ALL K-8 STUDENTS ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR A STATE SCHOLARSHIP!
Thanks to the recent expansion of the Ohio Department of Education EdChoice Scholarship Program, every IHM student (K-8) now qualifies to receive a state tuition scholarship of up to $6,165/year! Awards are based on a sliding scale, but regardless of income EVERY FAMILY can receive a scholarship. Not only will this positively impact the lives of our IHM families, but our entire school community.
Please read the full communication HERE from our Pastor and Principal.
AUGUST 24TH PARENT TUITION MEETING
We had a very positive and informative meeting with IHM staff, parents, members of our IHM finance council as well as the Associate Superintendent of Elementary Schools from the Diocese of Cleveland. CLICK HERE to download the slide presentation explaining in detail how IHM is planning on adjusting the 23-24 tuition rate to maximize scholarship dollars. This also contains hypothetical examples of how the new rate could affect your tuition bill by switching to our new scholarship model. Please remember: our goal is for every family to owe LESS than their current tuition commitment. No one will owe more. Thank you for your patience as we work toward making all the necessary adjustments as quickly as we can! If you have not yet applied for EdChoice, please do so by following the instructions below!
HOW TO APPLY
STEP 1: Complete IHM's Scholarship Eligibility Form (if you have not yet done so). This will help us plan and only takes 2 minutes to complete - no documentation required.
STEP 2: Fill out this EdChoice Request Form for EACH K-8 student.
STEP 3: Gather your supporting documents
A. Proof of Residency: A current utility bill (gas, electric or water bills are best). No cell phone bills. If you do not have a utility bill in your name (i.e. if renting or living with another family member/homeowner), please contact Lisa Massello lmassello@ihmgradeschool.org
B. Birth Certificate: While we do have this on file and are happy to access this for you, if you are able to provide it along with your request form, we’ll be able to process your application faster.
STEP 4: Email the completed request form(s) and proof of residency to Lisa Massello lmassello@ihmgradeschool.org or drop off at the rectory c/o Jeff Andrea. IHM must enter each application on behalf of the student.
STEP 5: Verify Income by Creating An Account online (https://safe.ode.state.oh.us/portal)
We strongly recommend that you utilize VIDEO TUTORIAL on how to use the Income Verification website.
There is also a supporting Online Income Verification Quick Guide
STEP 6: Finalize and upload your Income Verification to ODE. Everyone applying must do this regardless of income status. You will need to submit income verification on your own with supporting documentation so the state can determine the amount of scholarship dollars your student(s) is eligible for.
MAIL OPTION FOR INCOME VERIFICATION:
You can also fill out and mail a hard copy to the ODE by completing this Income Verification Form. Income Verification forms and supporting income documents DO NOT come to the school. You must submit them online or via US Mail to the Ohio Department of Education.
IHM FAQ’S
Click HERE for Frequency Asked Questions regarding the scholarship.
If you still have additional questions or concerns, please contact Lisa Massello (Jon Peterson and EdChoice Scholarship Assistant) at lmassello@ihmgradeschool.org or Jeff Andrea (Parish Financial Services Manager) at jandrea@ihmcfo.org.
APPLICATION TIPS & CLARIFYING TRADITIONAL VS. EXPANSION
Click HERE for tips and common mistakes that will help you, IHM, and the Ohio Department of Education to process your application faster! Also, this document contains some clarifications on the differences between EdChoice Expansion vs. Traditional.
AUGUST 24TH MEETING
An informational meeting will be held on August 24th at 6pm in the GYM for anyone who wants to attend. Paperwork is not required, but feel free to bring documentation with you.
SHOULD I KEEP PAYING TUITION?
Yes, please continue to pay your tuition and fees as scheduled. Once your EdChoice expansion scholarship has been approved and finalized, your FACTS tuition agreement will be adjusted, and any overpayments will be refunded.
23-24 Angel Scholarship Fund Application
We are asking each family to also fill out this simple scholarship form in case you may qualify for addition tuition assistance!
STATE OF OHIO EDCHOICE DOCUMENTATION
Below you will find everything you need to successfully apply to EdChoice.
EdChoice Request Form (Application Form)
Quick Guide Income Verification Portal
Income Eligibility Requirements
