This article is intended for Missouri parents to understand the funding prioritization for the 2026-2027 Program. When scholarship funds are limited, Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs) must prioritize applications in the following order pursuant to RSMo 135.712–135.719.
Funding Priority Groups
| Priority | Student Group |
|---|---|
| Priority 1 | Students with an IEP residing in a qualifying district whose household income is at or below the free/reduced lunch income standard |
| Priority 2 | Students without an IEP residing in a qualifying district whose household income is at or below the free/reduced lunch income standard |
| Priority 3 | Students with an IEP whose household income exceeds the free/reduced lunch income standard |
| Priority 4 | Other eligible students not meeting the above criteria |
Returning Students
Students already enrolled in the program (returning students) retain their scholarship as long as they remain eligible.