Last verified: October 2026
Can a Columbus microschool take EdChoice?
Only after it is chartered. EdChoice and EdChoice Expansion pay tuition at participating chartered nonpublic schools, so a pod operating as a non-chartered school or as a co-op of home-educating families is funded by tuition, donations and SGO scholarships rather than state vouchers.
What about students with IEPs?
A Jon Peterson or Autism Scholarship can pay an approved business provider for IEP services while the parent home-educates, so a microschool that also operates as a registered provider can serve those students. Ask DEW's scholarship office about provider registration.
What is the revenue math at the EdChoice maximum?
Ten chartered K-8 seats at the 2026-27 maximum represent up to $61,660 in scholarship revenue, before any family contribution, if every family qualifies for the full award and tuition is at least that high. Families above 450% of poverty receive less through EdChoice Expansion.
| Chartered | Non-chartered (NCNP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Can enroll EdChoice students | Yes | No |
| State operating standards | Must comply | Certifies minimum standards to parents |