Starting March 1, eligible kindergarten through 12th grade students may apply for up to $6,500 in annual funding for private school tuition, tutoring services, and other qualified education expenses through the new Georgia Promise Scholarship Program. Students may check their eligibility and apply online at mygeorgiapromise.org.

“Today is a great day for Georgia students and families as this next step in the launch of the Promise Scholarship further empowers parents to make the best decision for their child’s education,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We know a quality education is critical to each child’s development and future prosperity. I’m grateful for the various state agencies that have worked so hard in the lead up to this launch, as well as our partners in the General Assembly who made this possible with last year’s passage of Senate Bill 233.”

The Georgia Promise Scholarship Program is open to students who reside in a Georgia public school attendance zone that is on the Georgia Promise Scholarship School List produced by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, and who have been enrolled in a Georgia public school for two consecutive full-time equivalent (FTE) counts (typically one academic year), or are a rising kindergarten student. Parents must have been Georgia residents for at least a year, with exceptions for active-duty military. Families may check their initial eligibility before the application opens by answering a few simple questions through the prescreen tool at mygeorgiapromise.org.

Two Chattooga County Schools are on the list Leroy Massey Elementary School and Summerville Middle School.

“We know that students have different learning styles. The Georgia Promise Scholarship Program empowers families to utilize private schools, tutors, and occupational, behavioral, physical, or speech-language therapists to best meet their unique educational needs,” said Georgia Student Finance Commission President Lynne Riley. “We are thankful for the support and vision of Governor Brian P. Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, and the Georgia General Assembly in creating educational opportunities for Georgia families.”

Georgia Promise Scholarship funds may be used for private school tuition, fees, and tutoring services provided by an educator certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Over 250 private schools in Georgia have been approved to participate in the program. The next private school application window will be open from April 1 – April 30, 2025.

The scholarship may also be used for textbooks and supplemental materials, services from a physician or licensed therapist for occupational, behavioral, physical, or speech-language therapies, curriculum, and transportation to a service provider (up to $500 per year). Up to 50% of unused Promise Scholarship funds in an academic year may carry forward to the following academic year.

Students may apply to participate in the Promise Scholarship Program each calendar quarter. The application portal will open by 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Parents should be prepared to provide proof of residency and income verification when applying. The full list of required documentation to apply is available in the Family Handbook. Applicants will be notified if they have been accepted to the program after the first application window closes on April 15, 2025. To learn more about this program, please visit mygeorgiapromise.org or email help@mygeorgiapromise.org.