What Is the Ohio EdChoice Scholarship?
The Ohio EdChoice Scholarship program allows eligible K–12 students to use state-funded scholarships to attend participating private schools, including Catholic schools such as Royalmont Academy. There are two main pathways:
- Traditional EdChoice: for students assigned to designated, underperforming public schools.
- EdChoice Expansion (Income-Based): for students in any district, based primarily on family income.
In recent years, Ohio has expanded EdChoice so that almost every family in the state is eligible for some level of scholarship, with larger awards for lower and middle-income households.
How Much Can Families Receive Through EdChoice?
For the current 2025–2026 school year, the base EdChoice scholarship amounts are:
- Up to $6,166 per year for students in grades K–8.
- Up to $8,408 per year for students in grades 9–12.
The state uses these base amounts and then applies a sliding scale based on your family’s income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Families at or below a certain percentage of the FPL may receive the full amount. As income rises, the award gradually decreases but almost all families still qualify for some scholarship.
Exact amounts for the 2026–2027 school year are set annually by the state of Ohio, but they are expected to remain similar in structure. Royalmont will update families as soon as official numbers are released and help you estimate your award.
Who Qualifies for the Ohio EdChoice Scholarship 2026–2027?
There are two main ways your child may qualify:
1. Traditional EdChoice (School-Based Eligibility)
Under the Traditional EdChoice program, students qualify if they are assigned to a public school building on the state’s designated list of underperforming schools. These scholarships generally provide the full base amount for eligible students. Families can check the state’s official list or contact Royalmont’s admissions office for help determining eligibility.
2. EdChoice Expansion (Income-Based Eligibility)
The EdChoice Expansion program is based on household income. Ohio uses the Federal Poverty Guidelines and applies a sliding scale:
- Lower-income families receive the maximum scholarship.
- Middle-income families receive a partial scholarship that still offsets a significant portion of tuition.
- Higher-income families may still receive a minimum scholarship, even at higher FPL percentages.
Because of this structure, many families who assume they “make too much” are pleasantly surprised to learn that they still qualify for thousands of dollars per child, per year.
When Can Families Apply for EdChoice for 2026–2027?
The application for the 2026–2027 school year is expected to open on February 1, 2026. Families can still apply for this school year through June 20, 2026.
However, it is wise to begin the process early. Starting in February or March gives you more time to submit documents, receive an eligibility decision, and make financial plans with confidence.
How the EdChoice Application Works with Royalmont Academy
Because the scholarship is tied to a specific school, there is an important first step:
To apply for EdChoice, your student must first be accepted at Royalmont Academy.
Here is how the process typically works:
- Schedule a visit or tour Royalmont Academy. Meet our team, see classrooms, and learn about our Regnum Christi approach to integral formation.
- Apply for admission to Royalmont. Submit the school’s application and required documents.
- Receive your admission decision. Once your student is accepted, we can officially begin the EdChoice process.
- Complete the EdChoice Scholarship application. Our staff will guide you through the required forms and uploads.
- Submit income documentation. For income-based awards, you will submit tax returns or other proof of income as required by the state.
- Wait for state approval and award confirmation. The state reviews your application and confirms the scholarship amount.
Royalmont’s admissions and business office work closely with families at every step. You do not need to navigate EdChoice alone—we walk with you from the moment you inquire until your scholarship is applied to your tuition.
Why Use EdChoice at a Catholic School Like Royalmont?
EdChoice is not just about lowering tuition. For many families, it opens the door to a school community that aligns with their deepest hopes for their children.
At Royalmont Academy, a Regnum Christi school, we focus on integral formation—helping students grow in four key pillars: intellectual, human, spiritual, and apostolic. Small class sizes, personalized attention, daily opportunities for prayer, and a strong, joyful Catholic culture make a profound difference in a child’s formation.