Last verified: October 2026
What is the first layer of private school funding in Columbus?
EdChoice or EdChoice Expansion: up to $6,166 for K-8 and $8,408 for high school in 2026-27, paid to a chartered school. Claim traditional EdChoice if your child is zoned to a designated building, because it is not reduced by income.
What fills the gap after EdChoice?
School-based aid and member pricing, then a scholarship granting organization award such as the Emmaus Road fund at Catholic schools, then parish or congregation help. From January 2027 the federal scholarship tax credit adds a possible fourth source for households up to 300% of area median income.
What if our child has an IEP?
The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship or, for autism, the Autism Scholarship, can be worth far more than EdChoice: up to $34,000 in 2026-27 depending on category.
How do younger siblings fit into the plan?
EdChoice starts at kindergarten. For 3- and 4-year-olds look at the Ohio Preschool Program, Early Start Columbus and Franklin County's child care subsidy.
| Layer | Source | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | EdChoice / Expansion | Most of tuition at many church schools |
| 2 | School aid or member rate | Part of the remaining balance |
| 3 | SGO or parish scholarship | The last few hundred to few thousand dollars |
What is the next step?
Complete the two-minute funding check, and a tuition counselor will confirm which programs your family qualifies for and which dates apply.