step-up

 

Access to quality education is deeply embedded in the root of the Lutheran Church worldwide.  Quality education for everyone is what LCMS schools have been known for, for over 150 years!  Trinity Lutheran School continues to exemplify the tradition of high-quality Lutheran education and works to make sure every child has an opportunity to become the best they can be and learn about Jesus by offering tuition assistance to those that meet the requirements.

Among the various opportunities for scholarships and tuition assistance that Trinity accepts is the Step Up For Students Scholarship.  In 2001 the Florida Tax-Credit Scholarship Program was created to help children “whose educational options were limited by household income.”  The FTC Scholarship, which is based solely on financial need, is one of two scholarships that are administered by the Step-Up For Students organization.

Trinity is one of 1,594 participating schools in Florida that accept the Step Up program’s scholarships. The Private School Scholarship offered by the program pays up to $5,886 for the 2016-2017 school year toward the following school expenses in order starting with tuition first, then books and registration second and third respectively.

Students who qualify will receive financial assistance toward either private school tuition and fees or transportation to a public school in another county/district.

  • Students entering Kindergarten must be 5 on or before Sept. 1.
  • Students entering first grade must be 6 on or before Sept.1.
  • Household income must be at/or below the income criteria found in the chart below.
  • If a member of the household receives SNAP (food stamps), TANF, or FDPIR, the student may qualify.
  • If the household income qualifies for free or reduced-priced lunch, the student may qualify.

 

Number of people in household Total gross monthly household income Monthly maximum income for an 88% scholarship Monthly maximum income for a 74% scholarship Monthly maximum income for a 60% scholarship Monthly maximum income for a 50% scholarship
1 $1,980 $2,129 $2,277 $2,426 $2,574
2 $2,670 $2,871 $3,071 $3,271 $3,471
3 $3,360 $3,612 $3,864 $4,116 $4,368
4 $4,050 $4,354 $4,658 $4,962 $5,265
5 $4,740 $5,096 $5,451 $5,807 $6,162

 

While the benefits of the scholarship mean that disadvantaged children now have an opportunity to gain a quality education by attending private and parochial schools like Trinity Lutheran School at a potential discount, there is a limit to how many scholarships are awarded each year. The FTC scholarship is awarded in the order that applications are received with “renewal” applications getting first priority.  In other words, the FTC scholarship works on a “first come, first served” basis.

For more information on and to apply for the Step Up Scholarship program be sure to visit their site.  If you have any questions regarding tuition assistance and scholarships for Trinity Lutheran School please feel free to contact our front office at (407)-488-1919.