GA Special Needs Scholarship

What is the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program?

The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program allows students in Georgia with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to transfer to any public school across the state that has an open seat or to receive tuition assistance to attend a participating private school.

What are the pros/cons?

Pros:

Can switch to a school that matches your child’s needs
Financial assistance provided for private schools
Can transfer to a public school inside or outside of your local school systeme
IEP does not need to be kept current to keep scholarship

Cons:

Scholarships don’t always cover the full tuition costs
Parents must provide transportation
Not every private school participates
Private schools do not have to follow the IEP once your child is enrolled
Pre-K students do not qualify

How best do I pursue this option?

1) Check your eligibility on the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship page using the Scholarship Calculator.

2) Identify public or private schools that meet your child’s needs.

3) Contact schools to learn more about the application process and (if applicable) participation in the Special Needs Scholarship Program for private school funding assistance.

4) Get application(s) and submit.

Additional Resources

Georgia Department of Education- Special Needs Scholarship Program – Blog post that goes over the general reasons for a transfer and how to be prepared for one.

Special Needs Scholarship Program's Scholarship Calculator – Calculator created by the Georgia Department of Education to determine a student’s eligibility for a special needs scholarship.

Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program Authorized Participating Private Schools List – Comprehensive list of private schools in Georgia participating in the Special Needs Scholarship Program.

GA DOE SB10 FAQ for Parents – Extensive FAQ about the Georgia Special Needs Program. Answers FAQ’s regarding public and private schools as well general program requirements.