The EdChoice Expansion Program is an income-based program. It provides students in grades K – 12 the opportunity to attend a private school for little or no cost whose families meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This program is only open to students who do not qualify for the Educational Choice Scholarship. In order to qualify, you must meet certain financial parameters. Click here to see those. The initial process is the same as EdChoice. However, there is an added application online that needs to be completed. Please read below:
INCOME VERIFICATION
- For the EdChoice Expansion Scholarship or to qualify for low income status for Traditional EdChoice, the parent must create an OHID account and complete the low income verification forms and upload needed documents. We are happy to announce the release of the new Scholarship Income Verification System for our scholarship programs! The system is available for families to enter and submit their income information electronically to the Scholarship office for verification of low-income status. Parents are able to enter household member information, income information and upload supporting income documents directly into the online system.
- LCCHS will submit the request/renewal application on behalf of the student, but the Income Verification must be done through the online system by the parent or guardian.
- For any questions or more information, contact Mrs. Sue Janowski, LCC Enrollment Management, Ed Choice Coordinator and Freshmen School Counselor, at [email protected] or (419) 222-1826.
WHEN WILL EDCHOICE APPLICATIONS BE ACCEPTED?
The next EdChoice application period will begin on February 1st and continue through April 30th.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR APPLYING FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP?
Families must contact the participating private school and complete the enrollment/admission process for that school. Once students have been accepted for enrollment at a participating private school for the fall, they can then apply for an EdChoice Scholarship through the participating private school. Participating private schools can enter scholarship applications for students through the secure online application system.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR EDCHOICE?
The traditional scholarship eligibility is determined by attendance and/or assignment to a public school building which has been either: 1) rated in “Academic Emergency” or "Academic Watch" for two of the past three years or 2) ranked in the lowest 10% of public school buildings by performance index score for two of the past three school years (all incoming 9-12 grade students in Lima, OH are eligible for the EdChoice scholarship.)
The following students are eligible to apply for an EdChoice Scholarship:
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE SCHOLARSHIP*?
The EdChoice scholarship amount is currently $5,500 for grades K-8 and $7,500 for grades 9-12.
*EDCHOICE WILL PAY EITHER THE SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT OR THE PRIVATE SCHOOL'S ACTUAL TUITION AMOUNT, WHICHEVER IS LESS.
WILL PARENTS / GUARDIANS HAVE TO PAY ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY?
The scholarship amount covers tuition ONLY. If the private school's tuition is higher than the EdChoice Scholarship amount and if the family does not qualify for low income status (EdChoice Expansion), the family may have to pay the difference.
CAN THE EDCHOICE SCHOLARSHIP BE RENEWED?
Yes, the scholarship can be renewed each year through grade 12 as long as the student: 1. Does not move to another public school district, unless the student would be assigned to an EdChoice-designated public school in the student's new district; 2. Takes all required state achievement tests; and 3. Does not have more than 20 unexcused absences for the school year. NOTE: In addition to meeting the testing and attendance requirements, EdChoice expansion students can renew their scholarships if they continue living in Ohio and meeting the income requirements.
SHOULD PARENTS AND STUDENTS APPLY FOR AN EDCHOICE SCHOLARSHIP FIRST OR APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL FIRST?
Parents and students should first apply for admission at the participating private school. Once the student has been accepted for enrollment at the private school, the private school will submit a scholarship application for the student through the secure online application system.
WHAT INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP?
Parents must provide the private school with a copy of the student's birth certificate, a copy of current proof of address (utility bill, etc.) and the Scholarship Request Form to apply for the scholarship.