The Georgia Promise Scholarship program is officially open for applications, and families have until April 15 to apply for this potentially game-changing financial aid. Designed to offer greater educational freedom, the program aims to give parents more control over where and how their children learn.
What Is the Georgia Promise Scholarship?
The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, also known as Senate Bill 233, became law in April 2024. The program provides eligible families with up to $6,500 per student to cover various educational expenses — from private school tuition to home study resources.
The funds can be used for more than just tuition. According to the program’s website, families can also apply the money to:
- Curriculum and textbooks
- Tutoring services
- Therapy services
- Transportation costs
This flexibility gives families the power to craft an education that fits their child’s unique needs — whether that means enrolling in a private school, homeschooling, or accessing specialized support.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility for the Georgia Promise Scholarship hinges on three main requirements:
Enrollment: The student must currently attend a Georgia public school for the 2024/25 school year or be entering kindergarten for the 2025/26 school year.
School Performance: The student must live in an area zoned for a lower-performing school, as identified by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.
Residency: At least one parent must have lived in Georgia for a minimum of one year — though active-duty military families are exempt from this rule.
Parents will need to submit proof of residency and income verification as part of the application process.
How and When to Apply
The application window opened on March 1 and runs until April 15. Families can check their initial eligibility through a prescreen tool at mygeorgiapromise.org.
Students can apply for the scholarship each calendar quarter, offering multiple chances to secure funding throughout the year. However, a key restriction to note: students who receive the Georgia Promise Scholarship cannot simultaneously receive the Special Needs Scholarship or GOAL Scholarship.
Why Catholic Schools Are Embracing the Program
Catholic Schools Superintendent Patty Childs is encouraging parents to explore the scholarship’s potential. She highlights that all archdiocesan schools are participating in the program, making Catholic education more accessible to families.
“We are excited to welcome more children into our schools,” Childs said. She believes the scholarship opens doors for families who may have previously found private education financially out of reach.
Childs also points out that the program supports a critical mission of Catholic schools: partnering with parents to create the best possible learning environment for their children.
“This scholarship helps offset tuition costs and allows more families to choose an education that aligns with their values and goals,” she added.
