The priority application period for North Carolina’s expanded Opportunity Scholarship program began today, Feb. 6, giving families throughout the state the chance to apply for scholarships to help cover the costs of K–12 private school tuition.
The program has experienced tremendous growth over the past two years following the General Assembly’s move to expand eligibility to all families regardless of income and provide funds for the record number of families who applied. In fact, so many applications were received on the first day of the application period last year that the portal temporarily crashed.
The Opportunity Scholarship program opens the door to educational opportunity for families. What follows is basic information on how to apply.
Who
Anyone who is a parent or guardian of a K–12 student living in North Carolina can submit an application on behalf of their child(ren). The priority application period is intended for new students who are not already participating in the program.
What
Parents of eligible students can apply on behalf of each child. For 2025–26, scholarships range from about $3,500 to about $7,500, depending on household income. Students who received scholarships during the 2024–25 school year will be given the chance to renew. After that, applications received during the priority application window will be awarded in order of lottery number, starting with those in the first award tier and proceeding through the other tiers as funds allow (see chart).
Source: North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
Where
Applications should be submitted online. Students must attend or plan to attend a direct payment school (one that has agreed to accept Opportunity Scholarships).
Why
Every student has unique needs, goals, and talents. Parents know their children best and should be empowered to choose the educational environment that fits each one best. According to a Jan. 2024 Carolina Journal Poll, nearly 42 percent of respondents said that if money weren’t an option, they would choose a private school for their child. Opportunity Scholarships help make this possible.
When
The priority application period started on Feb. 6 at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. on March 6. If funds remain available after that time, additional applications may be accepted. Applications received during the priority window will be considered first, and any received after that time will be processed in the order in which they were submitted. Families will receive award notifications in April.
How
The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority is offering call center hours on Feb. 6 and 7 to assist parents who have questions during the application process. The Parent Liaison Team from Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina also offers to answer parents’ questions about their applications.
The priority application period for North Carolina’s Education Student Accounts (ESA+) program, which helps students with disabilities afford private school tuition and certain other educational expenses, also ends on March 6. Find more information on how to apply here.
