Georgia Schools Introduce Updated Scholarship List

Diverse students in a classroom representing educational opportunities in Georgia.

News Summary

The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement in Georgia has released a new list of state schools eligible for the Georgia Promise Scholarship. This program offers families a $6,500 scholarship to cover costs for private schooling or homeschooling for children attending low-performing schools. Over 400 schools are included on the list, highlighting areas in need of improvement. Applications for the scholarships will open on March 1, providing families with new educational opportunities and the chance to secure better learning environments for their children.

Georgia Schools Get New List for Scholarship Program

In a move aimed at helping families in Georgia, the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) has released an updated list of the state’s lowest-performing public schools. Parents whose children are zoned for these schools might just find a silver lining in the form of a larger $6,500 scholarship to use for private school education or homeschool costs. Exciting, right?

What’s on the List?

The latest list reveals that quite a few schools in Georgia could use a helping hand. In total, there are over 400 schools statewide eligible for the Georgia Promise Scholarship. The Atlanta area alone has 31 schools from Atlanta Public Schools making the cut. Not to be left behind, Clayton County Schools have 22 schools on the list. Gwinnett County Schools join the club with 16 schools, while Fulton County and Cobb County Schools complete the bunch with nine and eight schools, respectively.

The Scoop on the Scholarship

So, how does this work? Parents should take notice: If your child attends one of the listed low-performing schools, they might qualify for that enticing $6,500 voucher. This funding can help pay for private school tuition or help with homeschooling expenses. It’s all part of the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act that was approved just last year, aimed at giving families more educational choices.

For families interested in this opportunity, it’s useful to know that the law requires GOSA to compile these lists annually, focusing on the 25th percentile of performance. That means schools that really need some improvement are getting flagged, and it’s all designed to help students find better educational opportunities.

Who Can Apply?

Now you might be asking, “Am I eligible?” Well, here’s the deal! Hundreds of thousands of parents in Georgia can apply as long as they meet the criteria. If applications exceed the funding available, which is capped at $144 million and is meant to fund over 22,000 vouchers, there’s a priority system in place that focuses on families earning less than four times the federal poverty level (which is around $100,000 for a family of three). If necessary, a lottery system will be used to determine who gets the scholarships!

Application Windows

Get your calendars ready! The first chance to apply opens on March 1, with additional application windows happening in June, September, and December. It’s a great way to jump-start a new educational path for your child.

A Broader Perspective

Summing It Up

Georgia is certainly taking steps to bolster education opportunities for students in struggling schools. With this updated list now circulating and the potential for financial support through scholarships, families have more options than ever. If you know someone who could benefit from this program, make sure to share this information. Education is an essential stepping stone for the future, and every child deserves a chance to thrive!