Ohio EdChoice Scholarship Program - Canton Country Day School

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The Ohio EdChoice Scholarship is a state-funded program designed to help families afford private school education. Often referred to as Ohio’s school voucher program, EdChoice provides scholarships that can be used toward tuition at participating private schools. This program opens doors for Ohio families by covering a significant portion of school tuition, giving parents the freedom to choose the best educational environment for their children. Canton Country Day School (CCDS) is proud to participate in the EdChoice Scholarship program – meaning eligible students can attend our school with little or no tuition cost. In short, EdChoice makes a quality private education at CCDS accessible and affordable for families across Ohio.

Who Is Eligible?

Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship is available for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade who meet certain criteria. Eligibility has recently expanded, so more families qualify than ever before. Here’s an overview of who can benefit:

Students from Designated Public Schools (Traditional EdChoice): If your child is assigned to or attending a public school that the state has designated as underperforming, they are eligible for an EdChoice scholarship. (The Ohio Department of Education publishes a list of these schools each year.) You do not need to meet any income requirements for this category – eligibility is based on your public school’s performance.
Students Who Meet Income Requirements (EdChoice Expansion): Ohio’s EdChoice Expansion program offers scholarships based on family income, regardless of your local public school’s performance. Any K-12 student whose household income falls within the program’s guidelines can qualify. Families earning up to 450% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for the maximum scholarship amount. For example, 450% of the poverty level is roughly $145,000 in annual income for a family of four – families at or below this level qualify for full funding. Families above that income can still receive a partial scholarship on a sliding scale (the higher the income, the smaller the scholarship, but virtually all Ohio families are now eligible for at least some tuition assistance).

In summary, any Ohio resident entering grades K–12 can apply for EdChoice if either their local public school is on the eligible list or their household income is within the expansion limits. Students entering kindergarten are welcome to apply, as well as students transferring from another school (public or private). Note: The EdChoice program is statewide; the only exception is for students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, who have a separate scholarship program. Families outside of Cleveland can use EdChoice to attend any participating private school like CCDS. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our admissions team can help you determine which scholarship (Traditional or Expansion) fits your situation.

How to Apply

Applying for the Ohio EdChoice Scholarship is a multi-step process, but we are here to guide you every step of the way. Below is a step-by-step guide to the EdChoice scholarship application process:

Apply to Canton Country Day School: First, submit an application for admission to CCDS and complete the enrollment process for your child. (EdChoice requires that you secure acceptance at the private school before applying for the scholarship.) You can apply online or contact our Admissions Office for help with the school application.
Notify us of your intent to use EdChoice: Once your child is accepted at CCDS, let our Admissions Director know that you plan to apply for the EdChoice Scholarship. Canton Country Day School will provide you with the official EdChoice Scholarship Request Form and any other required paperwork.
Gather Required Documents: Prepare the documents you’ll need to submit along with the EdChoice application. These typically include:
- Proof of your child’s age and identity: A copy of the student’s birth certificate.
- Proof of Address: A current utility bill, bank statement, or other official document with your name and home address (dated within the last 90 days). This confirms that you are an Ohio resident and determines your public school district for eligibility.
- Any custody documentation (if applicable): If the child has court-ordered custody arrangements or you are a guardian/foster parent, provide any relevant legal documents.
- Scholarship Request Form: The form provided by the school (completed and signed by the parent/guardian).
Submit the EdChoice Application through the School: Email your completed form and documents to admission@cantoncountryday.org or bring them to our school office. We will submit your EdChoice scholarship application in the state’s online system on your behalf. (EdChoice applications must be submitted by the participating private school, not by parents directly.) We’ll ensure all information is entered correctly and the required documents are uploaded.
Complete Income Verification (EdChoice Expansion applicants only): If you are applying under the income-based EdChoice Expansion criteria, you will also need to complete an online income verification process. This step is done through the Ohio Department of Education’s portal. You’ll enter household information and upload proof of income (such as W-2 forms or tax returns). This step is optional for families applying for Traditional EdChoice (see FAQ), but required for any applicants who want to qualify based on income (EdChoice Expansion). Don’t worry – we will provide instructions and assistance for the income verification process.
Watch for Confirmation: Once submitted, the Ohio Department of Education will review your scholarship application. The application window for each school year typically opens February 1 before the upcoming school year and remains open through June 30 of that school year. (For example, applications for the 2025–2026 school year can be submitted from Feb. 1, 2025, until June 30, 2026.) If you apply during this main window (by the summer before or early in the school year), you can receive the full scholarship amount for the year. The state usually processes applications within a few weeks. Our office will notify you once your child’s scholarship is approved, and you’ll receive an official award letter from the state. (Note: If you enroll and apply after the school year has started, the scholarship amount may be prorated based on the remaining school days. For the fullest benefit, try to apply as early as possible.)

Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask for help! The EdChoice process involves paperwork and deadlines, but our staff is experienced with these applications. We can walk you through each step – from filling out forms to submitting documents – to make it as easy as possible.

Scholarship Amounts

The EdChoice Scholarship provides a set amount of tuition funding for each eligible student, and these amounts are set by the state legislature. Currently, the maximum scholarship values are:

Up to $6,166 per year for students in grades K–8 (elementary and middle school level)
Up to $8,408 per year for students in grades 9–12 (high school level)

These amounts represent the full annual scholarship for a student who qualifies. Students who meet the core eligibility (by school or income up to 450% FPL) will receive the full award listed above. Importantly, the scholarship money is paid directly to the private school to cover tuition costs.

For families who qualify under EdChoice Expansion with incomes above 450% of poverty, the scholarship is reduced on a sliding scale. In other words, you might receive a percentage of the maximum amount rather than the full amount. Even at higher income levels, the EdChoice program will provide a portion of tuition – making private school more affordable. For example, a family somewhat above the 450% threshold might receive around 75% of the full scholarship, while a substantially higher income might receive a smaller percentage. Every Ohio family is eligible for some level of tuition assistance through EdChoice, which is a game-changer for middle and upper-income families who previously did not qualify.

It’s also worth noting that the scholarship cannot exceed the school’s tuition. If the annual tuition at CCDS is less than the max scholarship, the state will only pay up to the actual tuition amount. (At Canton Country Day School, annual tuition for K–8 falls close to the scholarship value – meaning EdChoice can cover most, if not all, of the cost for eligible families.) If our tuition is higher than what the scholarship covers, you would be responsible for the difference unless you meet the low-income criteria (explained below in the FAQ). Many families combine EdChoice with our additional financial aid or payment plans to cover any remaining tuition balance.

Why Choose Canton Country Day School?

Choosing a school is about finding the best fit for your child’s education and well-being. Canton Country Day School offers a host of advantages that make it a top choice for families – and with EdChoice funding, your child can experience this exceptional education with reduced financial burden. Here are some reasons why CCDS stands out:

Exceptional Academics: CCDS is known for its rigorous, well-rounded curriculum and high academic standards. Our caring and highly qualified teachers provide personal attention to each student, helping them achieve their full potential. We emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning that prepares students to excel in a rapidly changing world.
Nurturing Environment: We pride ourselves on being a unique learning community full of joy and excitement. Small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio ensure that every child is known and supported. The strong connections between our teachers, students, parents, and the broader community create a safe, nurturing environment where children gain confidence and thrive.
Individualized Learning: At Canton Country Day, we view education through an individual lens – recognizing that each student has their own strengths, interests, and needs. Our programs are designed to ignite confidence and character in every child. Whether your child excels in math, loves the arts, or needs extra support in a particular area, we have the resources and expertise to challenge and nurture them.
Whole-Child Development: A CCDS education goes beyond core academics. Students enjoy enrichment in the arts, music, world languages, athletics, and technology. We focus on developing well-rounded individuals with strong character values and leadership skills. Our graduates leave CCDS not only academically prepared but also socially and emotionally ready for their next steps in life.
Community Values: Respect, inclusion, and community engagement are hallmarks of our school. As an independent, non-sectarian school, we welcome families from all backgrounds. We teach children to respect individual differences and to value community responsibility. Your child will join a diverse student body and become part of the tight-knit CCDS family.
Accessible with EdChoice: With the EdChoice Scholarship covering a large portion of tuition, a CCDS education becomes an affordable reality. Families who might have thought a private school was out of reach can now consider CCDS thanks to this state funding. We believe in our mission to provide excellence in education, and through programs like EdChoice, we can partner with families to make it financially feasible. In addition, CCDS offers need-based financial aid and payment plans for those who may require further assistance – so every child has the opportunity to benefit from our program.

By choosing Canton Country Day School, you’re investing in a supportive environment that will challenge your child academically and help them grow into a confident, well-rounded individual. EdChoice funding makes this outstanding education accessible, leveling the playing field for families across income levels. We invite you to discover how CCDS can be the right fit for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does my child have to attend a “low-performing” public school to get an EdChoice scholarship?

A: No. While the original EdChoice program was designed for students assigned to underperforming public schools, the program has expanded. Every Ohio student entering K-12 can qualify for EdChoice either by that school-designation route or by the income-based route. If your local public school is not on the eligible list, you can apply through EdChoice Expansion as long as your household meets the income criteria. In short, you do not have to be in a failing school district – many families qualify solely based on income. This means even if you live in a high-performing school district, you can still receive a scholarship to attend a private school like CCDS if your income falls within the expansion guidelines (and partial scholarships are available even if it’s above those guidelines).

Q: What are the income requirements for the Ohio EdChoice Expansion scholarship?

A: The income requirement for a full EdChoice Expansion scholarship is 450% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or below. This level adjusts with household size – for example, 450% FPL is about $145,000 annual income for a family of four (the threshold is lower for smaller families and higher for larger families). If your income is at or below this level, your child will qualify for the full scholarship amount. Families with income above 450% FPL aren’t excluded; instead, the scholarship amount is pro-rated. The higher your income, the smaller the percentage of the maximum scholarship you receive. There is no absolute income cutoff – even very high-income families can get a partial voucher (in practice, at upper incomes the scholarship might cover only a modest portion of tuition). The key takeaway is that all income levels are eligible; 450% FPL is simply the point for full funding. Also, keep in mind that if your income is at or below 200% FPL (around $64,000 for a family of four), you are considered “low income” by the program – which means you won’t be charged any tuition beyond what the scholarship covers (see below).

Q: How much tuition will the EdChoice Scholarship cover?

A: The EdChoice Scholarship is intended to cover either all or a significant part of private school tuition. For grades K-8, the full scholarship is $6,166 per year; for grades 9-12, it is $8,408 per year. If your child attends Canton Country Day School (a K-8 school) and qualifies for the full amount, roughly $6,166 of our annual tuition will be paid by the state. In many cases this covers most of the tuition cost at CCDS. If you qualify for a partial scholarship (due to higher income), the voucher will cover a portion of that $6,166. For example, a family who qualifies for 50% of the scholarship would receive about $3,083 toward tuition. The exact amount for partial scholarships will depend on your verified income level. We will help you understand what award your family can expect based on the state’s guidelines.

Q: Are there any costs that EdChoice does not cover?

A: Yes. The EdChoice Scholarship funds can only be applied to tuition. It does not cover other school-related expenses such as:

+ Registration or enrollment fees
+ School uniforms or dress code attire
+ Textbooks and classroom supplies (if those aren’t included in tuition)
+ Lunch programs, transportation, or extracurricular activity fees
+ Field trips or any special program fees

Families are responsible for these additional costs. Also, if a private school’s tuition is higher than the EdChoice scholarship amount, families may have to pay the difference out-of-pocket unless they qualify as low-income (200% FPL or below). Important: For families at or below 200% FPL, participating private schools must accept the EdChoice scholarship as full payment of tuition. This means low-income families do not have to pay any tuition beyond what EdChoice covers. If your income is above 200% FPL, you might be billed for the remaining tuition not covered by the scholarship. At CCDS, we are committed to working with families – if you do have a gap, we offer tuition payment plans and can discuss any available financial aid to help bridge the difference.

Q: Do we need to reapply for the EdChoice Scholarship every year?

A: Yes. EdChoice scholarships are awarded for one academic year at a time, so you will need to submit a renewal application each year to continue receiving the scholarship. The good news is that renewal is easy and priority is given to renewing students. As long as your child remains enrolled at a participating private school (like CCDS) and continues to meet the basic requirements, you can keep the scholarship through 12th grade. You do not have to be concerned about your local public school’s status after initial qualification – once you have EdChoice, you can renew annually regardless of any changes in the public school’s performance rating. For income-based (Expansion) recipients, you only need to re-submit income verification if you want to update your status (for example, if a change in income or household size could qualify you for a larger award or if you’re trying to maintain the low-income (zero tuition) status). If nothing changes, renewing families above 200% FPL often skip the income verification, and the scholarship will default to the appropriate percentage based on the last info on file. The renewal window and process are similar each year (usually opening in late winter/early spring). We will remind our EdChoice families when it’s time to renew and assist with the renewal paperwork so that your child’s funding continues without interruption.

Q: When are the application deadlines?

A: The EdChoice application period for a new school year begins on February 1 preceding the school year and runs through June 30 of that school year. For example, for the 2025–2026 academic year, you can apply anytime between Feb. 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. However, to ensure your child’s scholarship is in place by the start of the school year (and to receive the full year’s funding), we recommend completing the application by mid-summer before school starts. Applying early is best. If you miss the summer deadline, schools (including CCDS) will still accept EdChoice applications into the school year, up until that June 30 cutoff. Just keep in mind that if an application is submitted late (for instance, well after the academic year has begun), the scholarship will likely be prorated – meaning you’ll receive a smaller amount based on the remaining part of the year. For a full scholarship, try to get everything submitted by the start of the school year. Always check with us for any updates on deadlines, as the state occasionally adjusts application windows. And remember, you also need to apply for admission to CCDS (our school) — we can guide you on coordinating the timing so that both school enrollment and scholarship application are done smoothly.

Q: How will I receive the scholarship funds?

A: The EdChoice Scholarship funds are not given directly to parents. Instead, the state disburses the money to the private school on the student’s behalf. Here’s how it works: once your child is awarded the scholarship and enrolled at CCDS, the funds will be applied toward your child’s tuition balance. Each quarter, the school receives a disbursement from the Ohio Department of Education for each EdChoice student. Parents/guardians typically have to endorse (sign) checks or electronic payments each payout period to verify that the child is still enrolled. This is usually a simple process handled through the school office. In practical terms, you will see the scholarship credit on your tuition statements from CCDS, reducing what you owe. If the scholarship amount covers the full tuition, you wouldn’t owe anything additional for tuition (you’d just handle any fees or other expenses as mentioned above). If there is a remaining balance, you would pay that through our normal billing process or payment plan. Our business office can explain how EdChoice payments are applied and help coordinate any signatures or paperwork required throughout the year.

Have more questions? Feel free to reach out – we know the EdChoice program can seem complex, and we’re here to help simplify it for our families!

Ready to Take the Next Step? – Contact Us

Navigating school choice and scholarships can be a big decision, and we’re here to support you. If you’re considering using the EdChoice Scholarship for your child at Canton Country Day School, we encourage you to schedule a call with our Admissions Director, Katie Guist, for personalized guidance. Katie can answer any questions specific to your family, walk you through both the CCDS admissions process and the EdChoice application, and help set your mind at ease.

Contact Katie Guist at (330) 453-8279, ext. 131 or email kguist@cantoncountryday.org to set up a one-on-one consultation. During your call, you can discuss your child’s needs, verify your eligibility for EdChoice, and get step-by-step help on how to apply. We can also schedule an in-person campus tour so you can see firsthand what makes Canton Country Day School special.

Empower your child’s education with EdChoice and CCDS. With the financial support of the EdChoice Scholarship and the outstanding opportunities at Canton Country Day School, your family can take advantage of an exceptional educational experience. We look forward to partnering with you and answering any questions you may have – please don’t hesitate to reach out and take the next step toward enrollment. Your child’s bright future at CCDS is just a phone call away!