Special Needs Scholarships

Special needs scholarships provide relief to children whose disabilities and circumstances have drawn them away from the public schools they are entitled to attend. Parents of special needs children can use these scholarships to choose a public or private school with the program that best meets their children's special needs.

A growing number of states have begun to provide scholarship programs to families of children with special needs. Parents of special needs children can use these scholarships to choose the public or private school that best meets their children’s special needs.

In North Carolina, legislation has been introduced that would allow an individual tax credit to assist with the expense of each eligible special needs child who is educated in a nonpublic school. The education credit is equal to the amount paid for tuition and other educational and therapeutic expenses, not to exceed $6000 per year.

A statewide poll conducted in May 2008 showed overwhelming support for the legislation across all demographic lines. To view the poll results click here.

To learn how proposed legislation could assist working-class parents who are not easily able to afford alternative special needs education for their children, click here.

For more information about special needs programs in other states, click here.