Tuition Scholarship (ESTF) - Thomas Heyward Academy: Premier K1-12 Private School in Ridgeland, SC Private School Is Now Affordable If you’ve ever thought private school was out of reach, this program may change that. What is the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF)? The South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) is a state-funded Education Savings Account (ESA) program designed to help eligible K–12 students access private school education. For the 2025–26 school year, eligibility is targeted to students from households earning 300% or less of the Federal Poverty Level. Beginning in 2026–27 and beyond, eligibility expands to households earning up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Administered by the South Carolina Department of Education, the ESTF program provides qualifying South Carolina families with $7,500 per student for the 2025–26 school year, applied directly toward private school tuition. The scholarship amount increases to $7,634 per student for the 2026–27 school year. Our admissions team is happy to help families understand each step of the process. see if you qualify Why families choose Thomas Heyward Academy Small class sizes and individual attention Strong values, structure, and accountability Excellent education that prepares students for college and life Competitive, character-driven athletics A close-knit school community where students are known and supported How ESTF works at Thomas Heyward Academy Apply for ESTF through the South Carolina program Submit an inquiry or application to Thomas Heyward Academy If approved, ESTF funds are applied toward tuition Your child enrolls and thrives at THA Thomas Heyward Academy is an approved provider for the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund. UPCOMING ESTF DATES: November 1: Priority for Renewal Applicants + siblings Parents will need to submit an entire new application through FACTS, with all their income verification and supporting documents again. During this window, families will be able to add applications for siblings who are not currently receiving ESTF (this is especially big for those who have kids in K4 this year and will be starting Kindergarten in fall 2026). January 15: Applications open for priority groups (300% FPL, active duty military, prior public school, previous applicants waitlisted from 25-26) February 9-16: Applications open for everyone up to 500% FPL If you make less than 161k with a household of 4, you qualify! Do I have to already be enrolled at Thomas Heyward Academy to apply for ESTF? Does ESTF cover all tuition? Is ESTF a loan? What grades are eligible? How do I know if my family qualifies? What can the scholarship be used for? What do I need to apply? Do I have to pay out of pocket and then get reimbursed? No.  Families may apply for ESTF and inquire about enrollment at the same time. ESTF provides up to $7,500 per student. Tuition varies by grade level, and the scholarship does cover all current tuitions at THA. No. ESTF is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. ESTF is available for K5–12 students who meet state eligibility requirements. Eligibility is based on state guidelines. Many families are surprised to learn they qualify. To qualify for the 2026-2027 school year, the student must: ● Be a resident of South Carolina; ● Have a household income that does not exceed 500% of the federal poverty guidelines ● Agree to enroll the student (in any year between Kindergarten and 12th Grade) for the 2026-27 school year in a school other than a public school in your residential school district. Tuition and Fees at an approved independent school Tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course - ○ Math ○ English / Grammar / Reading ○ Science ○ Social Studies ○ Foreign Language ○ Art ○ Music ○ Test Preparation ○ Study Skills Textbooks and student workbooks - ○ Math ○ English/Grammar/Reading ○ Science ○ Social Studies ○ Foreign Language ○ Art ○ Music Reading books Instructional materials Computer hardware (view the Participant Guide for detailed information) Technological devices (view the Participant Guide for detailed information) Curriculum - ○ Math ○ English/Grammar/Reading ○ Science ○ Social Studies ○ Foreign Language ○ Art ○ Music Tutoring - ○ Math ○ English/Grammar/Reading ○ Science ○ Social Studies ○ Foreign Language ○ Art ○ Music Educational therapies for students with disabilities - ○ ABA Therapy ○ Speech Therapy ○ Physical Therapy ○ Occupational Therapy ○ Vision Therapy ○ Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Therapies Fees for transportation through an approved school or service provider. This does not include gas mileage provided by a parent or guardian. $3,000 annual limit.  IMPORTANT NOTE: Transportation fees MUST be submitted as a separate transaction (not included on a tuition invoice). You will be asked to provide the following: ● Proof of guardianship (Birth Certificate, etc.) ● Proof of residency (Driver’s License or State-issued ID, utility bill, etc.) ● Address Verification (required for every application): Driver’s license or state-issued ID, utility bill, government-issued mail, or mortgage statement ● Income Verification (required for every application): IRS Form 1040 or other documentation regarding non-taxable income There is no reimbursement. Your student’s ESTF scholarship will be made available in a Digital Wallet provided by ClassWallet. Using this account, you will be able to make direct payments and purchases with your student’s scholarship funds. Resources: 2025 ESTF Flyer Understanding & Applying Participant Guide 2025-2026 Training Webinar for Participating Families Visit the following links for the most updated information on the South Carolina ESTF program: South Carolina Dept. of Education SC School of Choice Ready to take the next step? request a tour apply to tha