State Funding > The Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund

The Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund

At Miacademy, we’ve been hard at work partnering with various state funding agencies across the country. Our goal is to make a quality education accessible for every student, and we’re accomplishing our goal one state at a time. 

If you’re homeschooling in Maine, we have some exciting news to share with you! 

Miacademy is now an educational provider for the Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund! Eligible families in Maine can access Miacademy’s accredited online homeschool curriculum with funding provided by MECSF.

Visit the Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund Website

What is the Children’s Scholarship Fund in Maine? 

The Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund (MECSF) helps Maine families access alternative educational opportunities for their children. This includes support for private schooling, homeschooling, or other non-public education options.

At the time of writing, the scholarship pays up to 75% of tuition (maximum of $1,400) for private school or $500 toward homeschooling expenses. Scholarships are awarded to families whose income is within the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program income guidelines.

MECSF’s mission is to empower families to choose the best educational environment for their children, ensuring access to quality education regardless of income.

Who Qualifies for the Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund? 

To qualify for MECSF funding, you must:

  1. Be a resident of Maine
  2. Have your student’s address be the same as yours
  3. Meet the income requirements

If you meet the above criteria, you can apply either online or by mail. The online application window is January 1 to April 30.

Along with your application, you’ll need to show proof of income and residency. The easiest way is to provide a copy of your 1040 tax return. If more than one person has custody and they file separate returns, please include copies of both. You can also use other approved documents listed here.

How Do I Get Miacademy Using the Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund?

After your application is accepted, you’ll either submit receipts for reimbursement (homeschool students) or receive tuition installments (private school students). 

Instructions for private school students: 

  1. The School Commitment Form (SCF) must be completed and submitted by the school to confirm enrollment and tuition.
  2. Before each payment, MECSF sends an Award Verification Report to both the school and the parent:
    • The school confirms student attendance and notes any changes.
    • The parent must sign the report, confirming their child is enrolled and the scholarship amount is accurate.
  3. Both signed reports must be returned by the deadline before checks are issued.

Instructions for homeschool students: 

  1. The family must purchase approved educational materials or services up front.
  2. They must then submit original itemized receipts.
  3. MECSF reimburses up to 75% of the cost, with a maximum of $500 per child annually.

Please note that a No Award Verification Report is required for homeschoolers.

Checks are issued directly to the parent/guardian. They are issued in September, January and May. Eligible expenses must be related to instructional materials or program fees, and MECSF reserves the right to determine what qualifies.

Here are a few of the items that are covered:

  • Educational materials: textbooks, workbooks, teacher’s guides, and reference materials such as dictionaries or atlases
  • Teaching aids: globes, calculators, science lab supplies, etc.
  • Educational media: software, video tapes, and audio tapes (non-entertainment).
  • Instructional fees for group classes with a licensed teacher
  • Testing and homeschooling agency fees

For a full list of accepted items, please visit the MECSF’s Homeschool Item List. Reimbursements are available three times a year: in September, January and May.

Want to know more about the Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund? Visit them online for more details about the program and scholarship availability. If you have any questions about how Miacademy or MiaPrep can help you on your Maine homeschool journey, feel free to chat with one of our helpful customer service agents! They’ll be happy to help you find the answers you need.