The Georgia Promise Scholarship, established through Senate Bill 233 in 2024, is designed to empower families in Georgia to pursue exceptional educational opportunities outside the public school system. This program allows eligible families to use public funds for non-public education expenses, including private school tuition, home study, and other approved educational services. The scholarship aims to provide flexibility, influence, support, and integrity in educational choices for families.

Eligibility for the scholarship requires students to be currently enrolled in a Georgia public school for two consecutive semesters or be rising kindergarten students. Additionally, students must reside in a Georgia public school attendance zone listed among the 25% lower-performing schools and have a parent who has resided in Georgia for at least one year, with exceptions for active-duty military families.

The scholarship provides up to $6,500 per student for the first year (2025-2026 academic year), with funds available for various educational expenses such as tuition, textbooks, tutoring, and transportation services. The Georgia Education Savings Authority (GESA) administers the program, ensuring a seamless experience for families, schools, and service providers.

Applications for the scholarship are open from June 1 to June 30, 2025, with initial funding available in July 2025. Priority consideration is given to students whose family income does not exceed 400% of the federal poverty level and those who have previously received the scholarship.

The program emphasizes empowering families to make informed educational decisions, supporting them with necessary information, and maintaining fiscal accountability and transparency. The Georgia Promise Scholarship is a significant step towards providing families with the flexibility to choose educational paths that best meet their children's needs.