Register for the ESTF Waitlist for the 2026-2027 School Year

The ESTF application for the 2026-2027 school year has been closed, as the number of available slots has been reached. You may still join the ESTF program waitlist by registering. Registering will also give you access to all future communications regarding the application for the 2027-2028 school year.

Register for Waitlist

  • Returning families (including siblings) from this 2025-2026 school year could have applied with priority through January 14, 2026.

  • Window 2 closed on February 8th. It prioritized applications for families who are:

    • Active-duty parent or guardian stationed in South Carolina OR

    • Income at or below 300% FPL OR

    • Prior year public school attendance OR

    • Returning awarded student or sibling who missed Window 1

  • All eligible students could apply earlier in 2026, however, all slots are now filled.

2026-2027 ESTF Program Student Qualifications

To be eligible for the 2026-2027 school year, students must:

  • Be a resident of South Carolina; AND

  • Be a K-12 student, has not graduated and has not reached the age of 22; AND

  • Be at least five years old on or before 9/1/2026; AND

  • Have a household income that does not exceed 500% of the federal poverty guidelines; AND

  • Cannot participate in a home instruction program under SC Code Sections 59-65-40, 59-65-45, or 59-65-47, AND

  • Cannot receive the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children for the 2026-2027 school year; AND

  • Cannot attend their resident public school for the 2026-2027 school year.

    NOTE: Your resident public school is the school that your student is zoned to attend, based on your address. As part of participation in the ESTF program, a student must be withdrawn from their resident public school.

ALL ESTF returning and new applicants must have a household income of less than 500% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines. For Priority Window 2 (closed on February 8th), applicants must have less than 300% of household income. Applicants should count themselves and children under age 21. Visit here for more information on determining your household size.