Paying for private school in Charlotte, one layer at a time

What is the first layer of private school funding in Charlotte?

The first layer is state money: the Opportunity Scholarship for every K-12 family and, for a student with a disability, ESA+. A Tier 2 family of four earning up to $122,100 gets as much as $7,148.

Apply even if you expect Tier 4. The $3,574 floor is available at any income, and it is often the difference between a school's sticker price and a balance the family can manage.

What comes after the state award?

Next comes the school: need-based aid, sibling discounts, church-member or participating-Catholic rates and payment plans. Many schools calculate need on what is left after the award.

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte, for example, take need-based Family Individualized Tuition applications through FACTS from January to March 31, and give 10%, 25% and 50% off for a second, third and fourth child in participating Catholic families.

What other sources do Charlotte families use?

Free pre-K through MECK Pre-K or NC Pre-K before kindergarten, child care subsidy for aftercare and younger siblings, tuition-free Career & College Promise courses in high school, the Edu Fund partner scholarship at participating schools, and from 2027 the federal tax credit scholarships.

How does a funding check help?

A two-minute funding check gives an advisor your grade, area, household size and school type, and you get back the programs that fit with their deadlines.