What are AAA and SGO scholarship opportunities?

The Alabama Accountability Act of 2013 permitted the formation of non-profit “scholarship granting organizations” (“SGO”). These SGO’s are funded by individual and corporate contributions and provide scholarships to financially eligible lower-income K5-12th grade students in the state of Alabama. SGO scholarships can provide a majority of the funding for students to attend independent schools. Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School (“MCPS”) is an approved school partnering with Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund (“AOSF”), Renaissance, and Scholarship for Kids. Please contact Jennifer Van Alst (334-272-7221 ext 101) or David Schwarz (334-272-7221 ext 102) in the Business Office for more information about these scholarship opportunities.

A student must meet Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School admission requirements in order to utilize an SGO award with MCPS. For more information on the Alabama Accountability Act please visit alhousegop.com/accountability.

Should I apply for acceptance to MCPS before  applying with an SGO?

Yes, it is recommended to complete an application with MCPS before applying with an SGO.

What is the typical timing of SGO award notification?

Typically, assuming the financial guidelines are met and you are zoned for a failing school, notifications will be sent by July 31.  If (i) you are not zoned for a failing school and (ii) you are presently enrolled in a private, independent school, notification is typically sent on or after August 1.

Should I apply with multiple scholarship granting organizations at the same time?

It is recommended to apply to all scholarship granting organizations.  If more than one scholarship is awarded, only one award is applicable.

AOSF & Renaissance general information

Please refer to the AOSF website: https://alabamascholarshipfund.org/ and the Renaissance website: https://www.renaissancescholarships.org/

All families must meet the Scholarship Income Guidelines (as defined by Alabama law) to be eligible to receive an AOSF/Renaissance scholarship. Consult the Scholarship Income Guidelines chart for eligibility information.

Awards are distributed on a first come, first served basis and in compliance with the Alabama Accountability Act (AAA). The AAA requires scholarship granting organizations to give priority to students as follows:

1. A student zoned for a “failing school”, whether or not they are currently enrolled in a public or private school. Only 25% of all scholarships can be awarded to students continuously enrolled in a private school during the previous school year.
2. A public school student not zoned for a “failing school”. By law, scholarships may not be awarded to students zoned to a non-failing school until July 31st of each school year.
3. A private school student not zoned for a “failing school”. Only 25% of all scholarships can be awarded to students continuously enrolled in a private school during the previous school year. By law, scholarships may not be awarded to students zoned to a non-failing school until July 31st of each school year.

AOSF and Renaissance were created to empower low-income parents to choose what is best for their child.

Parents apply directly with AOSF & Renaissance, which assures full compliance with the law. Awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to renewal students and new students zoned for and attending a “failing” public school.  Parents can choose from any of the schools on the Participating Schools list. Parents may apply to any school, however, school admission requirements must be met.

Documents you will need to apply:

1. Current Year State taxes
2. Public School verification form
3. Signature page (this is downloaded after you complete application)
4. Last school year report card

Scholarship for Kids general information

The application for Scholarship for Kids is available from Jennifer Van Alst in the Business Office.  Please also refer to the Scholarship For Kids website:  https://www.scholarshipsforkids.org/

All families must meet the Scholarship Income Guidelines (as defined by Alabama law).  Awards are distributed on a first come, first served basis and in compliance with the Alabama Accountability Act (AAA). The AAA requires scholarship granting organizations to give priority to students as follows:

1. A student zoned for a “failing school”, whether or not they are currently enrolled in a public or private school. Only 25% of all scholarships can be awarded to students continuously enrolled in a private school during the previous school year.
2. A public school student not zoned for a “failing school”. By law, scholarships may not be awarded to students zoned to a non-failing school until July 31st of each school year.
3. A private school student not zoned for a “failing school”. Only 25% of all scholarships can be awarded to students continuously enrolled in a private school during the previous school year. By law, scholarships may not be awarded to students zoned to a non-failing school until July 31st of each school year.

Documents needed:

1. Birth certificate
2. Current year federal taxes
3. Social security card
4. Public School verification form

Once you complete the Scholarship for Kids application you will return it to the MCPS Business Office. Once all documents are in and the portal is open, Ms. Van Alst will submit your application to Scholarship for Kids.