Scholarships & Financial Assistance
An excellent education at Volusia County Catholic Schools is within reach of every child. Families now have more power to choose the best learning environment for their children through a variety of scholarship and financial assistance opportunities offered via state, nonprofit and parish programs.
Throughout Volusia Catholic Schools and the Diocese of Orlando, our families received more than $10 million in tuition and fee allowances. In addition, through the participation of our schools, families also had the opportunity to receive assistance from the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Program, Step Up for Students for families with financial need, the McKay Scholarship Program for student with disabilities, AAA Scholarship Foundation, the Gardiner Scholarship, and more all from the state of Florida. The majority of our Volusia Catholic schools offer these assistance programs.
Here is a list of what scholarships are currently available to Florida families and where you can submit an application.
Scholarship News!
As of July 1, 2023, all students are eligible for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Education Options (FES-EO), regardless of household income, who are residents of Florida and eligible to enroll in a K-12 public school.
Visit Step Up For Students to learn more about available scholarships and apply today! Some restrictions may apply.
Income-Based Scholarships
Florida Tax Credit Scholarship
This scholarship program expands educational opportunities for children of families with limited financial resources, helping them achieve a higher level of excellence. The program provides support for tuition and fees at eligible private schools and aids more than 100,000 students each year.
Family Empowerment Scholarship
This state-funded K-12 scholarship makes private schools more affordable for families. It’s also the first of its kind to extend support to middle-class families. With the FES program, more parents have the ability to determine the best educational environment for their children.
Disability-Based Scholarships
McKay Scholarship Program
Students with disabilities are eligible to attend a public or private school of their choice through the McKay Scholarship Program. The program is available for K-12 students with a learning disability, intellectual disability, or other health impairment.
Gardiner Scholarship
Through the Gardiner Scholarship, parents can individualize educational plans for their children with certain special needs. The scholarship is used for a combination of programs, including schools, specialists, curriculum and technology.
School-Based Scholarships
Parish Support
Many of our school parishes offer scholarships to their affiliate schools. Please contact any of our Catholic elementary schools to see what scholarship opportunities are available through their respective parishes.
Father Lopez Financial Assistance Program
Father Lopez Catholic High School provides income-based scholarships to make its college preparatory education accessible to more students. Click here to learn more.
Florida VPK (Voluntary Pre-K Program)
Florida offers free prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. The Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program prepares
early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond.
Where to Apply
The below scholarship funding organizations administer the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, Family Empowerment Scholarship, and Gardiner Scholarship.
AAA SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION (AAA)
Website: https://www.aaascholarships.org/parents/florida/
(888) 707-2465 | info@aaascholarships.org
STEP UP FOR STUDENTS
(877) 735-7837 | info@stepupforstudents.org
The Florida Department of Education administers the McKay Scholarship Program.
MCKAY SCHOLARSHIP
http://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/k-12-scholarship-programs/mckay/
(800) 447-1636
VPK (Voluntary Pre-K Program
866-357-3239
Voluntary Prekindergarten | OEL (floridaearlylearning.com)
Visit these websites to find out about eligibility requirements and to apply for a scholarship. A family may not accept a scholarship from more than one of these programs at the same time.
For more information about the benefits of an exceptional education at Volusia Catholic Schools, contact us and we will be happy to assist you.