Click HERE to apply for a 2025-2026 scholarship
Should my family apply for the Family Choice Scholarship?
The Family Choice Scholarship Program has provided important, timely help to hundreds of families in Pennsylvania in need. As an approved scholarship organization for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) , Pre-Kindergarten (PK-SO), and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, Family Choice has allowed parents of children between Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade to choose the best educational experience for their child, including private and religious schools.
This non-profit initiative is a project of the Pennsylvania Family Institute, allowing businesses to direct some of their tax dollars to scholarship organizations that help needy families send their children to the school of their choice – including private and religious schools.
Important Dates
- July 1, 2025 – Scholarship Application due date
- Mid-August 2025 – Scholarship Notifications will be sent to parents/guardians
- January 2026 – Scholarship Applications will be available for the 2026-2027 school year
FAQs for Families
Q: In which Pennsylvania private schools can K-12 students be enrolled?
A: To help families make the education choice they deem best for their children, the Family Choice Scholarship Program awards scholarships to qualified K-12 students are private schools across the State of Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania private school must:
- Meet the compulsory attendance requirements of the Commonwealth as a day school.
- Meet the applicable requirements of the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- Not violate the goal and mission of the Pennsylvania Family Institute or the Family Choice Scholarship Program.
Q: How are awards determined?
A: Decisions are primarily based on financial need (as determined independently by Simple Tuition Solutions, based on the previous year’s financial records, the family situation, and the amount of available funds. Other considerations are taken into account as well.
The number and amount of scholarship awards distributed depend entirely on the contributions the Program receives from generous Pennsylvania businesses and fluctuate accordingly. While it is our desire to assist all families who meet the application criteria, many more families apply than we are able to assist every year.
Q: What is the average scholarship amount?
A: Awards are partial scholarships. In past years, awards have ranged between $300 and $1,000 per student for the school year.
Q: If I received an award last year, will I receive one again this year?
A: Scholarships are not guaranteed from year to year, and families must re-apply each year. In the spring, applications will automatically be sent to families who received awards for the prior school year.
Q: How much is the application fee?
A: There is a non-refundable application fee of $32.50 per family.
Q: When is the application due?
A: Applications for 2025-2026 will no longer be accepted after July 1, 2025. Only complete applications will be processed. Incomplete applications will not be considered for awards.
Q: Is a separate application required for each student within a family?
A: No, only one application is required per family. Add all eligible dependent children to your application when you apply.
Q: If I submitted an application through Simple Tuition Solutions for another organization or school, must I complete a separate application for Family Choice?
A: No. If this is the case, contact us at familychoice@pafamily.org, and we will request that the other organization or school share your application with us so that you don’t have to apply again.