For Families
Welcome! South Dakota Partners in Education is excited to work with your family on your student’s education journey. Finding the right school for your child can be hard, and we believe that tuition costs should not be a barrier for any student. Parents should be able to determine the school that is best for their child.
If you are interested in applying for a tax-credit scholarship, you’re in the right place. Contact SDPE for current information about state scholarship applications and availability.
The information, forms, and procedures on this page apply to SDPE’s existing South Dakota state scholarship program. For information about the separate federal program beginning in 2027, visit our Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program page.
Applying for a tax-credit scholarship is easy:
FAQs
Will a tax-credit scholarship through SDPE cover the full cost of tuition?
Each school sets their own tuition rates. In some cases, the scholarship will cover the full cost of tuition and fees. However, at other schools, the tuition is more than the amount of the scholarship. The parent is then responsible for the remainder of the tuition expense. We suggest you contact the school and explore additional financial aid options.
How is the scholarship funded?
Scholarships through SDPE’s state program are funded by approved tax-credit contributions from participating insurance companies doing business in South Dakota. These companies may receive a South Dakota insurance premium tax credit equal to 100 percent of an approved contribution.
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes. Once your child qualifies for an SDPE scholarship, they will receive the scholarship for three years. After three years, the family must reapply to verify their income eligibility. High school students who qualify are eligible for each year they are in high school and do not need to reapply.
How will my child receive the scholarship?
Prior to the start of school, a Conditional Notification will be emailed to you when your child’s application is accepted. You must enroll your child in the private school of your choice. Once SDPE verifies that your child is enrolled and attending the school, we will send your scholarship check to the school. The check is made out to the parent/guardian and requires you to endorse the check so it can be applied to your child’s tuition account.
Is the scholarship transferable to another private school?
Yes. A student may transfer to another SDPE partner school and take the unused portion of the scholarship with them to the new private school. You are responsible to pay any outstanding debts you may have at the school before the unused portion of the scholarship will be sent to the new school.
Will we need to pay back the scholarship in any way?
No. However, if you have a bill at the school for tuition or fees that is not covered by the scholarship, you are responsible to pay the school the amount you owe.
Will other students know about our scholarship?
No. The school administration will know about your child’s scholarship because they must verify that your child is attending the school. We do not publicly disclose the names of scholarship recipients or their families. In the spirit of appreciation, we ask that you consider sharing an anonymous testimonial as a thank you to our contributors.
Is the school we wish to attend registered with SDPE?
Please check our participating-schools list to see whether your private school partners with SDPE’s state scholarship program.
What is TADS?
TADS is the online service SDPE uses for state scholarship applications. During an application period, families create an account, provide the required income documentation, and pay the applicable application fee. The separate federal scholarship program will use its own portal.