South Carolina School Choice


Background Information

On May 5, 2023, Governor Henry McMaster signed the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act into law. This new ESA program—modeled after similar programs around the country—allows qualifying South Carolina parents to apply for a scholarship to be used to create a customized, flexible education for their child.


In September of 2024, part of the law (private school tuition and fees) was declared unconstitutional by the SC Supreme Court - see article below. After a rescue plan was put into place and private donors rose to the challenge to provide for the continuing education of those who were denied payment, the SC legislature amended the bill in the new 2025 session and Governor McMasters signed it into law restoring the full perspective of the school choice law - see article below.


The application period for the 2025-2026 school year was re-opened on May 19, 2025  and will remain open until the scholarships have been spoken for.


Am I Eligible?

To be eligible:

 

  • Have a household income as follows:
  • School Year 2025-2026 – does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty guidelines.
  • School year 2026-2027 and subsequent school years – does not exceed 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.
  • Students must be a resident of South Carolina;
  • Parents applying must show legal guardianship


Students currently enrolled in a public charter school, home school students (as defined in Sections 59-65-40 [Option 1], 59-65-45 [Option 2], 59-65-47 [Option 3]), and students participating in the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children’s Fund program (as defined in Section 12-6-3790) are not eligible for this scholarship program.


How Do I Apply?

You will need one of each of the following types of documents:

Proof of Income

  • 2023 or 2024 tax return documentation or, if you do not file taxes, information on income OR
  • The Medicaid card issued by DHHS for each Medicaid eligible student. For this, you need documentation that contains your Medicaid ID number (not your Healthy Connections/First Choice ID). This usually comes in the form of a Medicaid card like this or via a letter from the SC Department of Health and Human Services. It needs to say Medicaid Member ID. (more about this in the webinar recording above)

Proof of Residency

  • Driver’s License or State Issued ID, Utility Bills (Gas, Electric, Water), Government/ Govt. Agency Issued Mail (TANF, SNAP, voter registration cards, tax assessments, etc.), Mortgage Statements.

Proof of Guardianship

  • Legal documents may include foster paperwork, adoption papers, divorce agreements, the 2023 or 2024 tax return or a birth certificate.


More Information


Latest Updates after SC Supreme Court decision