Scholarship & Grant Opportunities
In addition to tuition assistance offered by Beaufort Academy, there are many state and private donor scholarship & grant opportunities that may provide relief for stretched family budgets and peace of mind for worried parents. This means that families who could not have afforded private schools now have the ability to make the best choice for their children's education.
It is important to contact the Admissions office before applying for a grant to verify a spot in a class and further admissions criteria. If your child is not already enrolled at Beaufort Academy, contact Lisa Gallagher, Admissions Director at [email protected] as soon as possible to start the enrollment process. Applying for a Scholarship or Grant does not guarantee acceptance into Beaufort Academy. Beaufort Academy does not discriminate based on race, color, or national origin.
*Acceptance updates will be released via email from the organization directly, not Beaufort Academy admissions.
South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) (New Rising K-12 Students)
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) recently announced the launch of South Carolina’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program (ESTF). This NEW program allows eligible South Carolina families to apply for a scholarship of $6,000 per student. The Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program will make private school, tutoring, and other personalized learning expenses a more affordable choice for economically disadvantaged children. Families who apply & qualify receive up to $6,000 per student to cover Beaufort Academy tuition costs for the 2024-2025 school year, and it does not have to be repaid.
To be eligible, a student must have attended public school the previous year, or be a first-time kindergartner student and have a household income that doesn’t exceed 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. See below for details.
There will be a strong demand for the ESTF scholarship. The student application portal is now open and remains open through March 15, 2024. Scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year are limited to 5,000 students, so it is important to apply as soon as possible.
*Beaufort Academy has applied to become an approved Independent school to accept the ESTF grant.
What is the Education Scholarship Trust Fund?
The Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program (ESTF) is administered by the South Carolina Department of Education. It allows qualifying South Carolina families with a student in K-12th grades to apply for a scholarship of $6,000 per student. The state has contracted with ClassWallet for programmatic support and to manage the distribution of scholarship funds to participating families.
What does the ESTF Scholarship cover?
The ESTF scholarship may be used to cover the partial cost of tuition (up to $6,000), defined as the total amount of money charged for the cost of a qualifying student to attend a participating independent school including, but not limited to, fees for attending the school, textbooks, curriculum, and educational materials. Parents will be responsible for the difference.
Who qualifies for a ESTF program?
Scholarships are awarded to students that meet the qualifications on a first-come, first-served basis. As long as parents submit a complete application, their child is eligible, funds are available, and the parent agrees to meet program requirements, a student should receive a scholarship.
To qualify for the 2024-2025 school year, the student must:
- Be a resident of South Carolina
- Must have attended a South Carolina public school for the 2023-2024 year, OR be a first-time kindergartner turning five on or before September 1, 2024.
- Have a household income that does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
What do I need to apply?
You will be asked to provide the following:
- Proof of guardianship (Birth Certificate, etc.)
- Proof of income (2022 tax return documentation or, if you do not file taxes, information on income)
- Proof of residency (Driver’s License or State-issued ID, utility bill, etc.)
How do I apply?
The ESTF Program application will open here on January 15, 2024, and it will close on March 15, 2024. For the 2024-2025 school year, spaces are limited and awarded to the first 5,000 approved applicants. You should apply as soon as possible.
- Application Period: January 15, 2024 - March 15, 2024
- Scholarship Funds Available: July 2024
- Get Started Today - Spots are Limited!
When will I get funding?
If approved, your student’s digital wallet will be funded in late July 2024, and you will be able to begin making payments and purchases.
Do I have to pay out of pocket and then get reimbursed?
No, your student’s ESTF scholarship will be made available in a Digital Wallet provided by ClassWallet. Using this account, you will be able to make direct payments and purchases with your student’s scholarship funds. Under this program, only direct payments and purchases made through the Digital Wallet are allowed.
Questions? Learn More Here
ESTF Student Application
True Blue Legacy Scholarship (New Rising 9th Grade Students)
Anna Grace Dennis Horizon Scholarship (New & Current Rising 11th Grade Students)
Emerging Leader Scholarship (Current Rising 9th Grade Students)
Contact Beaufort Academy directly at (843) 524-3393, or Director of Admissions, Lisa Gallagher at [email protected].
Continue to visit My South Carolina Education's website for the latest updates at https://mysceducation.org/.