At a glance
Kansas has the Tax Credit for Low Income Students Scholarship Program — a tax-credit scholarship for lower-income students — plus public open enrollment. It does not currently have an ESA or voucher (broader proposals have been debated but not enacted).
This state's choice programs
Under the Low Income Students Scholarship Program, donors receive a tax credit for giving to scholarship-granting organizations, which fund private-school scholarships for income-eligible students. The program is capped, so scholarships are limited by available funds.
Eligibility
Scholarships are for lower-income students (with income thresholds), subject to the program cap. Confirm current income limits.
Applying
Apply through a participating scholarship-granting organization. Confirm the list and requirements with the Kansas Department of Revenue / Education.
Public school choice, too
Remember: “school choice” also includes public options available in every state:
- Open enrollment / transfersAttend a public school outside your zone, where allowed (see our finding-your-school guide)
- Charter schoolsTuition-free public schools of choice (where available)
- Magnet schoolsTuition-free public schools with a specialized focus
- HomeschoolingLegal in all 50 states (rules vary)
Tips for families
- Confirm the current programThis area changes fast — verify eligibility, amounts, and deadlines
- Watch the deadlines & capsMany programs have windows and funding caps
- Understand what’s coveredESAs are flexible; vouchers usually cover tuition only
- Check your school participatesNot every private school accepts every program
- Combine with school aidChoice funds can stack with a school’s own financial aid
Frequently asked questions
- Does Kansas have a private-school-choice program?Yes (limited) — Kansas has a tax-credit scholarship for lower-income students (no ESA or voucher).
- What’s the difference between an ESA and a voucher?A voucher pays a private school directly; an ESA is a flexible parent-managed account for many approved expenses.
- What is a tax-credit scholarship?Donors get a tax credit for giving to organizations that fund private-school scholarships.
- Is there public school choice too?Yes — open enrollment, charters, and magnets (plus homeschooling).
- Where do I confirm the details?On the official state program site (see below).
At a glance
- ProgramLow Income Students Scholarship (tax-credit)
- TypeTax-credit scholarship (income-limited, capped)
- NoESA or voucher
- PlusPublic open enrollment
- Confirm withA scholarship organization
Where to confirm
Confirm current programs and eligibility with the official source: