Tuition Support and Affordability

​Tuition Support
St. Charles offers four sources of tuition support for grades K-8: Indiana School Choice Scholarships (commonly called vouchers), SGO grants, Gift of Education scholarships, and the Madonna Paskash Scholarship Fund. Please see the following for details regarding each type of tuition support.

Indiana Choice Scholarship Program​​

School Choice Scholarships are awarded to a family with direct payment to St. Charles from the State of Indiana and are available in grades K-8 for parishioner and non-parishioner families. To qualify for a choice scholarship, families/students must meet two criteria: a voucher pathway and an income threshold. The pathway is an eligibility requirement, such as receiving an SGO or a choice scholarship in a previous year.

School Choice Scholarship Pathways:
  • Two Semesters in Public School Pathway: The student was enrolled in a public school (including charter schools) in Indiana for at least two semesters immediately prior to enrollment at the private school. Additionally, the student is a member of a household with an income equal to or below 150% of the amount to qualify for the federal reduced lunch program.
  • Sibling Pathway: A sibling of the student has received either a Choice Scholarship ("voucher") or an SGO Scholarship in a preceding school year, and the student is a member of a household with an annual income equal to or below 150% of the amount to qualify for the federal reduced lunch program.
  • "F" Public School Pathway: The student would be required to attend a specific public school, based on the student's residence, that has been assigned an "F" grade. This pathway does not require prior attendance at the "F" school. Additionally, the student is a member of a household with an annual income equal to or below 150% of the amount to qualify for the federal reduced lunch program. Currently not available. 
  • Special Education Pathway: The student has a disability that requires special education. An individualized education plan (IEP) or a service plan has been developed for the student. Additionally, the student is a member of a household with an annual income equal to or below 200% of the amount to qualify for the federal reduced lunch program.
  • Continuing Choice Scholarship Student Pathway: The student received a Choice Scholarship ("voucher") in the school year that immediately precedes the school year for which the student is applying for a Choice Scholarship. Additionally, the student is a member of a household with an annual income equal to or below 200% of the amount to qualify for the federal reduced lunch program.
  • Previous Choice Scholarship Student Pathway: The student received a Choice Scholarship ("voucher") in a school year that does NOT immediately precede the school year for which the student is applying for a Choice Scholarship. Additionally, the student is a member of a household with an annual income equal to or below 150% of the amount to qualify for the federal reduced lunch program.
  • Previous SGO Award Pathway: The student received an SGO Scholarship in any preceding school year from one of the five approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Additionally, the student is a member of a household with an annual income equal to or below 150% of the amount to qualify for the federal reduced lunch program.  

Regarding the income threshold, the state sets guidelines for how much can be awarded. The public school district in which you reside determines its cost of education per child, per year. Based on that figure, families qualify to receive up to 90% of that figure, given as a voucher payment to St. Charles. This school choice scholarship amount is then applied to your tuition, excluding registration fees, technology fees, and book fees. This requires your IRS Federal 1040 Income Tax Return from your most recent tax year. St. Charles also encourages families taking advantage of the Indiana School Choice Scholarships to fill out the FACTS Grant and Aid application.​                         

Indiana Tax Credit (SGO) Scholarships 

An SGO stands for a Scholarship Granting Organization. These organizations have been authorized by the State of Indiana, and they allow donors to fund scholarships which individual schools can then give out to individual families. To qualify, families must fall within income guidelines set by the state. Unlike Indiana Choice Scholarships (vouchers), the specific dollar amount of an SGO award is determined at the local level. The minimum distribution is $500 per child. Any family wishing to request assistance through an SGO must complete the confidential FACTS Grant and Aid Application, each year.

Gift of Education Scholarships

​Each year through the generosity of alumni, parents, parishioners, students and friends, St. Charles is able to offer tuition assistance to students who might not otherwise be able to afford a Catholic education through the Gift of Education. Any family wishing to request school tuition assistance must complete the confidential FACTS Grant and Aid Application, each year. Completing this assessment is the only requirement necessary and this information will verify how your family best qualifies for this tuition assistance. FACTS Grant and Aid is utilized and assists the school in processing the applications to prepare an objective report. Final aid determinations will be made by the school. All financial information will be kept in the strictest confidence. We encourage any family who is concerned about their ability to cover the cost of tuition to please apply for assistance.  It is there for you to request and is part of our school budget!
The Madonna Paskash Scholarship Fund
The Madonna Paskash Scholarship Fund is privately funded through the generosity of donors. If you are interested in making a contribution to this fund please contact Mrs. Nicole Hodgson, Marketing Director at nhodgson@stcharlesbloomington.org. This scholarship is awarded to a St. Charles School parent/guardian who has a student in good academic standing and a family with a documented financial need of tuition and fee assistance. These funds are awarded to current families at the principal's discretion and committee approval. To apply for this scholarship please complete this form.
Questions?
Please email Siobhan Dennis at sdennis@stcharlesbloomington.org