Financial Aid & Scholarships

We believe financial circumstances should not stand in the way of educational opportunity. Families can explore three sources of assistance:

  • Skola Financial Aid (Skola Students only)

  • Montana SSO Scholarships

  • Federal SGO Scholarships (beginning in 2027)

Each program has its own eligibility requirements, available funding, and award process. Skola Financial Aid supports students attending The Skola, while the tax credit scholarship programs serve eligible students beyond our school community.

Looking to contribute rather than apply? Visit our Donate page to explore ways to support students and scholarships.

Financial Aid

For students attending The Skola, including eligible preschool students.

The Skola offers internal financial aid funded through local donors and school fundraising initiatives. This assistance helps families afford tuition, including those whose children may not qualify for tax credit scholarships.

Awards are determined by The Skola based on demonstrated financial need, family circumstances, enrollment goals, and available resources.

Families apply through FACTS, which collects financial information and supporting documents for a confidential assessment of financial need. Completing an application does not guarantee an award.

Application Due: Wednesday, April 15

Awards announced and shared via email: Early May

Montana Tax Credit Scholarships (SSO)

The Skola serves as a Montana Student Scholarship Organization (SSO), receiving tax credit-eligible donations and awarding need-based scholarships to help eligible Montana students afford tuition at The Skola or another qualified education provider.

Scholarships from this student scholarship organization may be used at any qualified

education provider of the parent's or legal guardian's choice.

MCA §15-30-3103(1)(j)(iii)

Eligibility: Students must be Montana residents who are at least 5 years old on or before September 10 of the year of attendance and have not yet reached 19 years of age. MCA §15-30-3102(3)

Award limits: Scholarships may not exceed the per-pupil average of total public school expenditures. Awards depend on demonstrated financial need, available funding, and other tuition assistance received. MCA §20-9-570; §15-30-3103(1)(d)

School choice: Students do not need to attend The Skola to apply. Families may select any qualified education provider, and choosing another provider does not exclude a student from consideration.

Annual Timeline

2027: Applications will open in mid-to-late March. Application instructions, required documents, and deadlines will be posted here in early March 2027.

Application & Selection Process

  1. Application – Families submit financial information and supporting documentation through FACTS. Detailed instructions will be available before applications open.

  2. Committee review – Applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee, which includes school leadership, board representatives, and staff. The committee considers demonstrated financial need, available funds, and the number of applicants.

  3. Selection – Awards are determined through a confidential, objective, needs-based process using the FACTS financial assessment. Scholarship amounts reflect each family’s demonstrated need and available funding.

  4. Board approval – The scholarship plan is presented to the Board of Directors for approval.

  5. Notification & enrollment verification – Families are notified by email. Enrollment and tuition are verified, and scholarship funds are paid directly to the qualified education provider selected by the parent or legal guardian. Awards apply to tuition for the upcoming academic year and may be adjusted for other scholarships, grants, or payment sources. Total assistance may not exceed the remaining tuition balance.

Prior-Year Scholarship Providers

Qualified education providers attended by students receiving scholarships:

2024–2025 – The Skola

2025-2026 - The Skola, Sussex School, Missoula Christian Montessori School

Federal Tax Credit Scholarships (SGO)

Application instructions for the new federal program will be posted here once confirmed. We are exploring whether families can use their existing FACTS application information to reduce duplicate paperwork.

Please do not assume that an application for Skola Financial Aid or Montana SSO scholarships also submits an application to the federal SGO program. We will explain any additional steps when applications open.

Application Dates & Award Notifications

Application opening dates, deadlines, required tax-year documents, and award notification dates will be posted here for each application cycle.

The new federal SGO program may follow a different timeline from Skola Financial Aid and Montana SSO scholarships.

How Applications Are Reviewed

Applications are reviewed confidentially under the requirements and policies of each program. Reviewers consider financial information, program eligibility, available funding, and other applicable award criteria.

Families will receive award decisions and any required next steps by email. Before funds are distributed, enrollment, tuition, or other eligible expenses may need to be verified.

Awards are subject to available funding and may be adjusted to account for other assistance or changes in eligible expenses. Applying does not guarantee funding, and a prior award does not guarantee an award in a future year.

Questions?

If you are unsure which program to apply for, contact hello@theskola.org or call 406-405-9721.

Families whose children attend another school are welcome to contact us about Montana SSO scholarships and the planned Federal SGO program.