At a glance
Missouri has a tax-credit-funded scholarship program — MOScholars (Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts) — that helps eligible students with private-school and education expenses, plus a public charter sector in Kansas City and St. Louis.
This state's choice programs
MOScholars provides scholarship accounts funded by donations for which donors receive a state tax credit. Eligible families can use the funds for tuition and approved expenses. It has eligibility rules (income and, in some cases, geography or disability) and a funding cap.
Eligibility
MOScholars targets income-eligible students (and students with disabilities), with priority rules. Confirm current income limits and any geographic requirements.
Applying
Apply through an approved educational-assistance organization under MOScholars. Confirm the list and requirements with the state treasurer’s office.
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)
Legal & legislative status
MOScholars has faced a legal challenge; the program has operated during the litigation — confirm the current status.
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 Missouri have a private-school-choice program?Yes — Missouri has MOScholars (tax-credit-funded scholarship accounts) for eligible students (under legal challenge).
- 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
- ProgramMOScholars (Empowerment Scholarship Accounts)
- TypeTax-credit-funded scholarship/ESA
- NoteUnder legal challenge
- PlusPublic charters (KC & St. Louis)
- Confirm withAn educational-assistance org
Where to confirm
Confirm current programs and eligibility with the official source: