With the Indiana Choice Scholarship, eligible families in Indiana can access financial assistance to offset the costs of private school tuition. This transformative program empowers parents to choose the best educational environment for their children, fostering academic excellence and preparing them for future success. As we embark on the 2024-2025 academic year, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility requirements and key details of the Indiana Choice Scholarship to maximize its benefits.
To qualify for the scholarship, families must meet certain income thresholds. These income limits vary based on household size, ensuring that the program is accessible to a wide range of families. Additionally, students must be Indiana residents and enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12 in a private school within the state. Notably, the scholarship is available to both new and continuing private school students, providing flexibility and support for families throughout their educational journey. Families who have previously received the scholarship may continue to be eligible as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Residency Requirements for the Indiana Choice Scholarship
Age and Grade Level Requirements
To be eligible for the Indiana Choice Scholarship, students must:
* Be a resident of Indiana.
* Be under the age of 22.
* Be enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade (or equivalent).
Legal Guardianship Requirements
* Students must be the legal dependents of a parent or guardian who is a resident of Indiana.
* Legal guardianship must be established by court order or other legal documentation.
Income Eligibility Requirements
Families must meet certain income eligibility requirements to qualify for the scholarship. The income limits are based on the federal poverty level (FPL) and vary depending on family size.
| Family Size | Income Limit (130% of FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $21,695 |
| 2 | $28,985 |
| 3 | $36,275 |
| 4 | $43,565 |
| 5 | $50,855 |
Families with incomes higher than the limits may still be eligible if they meet certain other criteria, such as having a special needs child or living in a low-income area.
Scholarship Amount and Disbursement for the Indiana Choice Scholarship
The Indiana Choice Scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible students to attend private schools. The scholarship amount varies depending on the student’s grade level and the school they attend. The following table outlines the scholarship amounts for the 2024-2025 school year:
| Grade Level | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | $4,650 |
| 1st Grade | $4,650 |
| 2nd Grade | $4,650 |
| 3rd Grade | $4,650 |
| 4th Grade | $4,650 |
| 5th Grade | $4,650 |
| 6th Grade | $4,650 |
| 7th Grade | $4,650 |
| 8th Grade | $4,650 |
| 9th Grade | $5,950 |
| 10th Grade | $5,950 |
| 11th Grade | $5,950 |
| 12th Grade | $5,950 |
The scholarship amount is disbursed directly to the school that the student attends. The school will then use the funds to pay for the student’s tuition and fees.
Renewal Requirements for the Indiana Choice Scholarship
To renew your Indiana Choice Scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year, you must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | More Information |
|---|---|
| Legal Indiana resident | The Indiana Choice Scholarship is only available to legal residents of Indiana. |
| United States citizen or eligible noncitizen | If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must be an eligible noncitizen as defined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| Resident of Indiana | You must have been a resident of Indiana for at least 12 months prior to applying for the scholarship. |
| Income eligibility | Your family’s income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. |
| Student eligibility | The student must be a dependent of the applicant and must be enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. |
| Academic eligibility | The student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. |
| Behavioral eligibility | The student must not have been suspended or expelled from school for more than 10 days in the past 12 months. |
| Application deadline | The application deadline for the 2024-2025 school year is May 1, 2024. |
