(Posted Feb. 18, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
St. Patrick School in London is approved to accept Ed Choice Expansion scholarships offered by the State of Ohio. Families who meet income guidelines can apply for the scholarships, which cover the full cost of tuition.
“It’s a good program. It gives some working class families an opportunity they might not have otherwise,” said Erin Morris, St. Patrick business manager.
St. Patrick is a private, Catholic school currently serving 213 students in grades K-8. Anyone, regardless of where they live or their religious affiliation, can enroll. The annual tuition starts at $3,050 for active Catholics and $4,050 for non-Catholics and inactive Catholics. Discounts apply for multiple children from the same family.
This is St. Patrick’s second year affiliated with the Ed Choice scholarships. Five students in grades K-2 received scholarships for the 2015-16 school year.
“We wanted to get our feet wet and see if it worked for us,” said Dr. Jacob Froning, principal. Now, the school is ready to more actively promote the scholarships.
For the 2016-17 school year, the program applies to students in grades K-3. The number of scholarships available statewide is limited, so St. Patrick leaders encourage families who are interested to apply early for the best chance of securing funds. The school will start accepting Ed Choice applications during its March enrollment push. Families who apply for a scholarship but do not receive one are not obligated to enroll at St. Patrick.
Eligibility guidelines are based on household size and income. The maximum income allowed for applicants is as follows: two-person home, $31,860; three, $40,180; four, $48,500; five, $56,820; six, $65,140.
Scholarship recipients must reapply each year. Preference is given to past recipients. If a family’s income rises after receiving a scholarship, a pro-rated amount can still be received depending on the amount of the increase.
Ed Choice Expansion is a relatively new program. The state plans to add one grade per year, which means children in grades K-4 will be eligible for the 2017-18 school year. For more information, visit the School Choice Ohio website at www.scohio.org.
For details or to set up an appointment to complete the Ed Choice application, contact Erin Morris at (740) 852-0942 or erin@stpatricklondon.org.
