South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program

Earn an Accredited High School Diploma with Smart Schools

Eligible South Carolina families may be able to use the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESA) Program to help cover tuition.

Every student deserves a school that fits their life.

Smart Schools is an accredited online school serving students in grades 6-12, with a primary focus on helping students succeed in high school and earn an accredited diploma. Whether your student needs more flexibility, a different learning environment, or additional support, we’re here to help them move confidently toward graduation.

See If Smart Schools is Right For You

Learn How the South Carolina ESA Works

Graduate in a cap and gown shakes hands with a presenter while receiving a diploma during a graduation ceremony.

A School Built Around Your Student

No two students learn the same way. That’s why Smart Schools combines flexible online learning with personalized support to help students stay engaged, make progress, and reach graduation.

While we proudly serve students in grades 6-12, our programs, educators, and support model are designed around helping students successfully navigate high school and prepare for whatever comes next.

Flexible Online Learning: Students learn from anywhere in
South Carolina with a schedule that fits around their life while maintaining the structure needed for academic success.
Personalized Support: Students receive encouragement and guidance from caring educators who are invested in helping them succeed.
Accredited Education: Students attend an accredited online private school while working toward a recognized high school diploma.
Designed for Real Life: Whether your student is balancing work, athletics, family responsibilities, health challenges, or simply needs a different educational environment, Smart Schools provides the flexibility to keep moving forward.
Exceptional Student Services (ESS): IEP and 504 services are available. Our staff will work with your student’s needs to ensure their success.

Why Families Choose Smart Schools

Choosing the right school is about finding a place where your student can thrive.

Smart Schools combines the flexibility families want with the accountability and support students need.

Added benefits to students:

Professional and caring educators invested in student success
Dedicated academic advisor who remains with the student from enrollment to graduation
A welcoming online learning community
A clear path toward earning an accredited high school diploma

About the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESA) Program

The South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESA) Program is a statewide school choice program that provides eligible families with state-funded education dollars to customize their child’s education. Funds may be used for approved educational expenses, including tuition at participating private schools, online learning programs, curriculum, tutoring, educational technology, and other qualifying services.

For many South Carolina families, the program makes it easier to choose an educational option that better meets their student’s individual needs.

South Carolina ESA Program at a Glance

Official Program Name	South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program
Annual Funding	Up to $7,634 per eligible student
Eligible Students	South Carolina residents in grades K–12 who meet current program requirements
Income Requirements	Household income must be at or below 500% of the federal poverty level and must meet ESTF eligibility requirements
Administered By	South Carolina Department of Education
Approved Uses	Private school tuition, online learning, curriculum, tutoring, educational technology, and other approved educational expenses

Step 1 Apply for South Carolina ESA Funding

Complete your application through the South Carolina Department of Education to determine your student’s eligibility for the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESA) Program.

Apply for an ESA

Step 2 Talk with Smart Schools

Our enrollment specialists will answer your questions, explain how Smart Schools works, and help determine whether we’re the right fit for your student.

Contact Smart Schools

Step 3 Complete Enrollment & Start Learning

Once your South Carolina ESA funding is approved, we’ll guide you through the enrollment process so your student can begin learning and working toward an accredited high school diploma.

See If Smart Schools is Right For Your Family

Whether you’re just beginning to explore the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESA) Program or you’re ready to enroll, our team is here to answer your questions and help you understand your options.

Please complete the form below and our team will reach out!

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What is the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESA) Program?

Can South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program funds be used at Smart Schools?

How much funding is available?

What expenses will the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESA) Program cover?

The South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESA) Program is designed to be used for a variety of approved educational expenses, including private school tuition and other qualifying education costs as defined by the South Carolina Department of Education.

Because approved expenses and program requirements may change, families should always refer to the official South Carolina ESA Program guidelines for the most current information.

The good news is that the annual South Carolina ESA award is more than enough to cover a full year of Smart Schools tuition and fees, leaving eligible families with additional funding that may be available for other approved educational expenses.

Who qualifies for the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESA) Program?

What grade levels does Smart Schools serve?

Is Smart Schools accredited?

Will my student earn a real diploma?

When can my student enroll?

Give Your Student a School That Fits Their Life

Every student’s path is different.

Smart Schools provides the flexibility, support, and accredited education students need to stay on track and graduate with confidence. It’s a great fit for students who:

Need more flexibility than a traditional school provides
Learn better in an online environment
Want to work at their own pace
Balance school with work, athletics, or family responsibilities
Need a fresh start in a supportive learning environment
Are looking for an accredited school that keeps them moving toward graduation

If you’re exploring the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESA) Program, we’d love to help you determine whether Smart Schools is the right fit for your family.

See If Your Student Qualifies