Admissions

EdChoice Scholarship Program

Ohio EdChoice Scholarships: Improving Possibilities at MVS

With the expansion of Ohio EdChoice, all K-12 students in Ohio can use a state EdChoice scholarship to attend The Miami Valley School starting with the 2026-2027 school year.* The EdChoice scholarship provides the opportunity for students to attend an approved private school at a reduced cost by taking their state-allocated funds with them. Ohio EdChoice makes an MVS education more accessible and affordable for families across the Dayton area. 

*Note that specific dollar figures on this page are for the 2025-2026 school year. The 2026-2027 EdChoice scholarship levels will be published by the state before February 1, 2026.
What EdChoice Means for MVS
  • Participation in the Ohio EdChoice program does not affect our curriculum, nor does it affect the selectivity of our admissions. MVS retains the same curricular freedom and high admissions standards that have set us apart in the Dayton area for over 60 years.
  • Participation in the EdChoice program does not require MVS students to take one specific standardized test for eligibility.
    • The program does require the school to administer some approved forms of testing. Some approved tests are already in place at MVS (for example, MAP assessments in the lower and middle schools). 
  • As an EdChoice provider, MVS retains its unique character as an independent school while also providing families in Ohio a leg up to afford Dayton's #1 education. 

Ohio EdChoice Scholarship Application Process

List of 3 items.

  • Step 1

    Families of current and newly enrolled students submit the required documentation to MVS:
    • Completed Ohio EdChoice Scholarship Program Request Form
    • Child’s birth certificate
    • Proof of current address (current month utility bill or monthly mortgage statement less than 60 days old).
  • Step 2

    MVS submits the EdChoice Scholarship application to the state on the family’s behalf. The state will verify the family's income (if applying for EdChoice Expansion) and confirm if the student qualifies for Traditional EdChoice (based on assigned school building).
  • Step 3

    Once the EdChoice Scholarship application is approved, families receive confirmation of scholarship awards and the funds are sent to MVS to be credited to students' tuition accounts, with a portion put towards administering the EdChoice program at MVS and advancing the mission of the school.

Ohio EdChoice Maximum Scholarship - Special Designations

List of 3 items.

  • Low-Income Status - At or Below 200% of FPL

    Is your household's Adjusted Gross Income at or under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level? If so, your child automatically qualifies for the maximum EdChoice Scholarship and MVS does not charge your family any additional tuition. Any fees charged by the school (athletics, dining, etc.) still apply.

    If your family qualifies for Low-Income Status through EdChoice, you should not apply for the MVS flexible tuition program through Clarity, since you will not have any more tuition charged to you. 

    Check your AGI (line 11 of your federal 1040 form) and cross-reference it with this chart from the State of Ohio to see if your family qualifies for a Low-Income Status designation.
  • Assigned to Designated Underperforming School

    If the public school that your child would attend is designated "Underperforming" by the State of Ohio, your child qualifies for the maximum EdChoice scholarship, even if they are already attending private school. You can use this tool to look up if your child is assigned to a Designated Underperforming School. 

    Families who fall under this designation can receive additional reduced tuition from MVS through the need-based flexible tuition program, merit scholarships, and other programs. You should apply for the flexible tuition program through Clarity if you need a further tuition reduction. 
  • Household Income 200-450% of FPL

    If your family's Adjusted Gross Income falls between 200% and 450% of the Federal Poverty Level, your child qualifies for the maximum EdChoice scholarship. Check your AGI (line 11 on your 1040) and reference this chart to estimate whether you are at or below 450% of the FPL. 

    Families who fall under this designation can also receive additional reduced tuition from MVS through the need-based flexible tuition program, merit scholarships, and other programs. You should apply for the flexible tuition program through Clarity if you need a further tuition reduction. 

Ohio EdChoice FAQ

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

  • Is my child eligible for an EdChoice scholarship?

    Every Ohio student in grades K-12 is eligible for an EdChoice scholarship in either the "Traditional" form, based on assigned public school building, or the "Expansion" form, based on a decreasing pro-rated scale according to a family’s income. The state of Ohio determines eligibility under its guidelines. Once a student qualifies with the state, the scholarship remains in place through 12th grade, provided the student remains eligible. See the menu above for some special designations from the State of Ohio. 
  • When will MVS begin accepting EdChoice scholarships? When should I submit my materials?

    • All families in Ohio can use a state EdChoice scholarship to attend MVS starting with the 2026-27 school year.
    • MVS will start collecting application materials from families in January 2026.
    • MVS will submit applications to the state on behalf of families beginning on February 1. 
    • Have a question? Submitting application materials? Email edchoice@miamivalleyschool.org 
    Please note that some information on this page is based on 2025-2026 scholarship levels. The state updates its information each year, so 2026-2027 scholarship amounts will be posted ahead of February 1, 2026, when the state begins accepting applications.
  • How much is an EdChoice scholarship award?

    EdChoice scholarships vary based on whether a student qualifies for a Traditional EdChoice Scholarship (based on the student's assigned public school building) or EdChoice Expansion (based on a decreasing pro-rated scale according to a family’s income).

    The EdChoice scholarship amount is expected to increase 4% each year, so the 2026-2027 values will be slightly higher than 2025-2026. The official maximum and minimum EdChoice scholarship amounts for 2026-2027 should be posted by February 1, 2026.

    For 2025-2026, a Traditional EdChoice Scholarship is $6,166 for students in grades K-8 and $8,408 for students in grades 9-12.

    The EdChoice Expansion Scholarship varies based upon household income level. For 2025-2026, the scholarship award ranges from $616.60-$6,166 for grades K-8 and $840.80-$8,408 for grades 9-12.
  • How does the EdChoice scholarship affect my child's net tuition obligation?

    Your child's EdChoice scholarship money will be received by MVS directly from the state. MVS will credit your child's tuition account for the scholarship, with a portion of the award put towards administering the EdChoice program at MVS and advancing the mission of the school.

    Remember that the EdChoice scholarship is just one way you can reduce our child's overall tuition obligation! The school provides a variety of need-based and other tuition reductions that can be applied on top of your EdChoice scholarship. See information here.
  • Are EdChoice scholarships renewable? How do I renew my child's EdChoice scholarship each year?

    Yes, EdChoice scholarships are renewable each year. MVS will assist families in the renewal process and send detailed information. The renewal process is focused on verifying continued Ohio residency. 

    Renewing families are only required to complete the income verification process each year if they qualify for Low-Income Status through the EdChoice program (household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level) and they would like to keep that qualification. Otherwise, families do not need to complete the income verification process each year, unless they would like to have their award amount recalculated based on a change in household income.
  • Does an EdChoice scholarship also cover school fees?

    The EdChoice scholarship can only be used for tuition. Fees outside of school tuition, such as athletics, dining, Immersion, and so on are still paid by families, even if they are not being charged additional tuition by MVS.
  • How can I make MVS more affordable on top of my EdChoice scholarship?

    MVS has a robust flexible tuition system in place to meet your family's need. The school provides a variety of need-based and other tuition reductions that can be applied on top of your EdChoice scholarship. Families must apply separately for flexible reduced tuition from MVS: see information here

    Remember, if your family qualifies for Low-Income Status from the State of Ohio (household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level), MVS will not charge you any additional tuition. Once you have qualified for this status, there is no need to apply for additional flexible reduced tuition.
  • How does EdChoice affect my application for flexible reduced tuition at MVS?

    • MVS' flexible tuition program is not affected by a student's EdChoice scholarship!
    • Returning families with need apply for a need-based flexible tuition reduction through Clarity by January 15 for the following school year. New families apply during the admissions application process.
    • If a family qualifies through the EdChoice program for Low-Income Status (household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level), they will pay no tuition, and do not need to apply for an MVS flexible tuition reduction. For additional information about the Low-Income Status designation, see the menu above.
  • What is the current legal status of the EdChoice program? Will EdChoice go away?

    The EdChoice program is currently in full operation. As with any state-funded program, EdChoice is subject to future legislative or judicial decisions. The program could change over time, and we will keep families informed if updates occur.
Have additional questions? Email edchoice@miamivalleyschool.org!
Optimizing Affordability at MVS

The Ohio EdChoice scholarship program is just one of the ways that MVS is accessible and affordable for your family. From our robust need-based flexible tuition program for all K-12 students, to our merit scholarship program for new students in grades 6-12, to the multi-child discount, an MVS education is within your reach.
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