Ohio EdChoice & Affordability

---

The EdChoice Scholarship Program provides state funded scholarships to students who reside in Ohio and are in grades K-12. All Ohio students are eligible to apply for either the Traditional EdChoice Scholarship or the Expansion EdChoice Scholarship. The scholarship must be used to attend private schools that meet the requirements for program participation.

Defiance Christian Academy is an EdChoice provider and we are here to help you determine which EdChoice Scholarship would be best for your student. Below you will find a series of frequently asked questions regarding the EdChoice state scholarships.

Recently there have been changes in the eligibility requirements for Ohio's EdChoice Expansion Program. Now all Ohio families are eligible to apply.  All first-time EdChoice Expansion applicants must have their income verified by the Office of Nonpublic Educational Options. Scholarships for EdChoice Expansion are awarded based on the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of a family’s household. 

Let us help you through the process!  Keep in mind, you will need to complete the Admissions process at Defiance Christian Academy first before an EdChoice application can be submitted.  

We continue to monitor communication and provide updated information on this page once it has been confirmed.  Please visit the Ohio Department of Education Website for regular updates as well!   ODE Website.

The EdChoice Traditional scholarship amount is currently (2024-25) $6,166 for grades K-8 and $8,408 for grades 9-12. EdChoice will pay either the scholarship amount or the private school’s actual tuition amount, whichever is less.

The EdChoice Expansion Program is an income-based program that provides scholarships to students in grades K - 12. Scholarships are awarded based on the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of a family’s household. If a family’s household income is at or below 450 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, they will be awarded the maximum scholarship amount. If a family’s household income is at or above 451 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, the student’s scholarship award is reduced based on the Expansion Income Guidelines chart.

How do I apply for EdChoice scholarships for my children? 

You will need to complete the Admissions process at Defiance Christian Academy first before an EdChoice application can be submitted. Once you apply at DCA, we will help walk you through the EdChoice Scholarship process.

Who is eligible to apply for EdChoice?

Every student residing in Ohio in grades K - 12.

How do I determine my family's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) percentage and scholarship award for Edchoice Expansion?

Parents can determine their AGI by visiting the 2023-2204 EdChoice Expansion Income Guidelines Sheet found here: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Scholarships/EdChoice-Expansion/EdChoice-Expansion-Resources

Will parents/guardians have to pay any amount of money?

EdChoice will pay either the scholarship amount or the student's actual tuition amount, whichever is less. Parents and guardians pay registration fees, material fees, and other similar types of fees. Families who qualify for Low Income Verification will not be responsible to pay the remaining tuition not covered by the scholarship. However, if the private school’s tuition is higher than the EdChoice Scholarship amount and if the family does not qualify for Low Income Verification, the family will be responsible for the difference. DCA is seeking to determine our annual tuition, but we do not plan on it being substantially higher than the EdChoice scholarship. 

Can the EdChoice Scholarship be renewed?

Yes, the scholarship can be renewed each year through grade 12 as long as the student meets the EdChoice requirements for renewal.

Should parents and students apply for an EdChoice Scholarship first or apply for admission to a private school first?

Parents and students should first apply for admission at the participating private school. Once the student has been accepted for enrollment at the private school, the private school will submit a scholarship application for the student through the secure online application system.

What information is needed to apply for the Scholarship?

Parents must provide the private school with a copy of the student’s birth certificate, a copy of current proof of address and the Scholarship Request Form to apply for the scholarship. Parents renewing their child’s scholarship must provide a copy of current proof of address and the Scholarship Renewal Form.

Where can I find out more information?

Visit the EdChoice Web page at education.ohio.gov/edchoice.