For the first time, School Choice lives up to its name.
Almost 97% of all Hoosier families now qualify for scholarships that cover up to 100% of the cost of tuition at most local Lutheran schools.
What’s new?
A newly passed Indiana state law makes it possible for MANY more families to receive a School Choice Scholarship at the non-public school of their choice. In fact, for many Hoosier families, these scholarships may cover the a large percentage of the 2023-2024 tuition at many regional Lutheran schools.
What’s changed?
Previously, this kind of tuition assistance was only available to a limited number of families, but the new legislation greatly expands the income threshold and removes the need for a pathway to receiving scholarships. For example, a family of four living in the Fort Wayne Community School district with a gross household income less than $222,000 a year can now qualify for up to $6,610 a year per child. That scholarship amount would cover the entire tuition at many regional Lutheran K-8 schools and nearly two-thirds the cost of tuition at Concordia Lutheran High School.
What’s next?
The charts outline the new income eligibility thresholds, based on household size, as well as the scholarship amounts available to Allen County Students. If your total household income falls below these thresholds, you may be eligible for a School Choice Scholarship. To verify your eligibility and available scholarship amount, contact the Lutheran school of your choosing.
Choosing the right school for your child is a huge decision to make as a parent, and you deserve a school where you don’t have to compromise faith and values for high-quality education.
Contact your preferred Lutheran school to check your eligibility and apply for a School Choice Scholarship.
FAQs
How much funding does a School Choice Scholarship provide?
The amount that a School Choice Scholarship is worth has dramatically increased. Previously, multiple tiers for School Choice Scholarships existed and a student may have only qualified for a partial School Choice Scholarship. Now, every qualifying student is eligible for the full amount based upon the school district of your residence. (Refer to the chart above.) In some cases—including at most of the region’s Lutheran schools—the maximum amount available is greater than the total tuition costs. In those cases, the scholarship simply covers the entire cost of tuition for qualifying students.
What if the School Choice Scholarship is more than the tuition at my chosen school?
A School Choice Scholarship can ONLY be applied to tuition. After your child has enrolled in the participating non-public school of your choice and applied for a School Choice Scholarship, the scholarship funds are sent directly to the school by the state of Indiana. The scholarship is not a voucher, so there is no funding left over to use. In some cases—including at most of the region’s Lutheran schools—the maximum amount available is greater than the total tuition costs. In those cases, the scholarship simply covers the entire cost of tuition for qualifying students.
How do I know if my family eligible for a School Choice Scholarship?
The only requirements are the income levels listed above and if the non-public school chooses to participate in the School Choice program. If your family doesn’t meet the income requirement, or if your preferred school does not participate, you may still be eligible for other forms of tuition assistance, including SGO (Scholarship Granting Organization) scholarships. Contact your preferred Lutheran school to discuss your eligibility and options.
Will a School Choice Scholarship cover all of the costs associated with a Lutheran school education?
A School Choice Scholarship can be applied to the tuition at any participating non-public school in Indiana. It cannot be applied to additional costs such as book fees, extracurricular fees, parking fees, etc.
This legislation is new. Will this School Choice Scholarship expansion stay in place for several years?
The reality of politics and public opinion in Indiana almost guarantees that this expansion of School Choice will stay in place for at least a decade. Any future challenges to this legislation will be met by a robust team of Indiana legislators, lobbyists and supporters who are poised to defend School Choice and optimistic about even more opportunities in the future.
