Why do families have to pay part of the tuition? The key to educational success is parental involvement.  Making a financial sacrifice is a strong incentive to getting, and remaining, involved.  So the scholarship is a hand-up, not a hand-out. Can I use the scholarship at any private school? Yes, as long as the school is legally operating.  The school may be parochial, denominational, independent, or a home school.  It does not have to belong to any organization or meet any other requirements.  The choice is left up to your family since you are in the best position to judge what may be the best education for your children. What options do I have if I choose to homeschool my child? One option for those families who choose to homeschool their children is K12®, a leading provider of homeschool curricula. K12® also offers homeschooling families who receive CSF scholarships significant discounts. Visit their website at www.k12.com for more details on their programs. I have never applied to a private school before.  What help can I get for choosing a private school? CSF provides a list of private schools in applicant areas, along with other useful materials to help families make informed choices. What if I am not satisfied with my child's school? You are free to transfer your child to another private school. Contact your local program office to let us know you are switching schools and we will send you the necessary paperwork. Who is eligible for the scholarships? Families with children in elementary school (grade level requirements may vary by location) in the fall of the year the scholarship is awarded, who also fall below maximum income requirements. The Federal Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program guidelines form the basis for the CSF scale.  CSF’s scale also includes families who make a little more than the Reduced Lunch Program allows but still need help paying for tuition, up to 270% of the poverty level. Isn't it hard to get into private school? No.  Most private schools have simple admission requirements, and many are actively seeking more applicants.  And you can apply at more than one school. What if my child needs to repeat a grade? That will not affect your scholarship in any way.  It is typical that children transferring from public to private school will need "catch-up" time or in some cases even have to repeat a grade to come up to the level of their peers. Why don’t you have any academic requirements? We want to help children from families in need—including those who may not be doing well in their current school.  Since CSF helps children in grades K-8, there is time to help them improve academically and work up to the best of their ability.  Private schools may make a big difference in the lives of these children.  CSF does not continue scholarships, however, if children are expelled from school. Can the scholarships be used for high school? No. CSF scholarships are for students in grades K through 8 only. Can the scholarships be used for pre-school or pre-kindergarten? No.  Children must be at least 5 years old and entering Kindergarten or a higher grade to be eligible for the scholarship. However, grade level requirements may vary by location. How can I get funding for pre-K or for high school? For pre-K children younger than 5, please call Child Care Aware at 1-800-424-2246 or visit their website, www.childcareaware.org, for information on local child care options and financial assistance. For high school options, please ask at your local high school about financial aid and local scholarship programs that may be available. Unfortunately, Children's Scholarship Fund does not offer funding for any grades other than K-8.