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Financial Assistance

Maranatha Christian Academy partners with families from diverse backgrounds to provide students with an education rooted in a Biblical worldview. To support families in need of financial assistance, MCA offers a generous tuition assistance program made possible by the generosity of private donors and Corporate Partners.
 Financial Aid Applications are now open for existing MCA families

Use your personal email, not your ma-kc.org email address when registering

Financial Aid Application
 

Applications submitted by 2/14 will be notified on Wednesday 2/19

Applications submitted between 2/15-2/20 will be notified on Wednesday 2/25

Applications submitted between 2/21-2/27 will be notified on Wednesday 3/5

Applications submitted between 2/28-3/6 will be notified on Wednesday 3/12

Applications submitted between 3/7-3/13 will be notified Wednesday 3/19

 

 

How to Make Private K-12 Education More Affordable

Providing a high-quality, Christ-centered education is an investment in your child's future. Fortunately, there are several financial options available to help make private K-12 education more affordable for families.

 

529 Accounts
A 529 education savings plan offers tax advantages that can help families save for private school tuition.
  • Federal Tax Benefits:
    • Growth within the plan is federally tax-deferred, similar to an IRA or 401(k).
    • Withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free, including up to $10,000 annually for private K-12 tuition.
  • State Tax Benefits (Kansas):
    • Kansas residents can deduct contributions to 529 plans from their state taxable income.
    • In 2024, up to $3,000 per beneficiary, per account owner is deductible ($6,000 if married, filing jointly).
    • Example: A married couple with three children contributing $6,000 per child ($18,000 total) would reduce their state taxable income by $18,000.
  • 529 to Roth IRA Conversion:
    • With certain restrictions, 529 funds can be rolled over into a Roth IRA, offering additional flexibility for long-term savings.
Kansas ACE Scholarships
ACE Scholarships provide partial tuition assistance to help lower-income families afford private school education.
  • Standard awards:
    • $2,000 per student for grades K-8
    • $3,000 per student for high school
    • Awards cannot exceed 50% of private school tuition
  • The application window opens in February each year.
Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP)
The KEEP program offers one-time grants of $1,000 per child for eligible families to support educational expenses.
  • Funds can be used for educational materials, tutoring, music lessons, and academic camps.
  • Cannot be used for private school tuition directly but can supplement educational costs.
  • Eligibility is based on household income (capped at 300% of the federal poverty level). Foster children are eligible regardless of income.
  • Apply through the KEEP website.
 
Kansas Tax Credit for Low-Income Students Scholarship Program

This tax-credit funded state school choice program may be accessed by families.  Funding may be used to pay for tuition at a private school.  You may apply for this program through a scholarship granting organization. There are two organizations that Maranatha works with :  ACE Scholarships and Renewanation. Click the links for information as to how to apply.

Families who qualify must meet the following criterion:
 
(1) Resides in Kansas; and
(2)(A)(i) Has an annual family income that is less than or equal to 250% of the federal poverty guidelines as determined annually in the federal register by the United States department of health and human services under 42 U.S.C. § 9902(2); and
(2)(A)(ii) (a) was enrolled in kindergarten or any of the grades one through eight in any public school in the previous school year in which an educational scholarship is first sought for the child; or
(2)(A)(ii) (b) is eligible to be enrolled in any public school in the school year in which an educational scholarship is first sought for the child and the child is under the age of seven years; or
(2)(B) has received an educational scholarship under the program and has not graduated from high school or reached the age of 21 years.

 

Additional Financial Assistance Options
  • School Tuition Payment Plans: Many private schools offer flexible payment plans to spread tuition costs over time.
  • Employer Tuition Assistance: Some employers provide tuition reimbursement or education assistance programs—check with your HR department.
  • School-Sponsored Scholarships: Many private schools offer need-based and merit-based scholarships. Check with the school’s financial aid office for availability.
By exploring these resources, families can find ways to make private K-12 education more accessible and affordable. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s admissions or financial aid office for guidance.
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions:
What can Finacial Aid be used for?
Financial aid may be applied to K-12 tuition only. Enrollment and extracurricular fees are excluded.
 
Do I need to apply for Finacial Aid every year?
Yes.  All MCA families must re-apply for financial aid during the re-enrollment period every school year. The amount of financial aid offered is not guaranteed year to year.
 
Is there a deadline to apply for financial aid?
There is no deadline for financial aid applications.  HOWEVER, because our funds are allotted on a first come first serve basis, we encourage all families to apply as early as possible. 
 
Are there other financial assistance opportunities?
We encourage families to investigate ACE Scholarships as a potential scholarship option. Please direct all ACE Scholarship specific questions to their website/customer service department. Please note, a Blackbaud Financial Aid Managment application must be submitted prior to submitting an ACE Scholarships application. Please be sure to pay close attention to the ACE Scholarships deadline (found on their website).