Last verified: October 2026
Should a new church school in Ohio be chartered or non-chartered?
Decide this first, because it decides the money. A chartered nonpublic school meets Ohio's operating standards and can enroll EdChoice, EdChoice Expansion, Jon Peterson and Autism Scholarship students. A nonchartered nonpublic school, permitted for schools with truly held religious beliefs against chartering, keeps more independence but cannot take EdChoice students and its families lose state transportation and auxiliary services.
How does a Columbus congregation get a state charter?
Through DEW's Chartered Nonpublic Schools office. The process starts with an online tutorial, then a plan of compliance, a checklist, the Report of a Nonpublic School, an affidavit of intent, a racial nondiscrimination policy and a W-9. The charter covers a specific name, location, ownership and grade span, so changes must be reported.
What testing comes with EdChoice students?
Scholarship students take Ohio's elementary and high school state assessments. If scholarship students make up 65% or more of enrollment, the elementary tests extend to every student unless the school qualifies for a waiver.
What is the revenue math at the 2026-27 award?
Twenty K-8 students at the $6,166 maximum represent up to $123,320 a year in scholarship revenue, if every family qualifies for the full award and tuition is at least that high. Families above 450% of poverty receive less, and EdChoice pays the lesser of the award and tuition.
What does a non-chartered school file each year?
An annual report to parents certifying that the school meets minimum education standards, filed with DEW between July 1 and September 30. Schools that file are placed on the state's NCNP list; schools that do not are not listed.
How can we help a new school get found?
Talk to us before you open. We can build your listing from your state record, explain the scholarship paperwork families will bring, and send families once you are taking students.
| Chartered | Non-chartered (NCNP) | |
|---|---|---|
| EdChoice and Expansion | Can enroll scholarship students | No |
| State operating standards | Must comply | Certifies minimum standards to parents |
| Annual filing | Charter maintenance with DEW | Report filed July 1 - September 30 |
| Pupil transportation | Eligible | Not entitled |