrollment to schools with strong special education programs. (3) Tax-credit scholarships (up to $6,000) + private tutoring/therapy. (4) ACE Scholarships ($3,000-$4,000) for private school. (5) Traditional public schools with IEP services. Contact Montana Office of Public Instruction for updated guidance.
For Families Seeking Free Public Alternatives
Best Options: (1) Charter Schools – 22 schools operating statewide (NEW in 2024). Free, specialized focuses (trades, Montessori, classical, STEM, alternative learning). First-come or lottery. (2) Public Open Enrollment – Transfer to ANY Montana public school statewide (NEW in 2024). Free. Apply early; capacity limits apply. Transportation is family responsibility. (3) Traditional Public Schools with specialized programs/magnets.
For Homeschooling Families
Best Approach: (1) Register with county superintendent, teach required subjects (720-1,080 hours/year depending on grade), maintain records. No testing required. Costs $300-$3,000+/year. (2) Part-time public school enrollment – Access specific courses, extracurriculars, support services while homeschooling. Free. Coordinate with local school. (3) Tax-credit scholarships – May fund tutoring, curriculum, services for homeschool students (check with SSOs). (4) Homeschool co-ops – Active support groups throughout Montana.
Application Strategy and Timing:
Tax-Credit Scholarships (SSOs):
- Apply early in year – First-come, first-served until $6M statewide cap reached
- Identify SSO on Education Donations Portal
- Contact SSO directly for application procedures
- Some SSOs close applications once funds allocated
ACE Scholarships:
- Opens: First Monday in February
- Closes: April 15 (Tax Day)
- Awards: Announced in June
- Requires prior-year tax return, financial documentation
Charter Schools:
- Application periods vary by individual school
- Contact schools directly for enrollment windows
- First-come or lottery-based depending on capacity
Public Open Enrollment:
- Rolling applications accepted year-round
- Apply early – schools may close enrollment at capacity
- Contact desired district for specific procedures
Homeschool Registration:
- Register with county superintendent before beginning
- Provide annual notice of attendance
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tax-credit scholarships only for low-income families?
No. Montana’s tax-credit scholarships (through SSOs) have NO income restrictions. All Montana students ages 5-18 can apply regardless of family income. This makes Montana unique – most states restrict scholarships to lower-income families.
Can I apply for both ACE Scholarships and tax-credit scholarships?
Yes, families can apply to multiple programs. However, check with schools and SSOs about combining scholarships, as some may have restrictions on “stacking” aid.
Do charter schools charge tuition?
No. Montana law explicitly prohibits charter schools from charging tuition or fees. They are completely free public schools.
What if my child is denied a charter school?
Charter schools that use lottery systems notify rejected applicants and place them on a waiting list. Families can apply to multiple charter schools to increase chances.
Is open enrollment available everywhere in Montana?
Yes, open enrollment is statewide. Families can apply to transfer to any public school anywhere in Montana. However, schools can deny enrollment for capacity, truancy/disciplinary reasons, or if enrollment would interfere with educational goals.
Who pays for open enrollment?
The student’s home district pays tuition to the receiving district. Families pay nothing.
Do I need to provide transportation for open enrollment?
Yes, typically. Families are usually responsible for transportation to schools outside their resident district. This can be a barrier for rural families.
Can homeschoolers access scholarships?
Tax-credit scholarships through SSOs may fund tutoring, curriculum, or other approved services for homeschool students (check with individual SSOs). Traditional private school scholarships (ACE, etc.) are designed for full-time school enrollment.
What happened to the Special Needs ESA Program?
The program was authorized in 2023 but was blocked by court order in December 2025. It is NOT currently available. Families should monitor the Montana Office of Public Instruction for updates on future availability.
How much does private school cost in Montana?
Average private school tuition ranges $8,000-$20,000+ annually. Tax-credit scholarships (up to $6,000) and ACE Scholarships ($3,000-$4,000) typically cover 25-50% of costs. Families are responsible for the remainder.
Can I move my child between programs during the school year?
Movement between programs mid-year is possible in some cases (e.g., switching from one scholarship-funded private school to another). However, most transitions are intended to occur at the beginning of the school year. Contact programs involved to confirm flexibility.
Are private schools held to the same academic standards as public schools?
Private schools participating in tax-credit scholarship programs must meet Montana’s health and safety requirements but are not required to follow public school curriculum or testing mandates. Accredited schools typically follow established educational standards.
What if I move out of Montana?
Scholarships are generally for Montana residents attending schools in Montana. If you relocate out of state, your scholarship eligibility will likely end. Confirm with SSO or scholarship administrator before relocating.
How many charter schools are there in Montana?
As of December 2025, 22 public charter schools are approved and operating statewide. The first 17 opened for the 2024-25 school year. Additional applications are under review annually.
When did Montana authorize charter schools?
Charter schools were authorized beginning in 2024. This is a very new program in Montana, with rapid expansion happening now.
Can I combine public school and homeschool?
Yes. Montana allows homeschooled students to enroll part-time in public schools for specific courses, extracurricular activities, or support services while continuing homeschool for other subjects.