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Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program.

What is the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program?

The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS) Program, established under SB 10 and SB 47, gives eligible students with disabilities or those on a Section 504 plan options to attend private schools or transfer to another public school within or outside their district. It can include living in one of the state schools for blind/deaf students if appropriate.

How do I apply for the GSNS Program?

  1. Check eligibility via the GaDOE eligibility page or use the official Scholarship Calculator.

  2. Attend a Georgia public school during the prior year, with an active IEP or 504 Plan.

  3. Apply during the open window, which typically runs from late January to late February each year (e.g., Jan 31–Feb 14, 2025 in many districts) .

  4. Use your school district’s portal (e.g., Parent Portal) or submit a scholarship request to GaDOE to confirm eligibility and initiate provider selection.

  5. Receive an award sheet via the Scholarship Calculator and submit it to your chosen participating private school or district for public school transfer.

How long does it take to receive funds?

After you submit your award sheet and are accepted by a provider, funds are released directly to the private school or overseen by your district for public transfers. Timelines depend on application timing, school schedules, and provider systems .

What do the application steps look like?

  1. Confirm eligibility using the Scholarship Calculator.

  2. Apply during the school choice window via your district's Parent Portal or GaDOE submission options.

  3. District reviews your application and/or scholarship award.

  4. Submit your award sheet to the private school or district.

  5. If approved, enroll your child under GSNS for the next school year.

  6. Funds are sent directly to the school or routed via your district for a public school transfer.

What documentation is required?

  • Georgia residency—must have lived in Georgia for at least one year (military families exempt from this rule).

  • IEP or Section 504 Plan valid during the previous school year.

  • Public school enrollment—child must have attended and been included in district counts in October or March.

  • Scholarship award sheet—generated from the calculator and provided to the private school or district .

Common FAQ’s

1. Who qualifies?
Students with an IEP or Section 504 plan who attended a Georgia public school the previous year and whose parent has lived in Georgia for at least a year .

2. Is there an income requirement?
No. Eligibility is need-blind—based on disability status and past public school enrollment, not family income .

3. Can I transfer to another public school instead of a private one?
Yes. GSNS also allows for transfers within or outside your district—or to state schools for blind/deaf students—if those schools have availability and can meet your child's needs.

4. What about children entering kindergarten?
Those turning five by September 1 may qualify under SB 47, with similar application windows and documentation requirements.

5. When is the next application window?
Georgia public school districts typically open their GSNS applications late in January through February (for 2025, around Jan 31–Feb 14) .

Who do I contact about my application status?

  • GSNS Program Manager (GaDOE):
    Iesha Parks
    📞 404‑656‑4328
    ✉️ iparks@doe.k12.ga.us

  • Local School District’s Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Office or Parent Portal for application updates and public school transfer requests.

  • For questions about private school participation, contact the school directly and ask about their GSNS acceptance procedures using your award sheet.