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Applications for the '24/'25 school year are closed.
Learn how to get prepared to apply in February of 2025 here.

Do I qualify for a MOScholars Scholarship?

Eligibility for MOScholars scholarships is limited by:

• Whether or not your child has an IEP or ISP 

• Household income 

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A girl raising her hand

How do I apply for a MOScholars Scholarship?

To apply for a MOScholars scholarship just pick a school and apply for a scholarship through the appropriate EAO.

 

Please click below to learn more, find schools in your area, and start the application process.

What can I pay for with a MOScholars Scholarship?

MOScholars scholarships can be used to pay for private school tuition, homeschooling costs, tutoring, educational therapies, and much more!

Kindergarten Graduation
Kids on a bus

What schools accept MOScholars scholarships?

The first MOScholars scholarship recipients

What EAOs serve my area/faith?

Art Class

Help other students succeed

Anyone who owes taxes in Missouri can help fund MOScholars scholarships without impacting their household budget.

Families can receive MOScholars scholarships AND ALSO use the taxes they are already paying to help other families find the school of their dreams!

We all have to pay taxes. Make sure yours are helping kids today.

  • Who is eligible to participate in the MOScholars program?
    Any elementary or secondary student who is a resident of the state of Missouri. A student meeting the geographical requirements must either: Have an approved "individualized education plan" (IEP) developed under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The term “individualized education plan” means: An individualized education program (IEP) as defined in 20 U.S.C. §1414(d)(I)(A)(i); or An individual service plan (ISP) that is developed in cooperation with a local educational agency under the IDEA, specifically those provisions pertaining to parentally placed private school children found in 20 U.S.C. §1412(a)(10) and 34 CFR §300.132(b). Any IEP or ISP that is proffered for program eligibility must be dated within thirty-six months of the date of the student’s application to the program. Students with ISPs that are not developed under the IDEA are not eligible. OR • Live in a household whose total annual income does not exceed 100% of the free and reduced lunch rate; and, Attended a public school as a full-time student for at least one (1) semester during the previous twelve (12) months; or Is a child who is eligible to begin kindergarten or first grade. If funding remains available after all students who meet these qualifications have been served, then the next category of qualified student is any student who: Is a member of a household whose total annual income does not exceed 300% of the standard used to qualify for free and reduced lunches and meets at least one of the following qualifications: Attended a public school as a full-time student for at least one (1) semester during the previous twelve (12) months; or Is a child who is eligible to begin kindergarten or first grade. Once enrolled in the program, students remain eligible for MOScholars scholarships until withdrawing from school or graduating high school. (*first preference will be given to families at or below 100% and students with an IEP or ISP.)
  • Are students who are currently enrolled in a private school with an IEP eligible to receive the scholarship?
    The legislation prioritizes students who have an Individualized Education Plan (“IEP”) developed under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The term “individualized education plan” means: An individualized education program (IEP) as defined in 20 U.S.C. §1414(d)(I)(A)(i); or An individual service plan (ISP) that is developed in cooperation with a local educational agency under the IDEA, specifically those provisions pertaining to parentally placed private school children found in 20 U.S.C. §1412(a)(10) and 34 CFR §300.132(b). Any IEP or ISP that is proffered for program eligibility must be dated within thirty-six months of the date of the student’s application to the program. Students with ISPs that are not developed under the IDEA are not eligible.
  • When and how can parents of prospective students apply?
    February is typically the application month for MOScholars. The application start date for 2025 for the '25/'26 school year has not yet been announced. Here is what we recommend you do: 1. Pick your school We have compiled a list of all the schools that participate. If you can't find your school on the list, it is still possible for your school to connect with an EAO. Call your school and urge them to connect with one of the approved EAOs. 2. Go to the appropriate EAO website to apply You will find a pre-qualification survey. If you qualify the EAO will email you the actual MOScholars application. Fill out that application as soon as you can as the scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. ​ If you would like to learn more about how the program will work for families we recommend you download and read the Parent Handbook that has been produced by the State Treasurer's Office.
  • How do individuals and corporations donate to receive the 100% tax credit?
    Any taxpayer who makes a qualifying contribution to an educational assistance organization (EAO) may claim a dollar-for-dollar (i.e., 100%) credit against state taxes due, not to exceed 50% of the taxpayer’s state tax liability for the tax year for which the credit is claimed. A taxpayer (incl. individuals, firms, corporations, etc.) may apply for the tax credit by visiting the treasurer’s official website and completing the online application for tax credit allocation for contributions to a certified educational assistance organization.
  • What are the requirements and implications for schools that accept students who use MOScholars for some or all of their tuition?
    A public school, charter school, private school, or a public or private virtual school shall satisfy the following requirements to be considered a qualified school: Full accreditation by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or a nationally recognized education accrediting association. A list of approved nationally recognized education accrediting associations will be made available on the treasurer’s official website; AND Approval from one or more certified education assistance organizations (EAOs). Qualified schools will accept payment from the parent not the state. The law clearly states that accepting MOScholars students shall not be construed to permit any governmental agency to exercise control or supervision over any qualified school and that qualified schools shall not be considered an agent of the state or federal government due to its acceptance of the payment. The law also specifies that qualified schools shall not be required to alter creed, practices, admissions policy, curriculum, etc.
  • Won’t dollar-for-dollar tax credits offered by EAOs divert contributions away from our school’s fundraising efforts?
    The program is created to promote educational opportunities and improve the quality of educational services to ensure all children receive the high-quality education to which they are entitled. A taxpayer who makes a contribution to an EAO shall not designate the student who will receive a scholarship grant. Furthermore, the treasurer’s office will prohibit an EAO both from having officers who own or operate one of the program’s qualified schools and from providing scholarship accounts to children of its officers or employees. The intent of the legislation is to empower families who need it the most with the dollars necessary to exercise true choice. Schools will benefit in terms of both opportunities to deliver more fully on their mission and in the reallocation of financial aid as students with the greatest need arrive with significantly greater means than in the past. Additionally, since the donations to the program provide a 100% credit on tax liability, donors can make donations directly to the school as they normally would AND to a local EAO without impacting their bottom line.

To qualify you must meet EITHER the IEP or income requirements

IEP

Does your child meet the IEP requirements to qualify for a MOScholars scholarship? 

MOScholars scholarships are intended to help the students most in need of better educational options and are disbursed based on a student’s special needs and household income. In order to qualify for a MOScholars scholarship based on special needs, a student needs to:

 

  1. Have an approved “individualized education plan” developed under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The term “individualized education plan” means:

    1. Any IEP or ISP that is proffered for program eligibility must be dated within thirty-six months of the date of the student’s application to the program. Students with ISPs that are not developed under the IDEA are not eligible.

      1. An individualized education program (IEP) as defined in 20 U.S.C. §1414(d)(I)(A)(i); or

      2. An individual service plan (ISP) that is developed in cooperation with a local educational agency under the IDEA, specifically those provisions pertaining to parentally placed private school children found in 20 U.S.C. §1412(a)(10) and 34 CFR §300.132(b).

Income
What are the income requirements?

Eligibility is based on Free and Reduced Lunch Program rates and household size. Families qualifying at the 100% rate are prioritized.

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