At a glance
Virginia has a tax-credit scholarship program — the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits (EISTC) program — which helps lower-income students attend private schools, funded by donations for which donors receive tax credits. Virginia also offers public choice.
This state's choice programs
The EISTC program lets scholarship foundations award private-school scholarships to income-eligible students, using donations that earn donors a state tax credit. It is income-limited (not universal). Virginia does not currently have a broad ESA or voucher.
Eligibility
Scholarships are for income-eligible students (generally below set income thresholds, with higher limits for students with disabilities). Confirm current income limits.
Applying
Apply through an approved scholarship foundation participating in the EISTC program. Confirm the list and requirements with the Virginia Department of 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 Virginia have a private-school-choice program?Yes (limited) — Virginia has the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credit for income-eligible students.
- 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 Improvement Scholarships Tax Credit
- TypeTax-credit scholarship (income-limited)
- ForLower-income students
- PlusPublic charters & open enrollment
- Confirm withA scholarship foundation
Where to confirm
Confirm current programs and eligibility with the official source: