Choices
All parents have the same goal:  To give their children the best possible education that allows them to achieve their full potential.  That is exactly what St. James Lutheran School endeavors to do for its students every day, with one all-encompassing extra: An unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Voucher Program 101
The State of Indiana has passed a School CHOICE bill into law that allows low income families an opportunity to have a choice in the education of their children. The law allows children of public schools to attend private accredited schools that meet the requirements set forth to be a voucher school.

• Any student who transfers directly from a public school that he/she attended for the past two semesters may apply for a state voucher. 
• Students may apply for vouchers if their family meets the minimum salary requirement of 150% of what is designated on the free and reduced lunch formula ($62,021 or less for a family of four).
• Students who have been accepted by designated Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) may apply for vouchers the following year.
• Kindergartners and first graders cannot apply for state vouchers but can apply for the $500 scholarship from the SGO.  If accepted they can apply for state vouchers the following year.
• Students who have transferred from another state cannot apply.
• Students who have been home schooled cannot apply.
• Students must re-apply every year for a state voucher.
• Families may apply for an SGO scholarship for their Kindergarten students even though they have older children already attending St. James.
• Students who have transferred from the public school after the voucher deadline may apply for an SGO. If accepted they may apply for vouchers the following year.
• State voucher applications are submitted online with the principal.

Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) 101
SGO refers to a program enacted in 2009 that allows state-registered nonprofit organizations (known as Scholarship Granting Organizations, or SGOs) to provide scholarships for Indiana students to attend an accredited school that charges tuition. These SGOs can raise money for the scholarships via a special tax credit.

• Any student entering kindergarten or who has just transferred from a public school that he/she attended for the past two semesters may apply for a $500 SGO scholarship.
• Students may apply for an SGO if their family meets the minimum salary requirement of 200% of what is designated on the free and reduced lunch formula.  ($82,696 or less for a family of four)
• An application with an essay and financial tax records must be submitted to St James to receive an SGO.

Get Started Today
The number of scholarships and the time to get involved in these programs are both limited. If you desire a Christ-centered education for your child and want to know if the new state scholarship programs could help, please contact the school office at 765-742-6464. We will arrange to meet with you and your child about St. James Lutheran School, the enrollment process, and how the scholarship programs might apply in your situation.

The voucher program is explained further at the Indiana Department of Education website at http://www.doe.in.gov/schoolchoice.