If your child is struggling in school – whether due to learning differences, autism, anxiety, or other challenges – knowing where to turn can feel overwhelming. But here in Ohio, you have options.
Ohio’s scholarship programs are designed to help families like yours access the kind of education your child truly needs. Whether that’s more structure, specialized support, or simply a school environment that understands how your child learns best, these scholarships can open the door.
At EA Schools, we work with students from across the state – and from all different backgrounds – who weren’t thriving in traditional classrooms. With the help of Ohio’s special needs and education scholarship programs, families can choose a better fit without worrying about how to pay for it.
This guide covers all the most common questions parents have about Ohio’s education scholarships – with a focus on special needs and autism scholarships for private schools.
Because no matter your child’s learning profile or diagnosis (or lack of one), support is available, and we’re here to help you find it.
General overview of Ohio scholarships
What are Ohio school scholarships and how do they work?
Ohio’s scholarship programs allow you to use state funding (money that is already designated for your child’s education) to send your child to approved private schools or programs that are a better fit for their needs.
There are five scholarship programs available in Ohio:
- Autism Scholarship
- Jon Peterson Scholarship
- Cleveland Scholarship
- Educational Choice Scholarship
- Educational Choice Expansion Scholarship (EdChoice)
Families apply for the scholarships through their chosen private provider (like EA Schools), and funds are sent directly to the school or provider.
What’s the difference between scholarships and vouchers?
Nothing. Scholarship is now the official and preferred term, which is much less confusing and misleading than “vouchers,” the previous term. Some people still refer to vouchers, but scholarship is the more common term now.
Who are these scholarships for?
Each scholarship has different eligibility requirements, but overall, these programs exist to ensure that every child in Ohio has the opportunity to access the education that best meets their individual needs – whether in a traditional public school, a private school, or a specialized program like EA Schools.
What are Ohio’s scholarship programs for students with special needs?
There are two programs specifically for students with special needs:
- The Autism Scholarship Program – for children aged 3–21 with an autism diagnosis.
- The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship – for K-12 students with a qualifying disability, such as learning difficulties, ADHD, autism, speech or language impairments, visual impairments, and more.
How are these different from EdChoice or Cleveland scholarships?
The EdChoice and Cleveland scholarships are not special education programs – they’re designed for general education students based on income level or if they attend a low-performing public school.
These scholarships only cover tuition; they don’t include services like speech therapy or behavioral support. Their goal is to give families more choice in where their child learns by allowing them to access private schools outside their assigned public district.
Eligibility for Ohio’s special needs scholarships and how to apply
How is eligibility for the scholarships determined?
Eligibility depends on the type of scholarship:
- The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship requires that a student has an active IEP (Individualized Education Program) in place. To get an IEP, a student must go through a formal evaluation at their school and be identified as having a disability that affects their learning. Eligible disabilities are those listed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and include learning difficulties, ADHD, autism, speech impairments, and more.
- The Autism Scholarship Program is available to any child with a clinical autism diagnosis – even if they don’t qualify for an IEP. In those cases, families can work with their school district to create an Autism Education Plan (AEP), which will then allow them to access the scholarship.
This distinction is especially helpful for students with high-functioning autism, whose academic performance might not be affected (meaning they don’t qualify for an IEP), but may still struggle with anxiety, social interaction, or sensory regulation, and benefit from a more supportive learning environment like EA.
Can my child get a special ed scholarship without an IEP?
Yes – but only under the Autism Scholarship, as explained above.
The Jon Peterson Scholarship strictly requires an IEP; there are no alternative paths.
Students who do not have any recognized disabilities or special needs (and so do not have an IEP) are not eligible for either of these scholarships. However, they may be eligible for the EdChoice or Cleveland scholarships, which are based on financial and location-based criteria.
To help ensure that all Ohio children can access the education they need, at EA Schools, we now accept these scholarships for students with behavioral or mental health challenges that are impacting their education. These students must also participate in REACH’s Day Treatment Program – a therapeutic service billed separately through insurance – as part of their enrollment plan.
How do I apply for a special needs scholarship in Ohio?
The application for the scholarships is done through the school or provider you have chosen for your child, such as EA Academy.
To begin:
- Choose a provider from the list of approved Ohio Scholarship Providers.
- Apply directly to the school or facility that’s the right fit for your child.
- Once admitted, the provider will handle the scholarship application for you.
You’ll need to provide documentation like your child’s IEP or diagnosis, birth certificate, and proof of residency.
What the scholarships cover
How much are the Ohio scholarships?
The scholarship amounts depend on your child’s needs and the type of scholarship.
This is subject to change, but is approximately:
- Ohio’s Autism Scholarship: up to $32,445 per year
- Ohio’s Jon Peterson Scholarship: approx $9,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the disability
- Ohio’s EdChoice or Cleveland Scholarships: up to $8,407 per year
What can I spend the scholarship money on?
Scholarships can only be used to cover the cost of tuition at an approved school, and for related services like specialized instruction, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and ABA or behavioral therapy.
How does scholarship money get sent to you?
Funds are sent directly to the approved school or service provider. Parents do not receive any of the money directly.
What happens if the tuition is more than the scholarship amount?
Depending on the scholarship type and the school in question, some families may be responsible for covering the difference.
At EA, we don’t accept direct payments from parents. If your child is accepted, the scholarship will be used in full to cover all costs, but there will be no additional charges.
However, some students may also receive therapeutic services from REACH Behavioral Health, our sister organization, which may be billed separately through your insurance.
Finding the right school
Can the funds be used at any private school?
No, only those listed in the Ohio Scholarship Provider Directory are eligible to receive scholarship funds.
EA Academy is an approved provider for all of Ohio’s scholarship programs.
How do I find a school that accepts these scholarships and meets my child’s needs?
Start by reviewing the state’s provider directory linked above. From there:
- Look for schools that specialize in your child’s needs (e.g. autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, or behavior).
- Reach out and ask questions.
- If possible, visit the school in person.
At EA, we’re always happy to offer personalized consultations. You can speak directly with our Director of Educational Programming, and we’ll arrange a tour of the most suitable location for your child.
Can I change schools and still use the scholarship?
Yes – as long as the new school is also an approved provider.
You’ll need to complete the transfer paperwork, and then the scholarship can move with your child.
What Ohio’s scholarship programs mean for your family
Ohio’s scholarship programs are about much more than just funding. They’re a gateway to getting the right kind of education for your child – which can not only change their life and future, but your whole family’s.
At EA Schools, we’re proud to be part of that picture.
We are an approved private school provider for the Autism Scholarship, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship, and – in certain cases – EdChoice and Cleveland Scholarships.
We work with students who have:
- Learning disabilities
- Autism (including high-functioning autism)
- ADHD or executive functioning needs
- Mental health, emotional, and behavioral challenges
Whether you already have an IEP, or you’re just beginning to explore your options, we’re here to help. Our team walks families through every step – from eligibility and paperwork to program placement and day-to-day support.
If you think your child might benefit from a different kind of school experience, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Contact our enrollment team today to explore your options, get your questions answered, and take the next step toward the education your child deserves.