��������

Not Just for College: A Guide to K-12 Scholarships (2025 Update)

When most families and educators think of scholarships, the focus tends to be on higher education. But increasingly, substantial scholarship opportunities exist for students before college—indeed for “K-12” students in grades K through 12. This guide explores the landscape of K-12 scholarships in 2025: what’s changed, what families need to know, and how parents, students and educators can leverage these options. It also links to resources at for schools and choice programs.

Why K-12 Scholarships Matter Now

Tuition trends tell the story. According to recent data, the national average tuition for private K-12 schools stands around $12,790 per year, though actual costs vary widely by grade level and region.For example, a 2025 report shows median day-school tuition at approximately $26,800 for elementary, $30,535 for middle grades and $35,105 for high school.
With such costs, scholarship assistance becomes a meaningful planning tool—not just for college, but for K-12 school choice, private day or boarding schools, and alternative learning settings.

Meanwhile, policy is shifting. In January 2025, the White House issued an executive order declaring that “parents — rather than just geography — should direct the education of their children,” and directed federal agencies to issue guidance on how states can use formula funding for K-12 choice and scholarship initiatives.Further, Congress enacted the first-ever federal tax-credit for K-12 education scholarships: starting January 1 2027, individual taxpayers may receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) that distribute K-12 scholarships in states that opt-in. All of this means families have a growing opportunity to access funds for K-12 education. But they must also navigate eligibility, deadlines and program design.

Key Types of K-12 Scholarships in 2025

Here are the major categories of K-12 scholarship programs available in 2025:

1. State-level scholarships and voucher/education savings account (ESA) programs
Many states now offer K-12 scholarships or ESAs that allow funds to follow the student into private, charter or other choice settings. For example:

• In Tennessee, the “Education Freedom Scholarship” for 2025-26 is proposed at $7,295 per student, with 20,000 awards available (10,000 need-based, 10,000 universal) and eligibility for K-12 students in Tennessee.

• In Ohio, the EdChoice Scholarship offers amounts of about $6,166 for grades K-8 and $8,408 for grades 9-12 for eligible K-12 students.

• In Arizona, the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) covers many private K-12 school tuitions fully or partially for eligible families.

2. Private scholarships for K-12 students
Beyond state programs, nonprofit and corporate entities offer scholarships that apply to K-12 students. For instance:

• Folds of Honor provides scholarships for private school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12 to children of first responders and military personnel.

• Online providers of private schooling (e.g., K12, Inc. and partner schools) offer their own K-12 scholarship contests and tuition-assistance programs.

3. Upcoming federal tax-credit scholarship program (effective 2027)
As noted above, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” introduced a federal tax-credit program for contributions to SGOs that distribute K-12 scholarships. Eligibility requires a household income at or below 300 % of area median gross income and that the student be eligible to attend a public school. The program goes live in 2027.

What Families Should Consider Before Applying

When exploring K-12 scholarships, parents should evaluate several key factors:

Eligibility: Many programs restrict eligibility by income, grade level, school type or residence. For example, income caps of 300 % of area median income are common.
Amount and renewal: Scholarship values vary greatly — from a few thousand dollars to full tuition coverage. Are they renewable each year?
Qualifying expenses: Some scholarships pay only tuition; others also cover tutoring, textbooks, transport, uniforms and even home-school curriculum. For example, the federal program’s eligible expenses include tuition, tutoring, computers, transportation and more.
School acceptance: If using the funds at a private school (including boarding schools), confirm that the school accepts the scholarship program, meets accreditation or state-approval requirements, and that there are no hidden extra costs. You may use resources at to check school profiles.
Deadline and timing: Many applications open in the fall and fill quickly. For example, the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship accepts new applications from October 1 to December 31 for the spring semester.
Impact on public choice: For families considering moving their child from public to private school, evaluate how the scholarship interacts with public school funding and logistics (transport, zoning, extracurriculars).
Strategic planning: Using a scholarship now for K-12 may reduce the amount needed later at college; conversely, families may want to balance K-12 tuition savings with other long-term education savings.

Real-World Example: How It Works

Consider a family in Tennessee with a child entering 5th grade. The family’s household income is under 300 % of the eligibility threshold. They apply for the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship and receive $7,295 toward private school tuition for 2025-26. They enroll the child in a private day school with tuition of $20,000. The scholarship covers ~36 % of tuition; the family arranges for additional financial aid or payment plan for the balance.

Or consider a family in Ohio: their 10th-grade student qualifies for the EdChoice Scholarship at $8,408. They choose a private school that accepts EdChoice, apply the award to tuition, and combine it with the school’s internal aid to manage cost.

These cases illustrate that scholarships may not cover full tuition — but they shift the cost-equation significantly and open access to schooling options otherwise out of reach.

Expert Insight

Dr. Marina Keller, an education policy analyst, observes: “The K-12 scholarship market in 2025 is no longer peripheral. With state programs expanding and the first federal tax-credit law enacted, families should treat K-12 scholarship planning with the same seriousness as college aid planning.”

She adds: “The income-cap thresholds and state-opt-in design mean timing and geography matter. Families should map their eligibility early, align with school deadlines, and consider multi-year renewals.”

Checklist for Parents and Educators

• Start early. Begin researching K-12 scholarship programs 12 – 18 months in advance of the intended school year.

• Gather documentation. Prepare income verification, residency proofs, previous grades and school-eligibility forms.

• Compare schools. Evaluate tuition rates, extra fees, scholarship acceptance, accreditation, and program fit.

• Apply broadly. Apply to multiple scholarship options (state and private) to maximize chances.

• Monitor renewal requirements. Many programs require annual re-application, maintaining GPA, or staying within the school.

• Budget wisely. Treat the scholarship as part of tuition funding—not necessarily covering full cost.

• Consult resources. Use authoritative sources such as the U.S. Department of Education, or to compare schools and programs.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2026-27 and Beyond

• With the federal tax-credit scholarship program launching in 2027, donated funds toward SGOs will create additional K-12 scholarship opportunities.

• More states are moving toward universal eligibility for education-choice scholarships or ESAs. As of mid-2025 nearly 12 states have universal programs, and funded eligibility (how many students can be served) remains a key metric.

• Private school tuition inflation, switching to hybrid/online delivery, and rising demand for personalized learning mean scholarships may increasingly cover non-traditional costs (e.g., tutoring, tech, blended models).

Final Thoughts

K-12 scholarships are no longer just an afterthought for families focused on college. In 2025, they represent a strategic part of school-choice planning. With tuition trends rising and policy expansion underway, accessing K-12 scholarships can help families navigate private, charter or alternative schooling with greater financial flexibility.

Whether you’re a parent evaluating options, a student looking toward next year, or an educator advising families, understanding the evolving field of K-12 scholarships is essential. Use this guide as your roadmap—and visit to explore private and boarding school profiles that accept scholarship-funded students.

By staying informed, proactive and strategic, families can unlock meaningful financial support for K-12 schooling—and lay a stronger foundation for both secondary schooling and life beyond.