Every child learns differently, and now Georgia parents have a way to build an education plan that reflects that. With the Georgia Promise Scholarship, qualifying families can access state funding to choose the school, services, and resources that make the most sense for their child’s individual learning journey.
If you’re exploring flexible education that goes beyond the traditional classroom, this guide will walk you through how the program works and how to get started. You’ll also find tips on how to use scholarship funds for platforms like Outschool, which offers live online classes that can complement your child’s learning at home or in a hybrid model.
What is an education savings account (ESA)?
An education savings account, or ESA, is a program that gives families access to public education funds in a more flexible way. Instead of those dollars going straight to a local public school, they’re placed in a special account that parents can use for a variety of approved educational services.
Each ESA program is run at the state level, which means names and rules can vary. Some states call them "Education Freedom Accounts," "Promise Scholarships," or "Empowerment Scholarships," but they all serve the same purpose: giving you more control over your child’s education. The types of expenses covered and how you access the funds depend on the specific program where you live.
At its core, an ESA gives you the power to create a learning experience that truly fits your child, whether that means homeschooling, hybrid learning, or personalized support services. It’s a way to build a learning path that fits your child’s strengths and interests, rather than sticking with a one-size-fits-all approach.
What scholarship options are available in Georgia?
Georgia families have more than one way to access scholarships that support educational flexibility. Whether you're looking into private school, homeschool resources, or academic support services, there are multiple funding paths that can help you customize your child’s learning experience.
Here are the key school choice programs available in Georgia:
- Georgia Promise Scholarship: A state-funded ESA program for students zoned for lower-performing public schools. Qualified families can use the fund annually for tuition, homeschool expenses, tutoring, and therapies.
- Qualified Education Expense Tax Credit: Funded by private donations, this program offers scholarships through nonprofit Student Scholarship Organizations (SSOs). Each SSO sets its own eligibility criteria, but most support families with financial need looking to switch to private schools.
- Georgia Special Needs Scholarship: Designed for students with disabilities who have an active IEP or 504 Plan and previously received public special education services. This program allows families to apply state funds toward private schools better suited to their child’s needs.
Each option has different eligibility requirements and application steps. In the next few sections, we’ll walk you through how each one works and how to decide which fits your family best.
Georgia Promise Scholarship
The Georgia Promise Scholarship Program gives families more choice in how they use public education funds. Instead of being limited to their assigned public school, eligible students can access $6,500 per year to use on approved educational services. The goal is to make high-quality learning accessible to every child, especially those attending schools that may not be meeting their needs.
Administered through the Georgia Student Finance Commission, the program was signed into law in 2024 and began accepting students in 2025. Funds are managed through an online platform where parents can select approved providers, track spending, and customize their child’s education plan.
Eligibility
- Residency: The parent or legal guardian must be a Georgia resident for at least one year prior to applying. (Military families stationed in Georgia within the past year are exempt from this requirement.)
- School Zone: The student must reside within the attendance zone of a public school ranked in the bottom 25% of state performance (designated D or F schools).
- Enrollment History: Students must be enrolled for two consecutive state enrollment counts in a Georgia public school (unless entering kindergarten with eligibility based on zoning).
- Grade Level: Open to students eligible for public kindergarten through 12th grade.
- Income: Family income must be at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.
- Program Exclusivity: Students cannot participate if they are currently receiving other Georgia-funded scholarships, such as the Special Needs Scholarship or a scholarship from a Student Scholarship Organization.
Rules & regulations
- Use of Funds: Families can use scholarship money for approved educational expenses, such as:
- Application Process: Applications are submitted online. You’ll need to provide proof of eligibility, including residency and income documentation.
- Ongoing Requirements: Each year, families must submit updated information and confirm that their student remains eligible. This includes maintaining an education plan and complying with annual reporting requirements.
- Limitations: Students may not attend a public school while using Promise funds. Misuse of funds, failure to meet reporting rules, or enrollment in an unapproved school may result in loss of eligibility.
Qualified Education Expense Tax Credit
The Qualified Education Expense (QEE) Tax Credit Program lets Georgia families access scholarships funded by private donations. These scholarships help cover the cost of private school tuition for eligible K–12 students across the state. Instead of coming directly from public education funds, scholarships are awarded through approved nonprofits Student Scholarship Organizations, which are funded by individual and corporate tax-credit donations.
This program gives families more flexibility in choosing a school that matches their child’s learning style and needs. Even though it isn’t an official ESA, it still gives thousands of families a way to make private education possible every year.
Eligibility
- Residency: The student must live in Georgia.
- Enrollment history: Must have attended public school for at least six weeks prior to receiving a scholarship, unless entering pre-K, kindergarten, or first grade.
- Exceptions to public school rule: Waived if the child zoned for a low-performing school, was previously homeschooled for one year, or has experienced documented violence or threats at school.
- Grade levels: Available to students in pre-K through 12th grade.
- Continued use: Students remain eligible until they graduate, return to public school, or turn 20.
- Financial need: While not required, SSOs may prioritize students based on family income.
Rules & regulations
- How to apply: Families apply directly through a participating SSO.
- Scholarship use: Funds can only be used for tuition and fees at approved private schools in Georgia.
- School requirements: Schools must be accredited or actively pursuing accreditation and follow all state and federal guidelines.
- Public school enrollment restriction: Students cannot receive scholarships through this program while enrolled in public school.
- Income limits: None required by the state, but SSOs may factor in family income when awarding scholarships.
- Scholarship amounts: Determined by SSOs.
- Renewal: Families must work with the SSO each year to requalify and continue funding.
Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program
The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS) gives families of students with disabilities the flexibility to choose the best educational fit for their child. If your child has an eligible IEP or 504 Plan and has been enrolled in a Georgia public school, this program may offer funding to attend a private school that better meets their needs.
Parents can apply each year to continue receiving the scholarship as long as eligibility is maintained. The program helps make customized, supportive education more accessible for learners who benefit from specialized environments.
Eligibility
- Residency: Must have lived in Georgia for at least one calendar year.
- Public school enrollment: Students must have been enrolled in a Georgia public school for both enrollment counts (October and March).
- Disability documentation: A current qualifying IEP or 504 Plan from the previous school year is required.
- Age range: Eligible for students entering kindergarten through grade 12.
- Waivers: Active-duty military families, adopted children, or those from foster care may qualify without meeting the full prior attendance requirement.
Rules & regulations
- Apply online: Applications are managed by the Georgia Department of Education.
- Approved use: Funds may only be used for tuition and related fees at participating private schools.
- Award amount: Determined annually based on state funding levels and private school tuition rates.
- Accountability: Families must renew applications each year and keep records of student progress and eligibility.
- Compliance: Misuse of funds or ineligible enrollment can result in removal from the program.
How to use your Georgia Promise Scholarship funds on Outschool
Outschool is an approved provider for families participating in the Georgia Promise Scholarship program. If your child has received a scholarship account, you can use ClassWallet to pay for approved Outschool classes, tutoring, and enrichment activities.
Families may use Georgia Promise Scholarship funds on:
- Live, small-group classes with qualified instructors
- Self-paced enrichment courses
- Tutoring in core subjects and learning support
- Interest-based electives like coding, art, and music
Outschool makes it easy to design a flexible, engaging learning plan that fits your child’s interests and your family’s schedule.
Georgia Promise Scholarship: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
If you’re exploring the Georgia Promise Scholarship, you likely have questions about how to qualify, what expenses are covered, and how to make the most of your funds. Here are clear answers to help you navigate the process confidently as you plan your child’s learning path.
How do I apply for the Georgia Promise Scholarship?
Applications are submitted online through the Georgia Promise Scholarship portal once each quarter. You’ll need to upload documents showing Georgia residency and income, as well as proof that your child attended a qualifying public school or is entering kindergarten.
Who qualifies for the Georgia Promise Scholarship?
To qualify, your child must live in the attendance zone of a D- or F-rated public school and have attended a Georgia public school for two consecutive semesters. Parents must be Georgia residents for at least one year, though active-duty military families stationed in the state are exempt. The program prioritizes families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, but higher-income families may be considered if additional funds remain.
Can homeschoolers apply for the Georgia Promise Scholarship?
Currently, families must transition from a public school or a qualifying zone to receive scholarship funding. Once accepted, you can use your ESA to create a home study plan that meets state education requirements. However, students who have already homeschooled before applying are not eligible to join the program unless they re-enroll in public school and meet the attendance criteria.
Can I use Georgia Promise Scholarship funds for online classes like Outschool?
Absolutely! The scholarship covers approved educational expenses, which include online courses, tutoring, and supplemental learning programs. Outschool offers ESA-compliant classes that meet state criteria, allowing you to use your funds for flexible, interactive learning experiences that fit your child’s goals.
Where can I find updates for the Georgia Promise Scholarship?
The official Georgia Promise Scholarship website and the Georgia Student Finance Commission provide the latest information on applications, program updates, and approved vendor lists. For more details on what ESA programs are available in other states, you can also visit our ESA resources page.
Making the most of your options
As a parent, deciding how your child learns is one of the most powerful choices you can make. The Georgia Promise Scholarship gives you more control, more options, and more support as you build a path that works for your family.
If you're looking to add flexibility, creativity, or just a little extra support, platforms like Outschool can complement your plan with live classes, passionate teachers, and a wide range of subjects, from core academics to passion-led learning. It’s one more way to help your child grow, thrive, and love learning on their own terms.
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