Financial Resources

At Wedgefield University for Kids, we recognize the commitment and investment it takes to choose private education for your family. Our mission is to make that choice worthwhile — delivering an exceptional academic experience rooted in Christian values and a warm, family-centered community, all at the most affordable tuition rates in the state.

Keeping costs manageable for our families is a priority we take seriously. We proactively look for ways to reduce your financial burden, and we gladly accept payments through third-party grants and scholarship programs. Below you'll find information on some of the funding opportunities currently available. Be sure to check back often, as new resources and updates are added regularly.

SC Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program
(ESTF)

  • The Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Education and allows qualifying South Carolina families to apply for a scholarship to fund a flexible, customized K–12 education for their children. It was signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster on May 5, 2023, and is similar to Education Savings Account (ESA) programs operating in other states.

  • For the 2025–2026 school year, the award amount is $7,500. For the 2026–2027 school year, the amount increases to $7,634. Funds are distributed quarterly through the ClassWallet platform.

  • To qualify, students must:

    • Be a resident of South Carolina and a K–12 student who has not graduated or reached the age of 22.

    • Have attained the age of five on or before September 1 of the current school year, OR have received a scholarship the previous school year.

    • For 2025–2026, have a household income not exceeding 300% of the federal poverty level ($96,450 for a family of four). The income limit expands to 500% of FPL ($160,750 for a family of four) for 2026–2027.

    • Not attend their resident (zoned) public school for the school year in which they receive funds.

  • The program was capped at 10,000 participants for 2025–2026, and the cap increased to at least 15,000 for 2026–2027. The application for the 2026–27 school year has now closed, as that 15,000-student limit has already been reached.

  • Qualifying expenses include tuition and fees at approved SC independent schools and online education providers; textbooks, curriculum, and instructional materials; tutoring; computer hardware or devices; fees for standardized testing, AP exams, industry certifications, and college admission exams; educational therapies for students with disabilities; extracurricular activities and unbundled courses from public schools or charter schools; school uniforms; and up to $3,000 for transportation.

  • Yes. A 2024 South Carolina Supreme Court ruling (Eidson v. SC Department of Education) barred use of ESTF funds for private school tuition, finding it violated the state constitution's prohibition on direct benefits to private/religious institutions. However, legislation enacted in 2025 restored the right of participants to use account funds for private school tuition.

  • The SC Department of Education has contracted with ClassWallet for programmatic support and to manage the distribution of scholarship funds to participating families. Once approved, families receive a Welcome Email from ClassWallet, and in late July, scholarship accounts are funded with the first quarterly payment.

  • There is an early window opening November 1st for current participants and their siblings. A general window (Window 3) opens February 9th for all eligible students.

Wedgefield University for Kids and the SC Education Scholarship Trust Fund

At Wedgefield University for Kids, we are proud to partner with the South Carolina Department of Education as an approved Education Service Provider under the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) Program. This means that both current and prospective families may be eligible to use their ESTF scholarship funds — up to $7,634 for the 2026–27 school year — toward their child's education at WU4K. Whether you are already part of our school community or are considering enrollment, we want to ensure that every eligible family has access to this valuable resource.

The ESTF Program is open to South Carolina K–12 students whose household income does not exceed 500% of the federal poverty guidelines (approximately $160,750 for a family of four for 2026–27), and funds can be used for tuition, instructional materials, tutoring, technology, and much more. If you believe your family may qualify, we encourage you to reach out to our office — we are happy to guide you through the application process and help connect you with the support you need. Together, we can make a WU4K education accessible to every child who deserves it.