Do grades and test scores have any effect on who receives a scholarship?
No. If you meet the income eligibility requirements and have children entering grades K-3, you qualify for the CSF Baltimore scholarship drawing.

Is it for one child or more than one?
If your family’s name is drawn, you may enroll any children in your household who are claimed as dependents on your tax return, who are entering K-8th grade, and who are presently attending public school or not yet in kindergarten.

If my child wins a scholarship, will he automatically get into the school of my choice?
Not necessarily. Even if your child receives a CSF Baltimore scholarship, individual schools may have additional admission requirements. CSF Baltimore will work with scholarship recipients to identify private schools in their communities.

Isn't it hard to get into private school?
No.  Most private schools have simple admission requirements, and many are actively seeking more applicants.  And you can apply to more than one school.

May I use the scholarship at any private school?
Yes, as long as the school is legally operating.  The school may be parochial, denominational, independent, or a home school.  It does not have to belong to any organization or meet any other requirements.  The choice is left up to your family since you are in the best position to judge the best education for your children.

Does the scholarship pay the entire cost of private schools?
No.  Scholarships generally cover 25%-75% of tuition depending on family income, up to a cap of $2000 per year per child. Parents are responsible for the remaining tuition and fees.

Why do families have to pay part of the tuition? 
The key to educational success is parental involvement.  Making a financial sacrifice is a strong incentive to getting, and remaining, involved.

Do I have to choose a school in Baltimore? 
No, you may choose a private school anywhere—including boarding schools.

What options do I have if I choose to homeschool my child?
One option for those families who choose to homeschool their children is K12®, a leading provider of homeschool curricula. K12® also offers homeschooling families who receive CSF Baltimore scholarships significant discounts. Visit their website at www.k12.com for more details on their programs.

I have never applied to a private school before.  What help can I get for choosing a private school? 
CSF Baltimore provides a list of private schools in and around Baltimore (click here for a partial list), along with other useful materials to help families make informed choices.

What if I am not satisfied with my child's school? 
You are free to transfer your child to another private school. Contact our office to let us know you are switching schools, and we will send you the necessary paperwork.

What if I move out of the area?
CSF Baltimore scholarships are for the children of Baltimore residents only.  If you leave Baltimore your children’s scholarships must be discontinued at the end of that school year.

Who is eligible for the scholarships? 
Families are eligible if they live in Baltimore, have a child (not already in private school) entering grade K-3 in the fall of the year the scholarship is awarded, and have a family income below the maximum allowable income.  (Click here to see the income eligibility table.)

What is the basis for the income eligibility scale?
The Federal Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program guidelines form the basis for the CSF scale.  CSF’s scale also includes families who make a little more than the Reduced Lunch Program allows but still need help paying for tuition, up to 270% of the poverty level.

What if my child needs to repeat a grade? 
That will not affect your scholarship in any way.  Often children transferring from public to private school need "catch-up" time or in some cases even have to repeat a grade to come up to the level of their peers.

Why don’t you have any academic requirements? 
We believe that all children, of all ability levels, deserve a chance at a quality education.  We want to help children from families in need—including those who may not be doing well in their current schools.  Since CSF Baltimore helps children in grades K-8, there is time for them improve academically and work up to the best of their ability.  Private schools can make a big difference in the lives of these children.  CSF Baltimore does not continue scholarships, however, if children are expelled from school.

Can the scholarships be used for high school?
 No. CSF Baltimore scholarships are for students in grades K through 8 only.

Can the scholarships be used for pre-school or pre-kindergarten? 
No.  Children must be at least five years old and entering kindergarten through third grade to be eligible for the scholarship.