How to open a church school in Ohio

Last verified: October 2026

Should a new church school near Cleveland seek a state charter?

For most congregations, yes, because the charter is the door to public dollars: without one, no Cleveland Scholarship, EdChoice, Jon Peterson or Autism student can enroll. Ohio does let a church with sincere religious objections run a school without a charter, and some do, accepting that tuition and giving will carry the whole budget and that families forgo state busing and auxiliary services.

How does a congregation obtain an Ohio charter?

You apply to DEW, which handles chartering for nonpublic schools. Plan for a short online orientation, then paperwork: a compliance plan and checklist, the nonpublic school report, a notarized statement of intent, a nondiscrimination policy covering race and a tax form. Because the charter names the school, its address, its owner and its grades, any change later goes back to DEW.

Why does a city location change the math for a new school?

Inside the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, families use the Cleveland Scholarship, which carries no income test, so every enrolled K-8 child can bring up to $6,166 regardless of what the family earns. A suburban school's families use EdChoice Expansion, where awards shrink above 450% of poverty.

What is the revenue picture at the 2026-27 voucher amount?

Twenty K-8 students at the $6,166 maximum mean up to $123,320 a year in voucher revenue, provided each receives the full award and tuition is at least that high. The state pays the lesser of the award and tuition, and suburban families above 450% of poverty bring less.

What does a non-chartered school file each year?

One report, every summer: the school certifies to its parents that it meets Ohio's minimum standards and sends that same report to DEW between July 1 and September 30, which is how it lands on the state's NCNP roster.

When should we talk to Cleveland Edu Funding?

Early, ideally while you are still deciding on a charter. We can set up your listing from the state record, brief your office on the forms parents will bring, and start referring families when you open enrollment.

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