Ohio EdChoice 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 Ohio Traditional EdChoice Scholarship Program expands school choice for families by offering state-funded scholarships to K-12 students. These scholarships are available to students attending or assigned to public schools designated as underperforming by the Ohio Department of Education. Families can use these scholarships to send their children to participating private schools that align with their educational needs.
The program also offers scholarships based on household income if families provide income verification, making private education more accessible. Families can choose from over 450 private schools that accept EdChoice scholarship students.
Why this matters to families in Ohio:
When the local public school is designated as underperforming by the Ohio Department of Education, the EdChoice Scholarship program helps families explore a private school education for their child. It ensures parents have a meaningful choice in selecting the school that best supports their child’s success.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
Voucher
The EdChoice Scholarship amounts are:
- Grades K-8: $6,166
- Grades 9-12: $8,408
EdChoice scholarships cover either the scholarship amount or the private school’s tuition, whichever is less. Private schools must accept the scholarship as full tuition for families earning under 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL) if they provide income verification.
The program is state-funded with an annual cap. It is best to research and apply as early as possible if you are considering this program.
Who is eligible for this program?
Students eligible for the Ohio EdChoice Scholarship include:
Current Students
- Students attending EdChoice public school buildings.
- Students at community schools who would otherwise attend EdChoice public schools.
- Students attending public schools in their district who would be assigned to EdChoice public schools for the upcoming year.
New Students
- First-time Ohio students assigned to EdChoice public schools.
- Incoming kindergarteners (5 years old by January 1 of the school year) assigned to EdChoice public schools.
- Incoming grades 9-12 students assigned to EdChoice public schools, regardless of prior school enrollment.
- Incoming grades K-6 students assigned to EdChoice public schools, regardless of prior school enrollment.
Previous Scholarship Recipients
- Students who previously received an Autism or Jon Peterson Scholarship but no longer need special education services.
Other Eligible Students
- Students with siblings who received an EdChoice Scholarship in the previous year.
- Students in foster care, kinship care, or residing with guardians.
- Students who are homeless or reside in households with homeless students.
Families that do not meet these criteria may qualify for the EdChoice Expansion Scholarship by providing household income verification.
How can families use the funds?
The Ohio EdChoice Scholarship covers tuition costs at eligible private schools. Parents may need to pay additional fees, such as registration or materials costs.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Must be Ohio residents.
- Grade Levels: Open to K-12 students.
- School Choice: Scholarships apply to eligible private schools meeting state standards.
- Application Window: Refer to the EdChoice Scholarship page on the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce site for deadlines.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Visit the EdChoice Scholarship page on the Ohio Department of Education’s website to confirm eligibility requirements.
- Prepare required documents like your child’s birth certificate, proof of income, and proof of residency. Create an account on the Parent Portal for easy submission.
- Choose a school: Select an eligible private school and complete their admission process. Confirm the school accepts EdChoice scholarships.
- Complete the Application: Once the private school accepts your child, they will submit the scholarship application on your behalf. If using income verification, submit the required forms and supporting documents online or by mail to the Ohio Department of Education.
Where can families learn more?
For other Ohio School Choice Programs: Refer to our Ohio State Summary.