Why do families have to pay part of the tuition?
One key component of 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. In a few cities, including New York, CSF families choose from a list of participating schools that are designated by our funding partners.

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® offers significant discounts to homeschooling families who receive CSF scholarships.

I have never applied to a private school before. What help can I get for choosing one?
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. These families must also fall below maximum income requirements. The guidelines of the National School Lunch Program form the basis for the CSF scale. This scale also includes families who make a little more than the 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. You can even apply to more than one school.

What if my child needs to repeat a grade?
That will not affect your scholarship in any way. It is not uncommon 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 can make a big difference in the lives of these children. However, note that CSF does not continue scholarships if children are expelled from school.

Can the scholarships be used for high school?
In most cases, CSF scholarships are for students in grades K-8 only. However, some of our partner programs (including New York) have funding to continue scholarships through high school. Please note that students entering high school without a CSF scholarship would not be eligible for these awards; only children already using CSF scholarships for K-8 are eligible for CSF high school funding.

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?
Child Care Aware is great for pre-K children younger than 5. You can reach them at 1-800-424-2246 or visit their website for information on local child care options and financial assistance. For high school options, please ask your local high school about financial aid and local scholarship programs that may be available. Unfortunately, the Children's Scholarship Fund does not offer funding for new applicants entering high school. In some, but not all, program areas, there may be funding available for current scholarship recipients to extend their scholarship through high school. For example, in New York our funding partners at The Endowment for Inner-City Education provide scholarships for CSF 8th graders to attend Catholic inner-city high schools.