Opportunity Scholarships
North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship provides income-tiered vouchers ($3,458-$7,686) for private school tuition and fees. Universal eligibility for all NC K-12 families since 2024-2025. Administered by NC State Education Assistance Authority.
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📝 How to Apply
1. Visit k12.ncseaa.edu/opportunity-scholarship to access application portal. 2. Gather required documents: proof of NC residency, household income documentation, student birth certificate. 3. Complete online application during February 6 - March 6 priority period (or any time after for rolling consideration). 4. Submit all required documentation. 5. Select eligible private school from registered school list. 6. Await approval notification. 7. If approved, funds sent directly to selected private school.
Proof of North Carolina residency, Household income documentation (for award tier determination), Student birth certificate, Enrollment confirmation from eligible private school
🛒 What You Can Buy with ESA Funds
Private school tuition and required fees at eligible registered private schools
📊 Academic Requirements
Students in grades 3+ must take nationally standardized achievement test annually. Grades 3-8: English, grammar, reading, spelling, mathematics. Grades 9, 10, 12: English, grammar, reading, spelling, mathematics OR verbal/quantitative competencies. Grade 11: ACT required. Tests include Stanford Achievement Test, Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, TerraNova (normed within 10 years). Results due July 15 annually.
Must attend eligible private school full-time. Cannot be enrolled full-time in public school or charter school.
Annual testing required for accountability
Submit standardized test results to NCSEAA by July 15 each year. Families who do not submit test results cannot renew scholarship.
Annual renewal available if testing requirements met and student remains eligible (NC resident, enrolled in eligible private school, testing completed). Applications processed in order received.
