The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS) Program serves as a parental choice program designed for special needs students currently enrolled in Georgia public schools and receiving services under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
This program offers various choice options, and below, you will find details about eligibility and the available choices within the GSNS Program.
It’s worth noting that the GSNS Program’s web page, accessible at http://www.gadoe.org/External-Affairs-and-Policy/Policy/Pages/Special-NeedsScholarship-Program.aspx, contains vital information pertaining to the GSNS Program.
For parents whose students are continuing in the private school choice option, it is imperative to review the Continuing Participation document available on the web page.
Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible for the Georgia Special Scholarship award with an IEP for the 2023-2024 school year, the student must meet the following three requirements:
The student’s parent must currently reside within Georgia and have been a Georgia resident for at least one calendar year.
However, the one-year residency requirement does not apply if the student’s parent is an active duty military service member stationed in Georgia within the previous year.
The student had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in effect during the 2022-2023 school year.
The student spent the prior school year in attendance at a Georgia public school. The prior school year attendance requirement does not apply if:
The student’s parent served as an active duty military service member stationed in Georgia within the previous year.
A court of competent jurisdiction issued an order for the student to be adopted or placed in a permanent guardianship from foster care within the previous year.
The student previously qualified for a scholarship as provided in state law.
Qualifications for the Georgia Special Scholarship Award (504 Plan):
To qualify for the Georgia Special Scholarship award with a 504 Plan for the 2021-2022 school year, the student must meet the following three requirements:
The student’s parent must currently reside within Georgia and have been a Georgia resident for at least one calendar year.
However, the one-year residency requirement does not apply if the student’s parent is an active duty military service member stationed in Georgia within the previous year.
The student had a 504 plan in effect during the 2021-2022 school year relating to one or more qualifying conditions.
The student spent the prior school year in attendance at a Georgia public school. The prior school year attendance requirement does not apply if:
An active duty military service member stationed in Georgia within the previous year is the student’s parent.
The student was adopted or placed in a permanent guardianship from foster care pursuant to an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction within the previous year.
The student previously qualified for a scholarship as provided in state law.
Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Application.
- Begin by carefully reviewing each step and utilizing the resources provided by the Department of Education.
Supporting Documents: 2. Prepare your supporting documents, which will vary depending on your chosen school for study.
Entry Requirements: 3. Ensure you meet the following entry requirements:
- Notify the state of your intention to join the program.
- Demonstrate financial viability.
- Comply with federal nondiscrimination provisions of 42 U.S.C. § 2000(d).
- Comply with state health and safety requirements.
- Be qualified or in the process of becoming accredited.
- Teachers should possess a bachelor’s degree or have three years of experience in education or health.
- Provide parents with teachers’ credentials.
- Report to parents and the state regarding students’ academic progress.
Language Requirement: 4. Proficiency in English is necessary for participation in the program.