We’re excited to share important information about the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) Program, a valuable opportunity for your family. This program provides financial support to help pay for private school tuition and fees, giving your child access to a quality education. Here’s everything you need to know about how the program works and the changes that have recently been made:
Key Benefits of the ESTF Program
-
Financial Support for Private School Tuition
The ESTF program helps cover tuition and fees at private schools, including schools like ours. This means that your family can now use these funds to help pay for your child's education at a private school of your choice.
-
Increased Scholarship Amount
Starting in the 2025-26 school year, the scholarship amount will be 90% of South Carolina’s per-pupil spending. This means that the amount available to your family will rise to about $7,700, up from $6,000. More funds mean more opportunities for your child to attend the school that best fits their needs.
-
Expanded Eligibility
Previously, only students who had attended public school the year before were eligible. Now, that requirement has been removed. Any eligible student can apply, regardless of whether they were enrolled in public school last year.
-
Stable and Sustainable Funding
The funding for this program will now come from the South Carolina Lottery, providing more security for the program and ensuring that it continues to benefit families in the future.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the ESTF program, your family’s income must be below 300% of the federal poverty level. This means that more families than ever before will be able to access this opportunity.
| Persons in Family/Household |
300% of Federal Poverty Guideline |
| 1 |
$ 45,180.00 |
| 2 |
$ 61,320.00 |
| 3 |
$ 77,460.00 |
| 4 |
$ 93,600.00 |
| 5 |
$ 109,740.00 |
| 6 |
$ 125,880.00 |
| 7 |
$ 142,020.00 |
| 8 |
$ 158,160.00 |
For the 2025-26 school year, there is a cap of 10,000 students for the program. Once this cap is reached, no additional students can join. That’s why it’s important to apply as soon as possible to secure your child’s place.
Why Should You Apply Now?
With a limited number of spots available, the program is expected to fill up quickly. Don’t wait—make sure to get your application in early to guarantee that your child can benefit from this opportunity. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing a spot.
To be eligible, your application must be completed and submitted by March 15th, 2025.
How to Apply
To apply for the ESTF program, you’ll need to follow the official application process. Be sure to check your eligibility and submit all the required documents as soon as possible to take advantage of this opportunity.
If you have any questions or need help with the application, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process!
This is an exciting moment for your family and your child’s future—don’t miss out on the chance to take advantage of this program!
