Georgia's Special Needs Scholarship: Using State Funds for Military School

Georgia's Special Needs Scholarship Program

Georgia's Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS), also known as SB10, allows public school funding to follow eligible students with disabilities to private schools of their choice—including military academies.

For families whose children have ADHD, learning disabilities, or other conditions covered by IEPs or 504 Plans, this scholarship can make private military school financially accessible.

Why Military School for Special Needs Students?

Many students with ADHD and learning differences thrive in military school environments because of:

• Consistent structure — Predictable daily routines reduce anxiety and improve focus
• Clear expectations — Explicit rules and immediate accountability
• Physical activity — Daily PT helps manage hyperactivity and improves concentration
• Small class sizes — More individualized attention
• Reduced distractions — Limited technology, structured study time

Military schools are not therapeutic programs, but their structure often benefits students who struggle in traditional environments.

Scholarship Eligibility

Student Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a Georgia public school, OR
• Received special education services from a Georgia public school in the prior year
• Has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan
• Parent accepts responsibility for educational decisions

Qualifying Disabilities (Examples):

• ADHD/ADD
• Specific learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc.)
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Emotional and behavioral disorders
• Speech and language impairments
• Other health impairments
• Physical disabilities

If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, they likely qualify.

Scholarship Amounts

The GSNS scholarship amount is based on what the state would have spent on the student in public school:

Amounts vary based on the student's disability category and funding formula.

Important: The scholarship typically covers partial tuition. Military school tuition often exceeds scholarship amounts, requiring additional family contribution.

Georgia Military Schools

Georgia offers several military school options that may accept GSNS:

Riverside Military Academy (Gainesville)

• Grades 7-12, boarding and day
• Strong learning support programs
• Experience with ADHD and learning differences
• One of the largest military academies in the U.S.

Georgia Military College (Milledgeville and satellite campuses)

• Middle school, high school, and junior college
• Multiple campus locations across Georgia
• Day and boarding options at main campus

Benedictine Military School (Savannah)

• Grades 9-12, day school only
• Catholic military school
• Strong academics and athletics

Contact each school to confirm GSNS participation and their experience with special needs students.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm IEP/504 Status Your child must have a current IEP or 504 Plan from a Georgia public school.

Step 2: Research Private Schools Identify military schools that accept GSNS and can support your child's needs.

Step 3: Apply to GSNS Program

• Applications managed through Georgia Department of Education
• Complete application during enrollment window
• Submit required documentation

Step 4: Receive Award Notification

• Georgia DOE confirms eligibility and award amount
• Funds are paid directly to the school

Step 5: Enroll in Private School Complete the school's admission process and coordinate payment.

Application Timeline

Check the Georgia DOE website for current year deadlines.

What the Scholarship Covers

GSNS funds can be used for:

• Tuition at participating private schools
• Fees directly related to education

For boarding schools, tuition is typically covered; room and board are usually separate expenses not covered by the scholarship.

Questions to Ask the School

Before enrolling, ask potential schools:

1. "Do you accept the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship?"
2. "What experience do you have with students who have [specific disability]?"
3. "What academic support services do you provide?"
4. "Will you continue to implement my child's IEP accommodations?"
5. "What is your approach to students with ADHD?"

Important Considerations

IEP Implementation: Private schools are not required to implement IEPs the same way public schools are. Ask specifically:

• What accommodations will be provided?
• Who provides learning support?
• How do you handle testing accommodations?

Giving Up IDEA Rights: By accepting GSNS and leaving public school, you may limit some procedural rights under IDEA. However, you gain school choice. Consult with an education advocate if uncertain.

Military School Fit: Not every child with special needs will thrive in military school. Consider:

• Can your child handle the physical demands?
• Will the discipline style be helpful or harmful?
• Does the school have adequate support services?

Visit campus, talk to current families, and be honest about fit.

Combining Funding Sources

GSNS can be combined with:

• School financial aid — Apply for additional need-based aid
• Georgia 529 Plans — Path2College 529 allows K-12 withdrawals
• Private scholarships — School-specific scholarship programs
• Payment plans — For remaining balance

ADHD-Specific Considerations

ADHD is one of the most common conditions qualifying students for GSNS. Military schools may be particularly effective because:

• External structure compensates for executive function challenges
• Physical activity is built into every day
• Clear consequences provide immediate feedback
• Reduced technology limits distractions
• Many successful ADHD adults came through military programs

However, ensure the school understands ADHD and doesn't simply punish symptoms.

Resources

• Georgia Department of Education — Special Needs Scholarship
• Riverside Military Academy
• Georgia Military College
• Benedictine Military School

Key Takeaways

1. Georgia's Special Needs Scholarship funds students with IEPs/504 Plans at private schools
2. Scholarships range from ~$6,000 to $15,000+ depending on disability category
3. Military schools' structure often benefits students with ADHD and learning differences
4. Scholarship typically covers partial tuition; additional family contribution required
5. Private schools are not required to fully implement IEPs—ask specific questions about support

Next Steps

Explore why military schools work for students with ADHD. Learn about IEP and 504 accommodations at military schools.