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 as of June 27, 2025, all of the 10,000 scholarships available for the 25-26 school year have been spoken for -  see article below.


Latest Updates after SC Supreme Court decision



Am I Eligible?

To be eligible in school year 2026-2027 and subsequent school years: 


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 to gather one of each of the following types of documents:

Proof of Guardianship

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


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 Income

  • 2023 or 2024 tax return documentation (or, if you do not file taxes, information on income)

... OR ...

  • Documentation that contains your Medicaid ID number 
  • The original (white) Medicaid card issued by DHHS for each Medicaid eligible student (not your Healthy Connections/First Choice ID).
  • You could also request a letter of eligibility from the SC Department of Health and Human Services, but it needs to say Medicaid Member ID. You can also just request them to send the white card mentioned above.


Once you have your documents ready, use the links below to find more information as well as links to the online application form, where you will fill in your parent and student information and upload your documentation.


Websites with links to more information and applications: