What is a Student Scholarship Organization in Georgia?
An SSO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit approved by GaDOE that turns tax-credited donations into tuition scholarships. It must spend at least 90 percent of donations on scholarships and can't limit its awards to one school.
How much can an SSO give my child in 2026?
No more than $15,980 per student for calendar 2026, the cap GaDOE published on December 23, 2025. Each SSO decides what it actually awards, and most awards are smaller.
When should we apply for an SSO scholarship?
Apply in winter and spring for the following school year. The Department of Revenue's $120 million credit was fully preapproved by January 3, 2026, so SSOs know their budgets early and commit them early.
Does my child need to have been in public school?
Usually, for six weeks immediately before the award, unless the child is starting pre-K, kindergarten or first grade. The rule is waived for students zoned to a low-performing school, for documented victims of school violence or threats, and for children coming from a year of home study.
| What it is | What it isn't |
|---|---|
| Awarded by private SSOs with their own rules | Guaranteed to every eligible student |
| Capped at $15,980 per student in 2026 | Combinable with Promise in the same year |
What's the next step?
Take the two-minute funding check. A School Funding Advisor will check your address and your child against each program and send you the dates.