The Ohio tax credit donation means more to Hilltop Montessori School than it does to other area private schools.
One reason is very simple: while other area private schools receive money from EdChoice and other state programs, HMS does not qualify for these programs.
Non-Public, Non-Chartered
EdChoice requires a school like ours to be chartered. The process of becoming chartered would be cost-prohibitive for us, so we remain what Ohio law regards as a “non-public, non-chartered” school.
To be sure: we are every bit a school in Ohio law. We report our attendance to the appropriate officials. The City of Steubenville is in the process of putting signage and other school markings around our location.
But we cannot qualify for government support the way other private schools nearby do.
Those schools can calibrate their tuition to what EdChoice covers, then do a bit of fundraising to cover the overages. At present, even very well-off families — families who have no problem affording expensive tuition — qualify for EdChoice. They don’t actually need the help, but they can send their children to private schools and let EdChoice pick up the tab. At that point they have a great capacity to donate to fundraisers that the school puts on to cover what EdChoice does not.
The Need is Still There
We do, however, have students who desperately need financial assistance.
Our tuition is well-below what is typical for what we offer. An elementary Montessori education for one student typically falls in the $12,000 to $20,000 range for one student for one year.
Our tuition is about 75 percent of the lowest number there.
Even at that we have students who have significant need. Some families may have to choose which of their children to send to Hilltop and which to send elsewhere because they cannot afford tuition for more than one student.
This is where scholarships from this tax credit can come in absolutely clutch.
Massive Scholarships Make the Difference
We could give massive scholarships to families in such need if we have the funds.
Four couples filing jointly and giving the maximum of $1500 would nearly cover the tuition for one Elementary student.
Our goal for donations through this tax credit scholarship mechanism for 2025 is $120,000. This amount would enable us to give all eligible students at least a 50% scholarship
You can get full details on how it works and how to make your qualifying donation here.
How the Tax Credit Donation Works
For starters, this is a donation that the State of Ohio will give back to you.
No, really.
Full details are available on this page, but to make it simple:
- You figure out what your Ohio tax liability is for 2025
- Before filing your taxes you make a donation to our scholarship granting organization.
- You report that donation on your tax filing.
- Ohio gives you a credit for that amount against your liability.
If you didn’t owe the State of Ohio any money then the credit will come back to you in a refund. If you did owe, the credit will apply to what you owe and anything above what you owe will come to you in a refund.
There are more details, but it really is that easy.
Thank you for your generosity! Your donation will make all the difference!