At a glance
South Carolina created the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), an Education Savings Account (ESA) program. The state’s highest court struck down part of the original program in 2024, and lawmakers revised and re-enacted it in 2025. Because of that history, confirm the current status carefully. South Carolina also has a public charter sector.
This state's choice programs
The ESTF (ESA) provides eligible families an account for approved education expenses. After a 2024 court ruling limited how funds could be used for private tuition, the legislature restructured the program in 2025. The exact rules, amounts, and eligibility have changed — confirm the current program details.
Eligibility
The revised program has its own (often income-related) eligibility rules and a funding cap. Because it was recently restructured, confirm current-year eligibility and amounts.
Applying
Apply through the South Carolina Department of Education’s ESTF program. Confirm the current rules and window, given the recent changes.
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
The program was struck down in part (2024) and revised (2025). Its details have changed and could change again — confirm the current status before relying on it.
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 South Carolina have a private-school-choice program?Yes (revised) — South Carolina’s ESA was struck down in 2024 and re-enacted in revised form in 2025 — confirm current status.
- 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
- ProgramEducation Scholarship Trust Fund (ESA)
- HistoryStruck down 2024; revised 2025
- NoteConfirm current status closely
- PlusPublic charters
- Confirm withThe state program
Where to confirm
Confirm current programs and eligibility with the official source: