Affording CCS
Opportunity Scholarship
CCS participates in the Opportunity Scholarship that is offered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). On October 3, 2023, the North Carolina State Budget (House Bill 259) became law. The new law authorized several changes to the Opportunity Scholarship, which will begin with the 2024-2025 school year. Exciting changes for the 2024-2025 school year include:
- Removal of the income cap for families to receive the scholarship. All students in North Carolina will be eligible for an Opportunity Scholarship.
- Scholarship amounts will range from approximately $3,000 to $7,000 and are paid directly to the school. Numbers are approximate, as finalized numbers will not be available until late January.
- Scholarship amounts will be based on household income.
- Prior public school enrollment is no longer a requirement for eligibility for the scholarship.
The OPS application for the 2025-2026 school year will be open from February 6 – March 6, 2025 for the initial round of funding. Those who apply during those dates will be placed in the lottery for funding based on the scholarship rules. Anyone applying after March 6 will be placed on a waiting list in first come, first served order by funding tier.
Families that are offered an Opportunity Scholarship can apply for CCS’s Tuition Assistance Program.
Help for Parents/Guardians
Opportunity Scholarship Website: https://www.ncseaa.edu/k12/opportunity/
PEFNC ( www.pefnc.org ) is a lobbying group in North Carolina that has been instrumental in the growth of the Opportunity Scholarship over the past 12 years and with the expansion taking place next year.
Tuition Assistance
The need for tuition assistance is assessed by CCS using Facts Management (FACTS) and is awarded on an annual basis. Families must reapply for tuition assistance, using FACTS, each year.
The purpose of CCS’s Tuition Assistance program is to partner with families who have a passion for a biblically-based education but find that education cost-prohibitive. All tuition assistance awards are made on the basis of a family’s demonstrated financial need.
CCS uses an independent third party, Facts Management (FACTS), to assist in determining a family’s financial need. All families requesting tuition assistance must apply online and submit the required paperwork to FACTS at https://online.factsmgt.com/grant-aid/inst/3FP8W/landing-page.
The CCS Tuition Assistance Committee reviews the information submitted and calculates the tuition assistance granted to each family based upon the guidelines established by FACTS and CCS’s Tuition Assistance program.
Students in grades kindergarten – 12th must apply for the opportunity scholarship to be eligible for tuition assistance. Opportunity scholarship applications will be verified during the tuition assistance process.
CCS agrees to certain principles:
- Tuition Assistance awards will be made without regard to race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin.
- Tuition Assistance will be determined based on the demonstrated financial need of the family.
- The Tuition Assistance process is completely confidential.
- The parents of each applicant must submit the financial information required by FACTS each year.
FACTS requires all tuition assistance applicants submit the following items to determine financial need:
- Completion and submission of the Tuition Assistance Application and any supporting documentation required by FACTS.
- Copy of your most recent 1040 Federal Tax Returns
- If a parent or guardian is self-employed, a copy of the most recent business tax return in addition to your personal tax returns will be required. Some additional tax forms (K-1, form 1065, etc.) may be required by FACTS to complete their financial needs assessment for some families.
- Copy of W-2 Forms
If you have further questions, contact the Enrollment Coordinator, Beth Pegram, for assistance at 252-431-1333 or via email at bpegram@ccscolts.org.