Georgia Promise Scholarships: Here’s what families and communities need to know
Key Points
- Students from hundreds of public schools across Georgia can now apply for up to $6,500 per year to cover approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, and more.
- The program is available to students in the bottom 25% of Georgia’s public schools, enrolled during the previous two semesters or entering kindergarten, with lower-income families favored first.
- Applications open throughout 2026. Sign up here to be notified when the program opens.
Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, thousands of families now have greater access to flexible education options through the new Promise Scholarship.
Education is a vital pathway to opportunity, and every child deserves the chance to succeed. Unfortunately, many Georgia students remain stuck in underperforming schools without access to better alternatives. The Promise Scholarship aims to change that by expanding access to diverse, high-quality education opportunities.
What are Promise Scholarships?
The Georgia Promise Scholarship is a state-funded initiative designed to give families more control over their children’s education. Through this program, qualifying students will receive up to $6,500 annually* to cover a range of education-related expenses. Unlike traditional vouchers, which are limited to school tuition, Promise Scholarships provide greater flexibility.
Funds can be used for approved expenses such as:
- Private school tuition and fees
- Tutoring services
- Textbooks and curriculum
- Education therapies
- Education-related technology
- Transportation costs
With this comprehensive approach, Promise Scholarships aim to help families create a personalized education path that meets their unique needs.
Who can apply?
Promise Scholarships are targeted to empower families with the fewest resources and the greatest need. There are specific eligibility criteria to qualify for the program, including:
- Enrolled in eligible public schools: Students must be attending one of the bottom 25% of Georgia’s public schools (as ranked by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement) during the 2025-2026 school year or be entering kindergarten.
- Residency requirement: Parents must have lived in Georgia for at least one year, with exceptions for active-duty military personnel.
- Income priority: If the number of applicants exceeds available funding, families with household incomes below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (around $130,000 for a family of four) will be prioritized.
Funding is available for up to 20,000 students, creating access to resources and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.
Key dates to remember
Student applications will open four times in 2026:
- March 1— March 31, 2026
- May 1—May 31, 2026
- August 1—August 31, 2026
- November 1—November 30, 2026
Families are encouraged to start preparing now by gathering necessary documentation and confirming eligibility to apply as soon as possible.
What can parents do now?
Parents can take steps today to prepare for the Promise Scholarship application windows. Here’s how you can get started:
Check for eligibility: Ensure your child qualifies by reviewing the criteria. This includes confirming their enrollment in a qualifying school or kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year. See eligibility details here.
Prepare documentation: Gather residency proof and any other information that may be required for the application.
Start exploring education options: While the list of eligible schools hasn’t been released yet, it’s a good idea to consider the types of educational settings or services that could best meet your child’s needs. A list of participating private schools is available here.
Learn more about education choices: For additional guidance, consult the Parents’ Guide to Education in Georgia to better understand the options available to you and your family.