Turn your tax liability into scholarships for our school

Note: when making a qualified contribution, be sure to use this unique link so that the funds are designated for Saint Louis Sudbury School scholarships. Saint Louis Sudbury School is excited to partner with ACE Scholarships, a Scholarship Granting Organization, in the Education Freedom Tax Credit program!

What is the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC)?
Beginning in January 2027, this new federal tax credit offers anyone who wants to support Saint Louis Sudbury School students an opportunity to fund vital scholarships that will provide young people access to our school and the unique educational opportunities that best meet their learning needs. Donors receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit (up to $1,700 for individuals, up to $3,400 for married couples filing jointly) while simultaneously supporting Saint Louis Sudbury School—making this a powerful way to strengthen our school's sustainability for free.

What it can mean for Saint Louis Sudbury School
lmagine… if just 50 individuals participated in this free initiative, it would generate $85,000 of student support! There's never been an opportunity like this to help young people and their families have access to the unique Sudbury experience. Although our tuition is only a fraction of what most independent schools in St. Louis charge, nearly 70% of our families require Saint Louis Sudbury School tuition assistance or scholarships to attend. Also, 55% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Schedule your contribution now!
Visit Saint Louis Sudbury School’s EFTC web page managed by ACE Scholarships and set up your single or recurring payment options for up to $1,700/year (up to $3,400/year for married couples filing jointly). Payments will activate in 2027. Be sure to use this link so that your qualified contribution goes to Saint Louis Sudbury School.

Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC)
Frequently Asked Questions

What opportunities will this create for Saint Louis Sudbury School?
The Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) initiative will strengthen educational opportunities for our community with student scholarships, bolster our school's sustainability, and generate a new stream of revenue that will help reduce the financial burden of educational expenses for our families.

What educational expenses are covered?
Under the EFTC initiative, scholarship funds may be used for qualifying expenses incurred in connection with an eligible student's enrollment or attendance at a school, including tuition, books and supplies, tutoring, education technology, and other qualifying educational expenses. We anticipate additional guidance from the U.S. Treasury regarding eligible expenses to be forthcoming.

How will the EFTC initiative impact private school autonomy?
The EFTC initiative incentivizes private investment in student scholarships. Unlike traditional voucher programs, it does not use public funds appropriated by the state or federal government. This innovative approach expands educational freedom for students.

What is considered a qualified contribution and what is the maximum amount an individual can contribute through the EFTC?
Individuals can receive a 100% dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for individuals (up to $3,400 for married couples filing jointly), when they contribute to a certified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). Saint Louis Sudbury School’s SGO is ACE Scholarships. Contributors cannot claim both the credit and a charitable deduction for the same dollars.

Can parents contribute to the EFTC, receive a federal tax credit, and direct their gift to provide a scholarship for their own children?
No. To ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with federal law, parents cannot direct contributions made through the EFTC to benefit their own children. In fact, the EFTC prohibits any form of self-dealing to maintain the integrity of the program. Dollars contributed through Saint Louis Sudbury School’s portal, however, will be used specifically to create scholarships for our school's students. Donations must first go to our approved SGO (ACE Scholarships), who is then responsible for verifying student eligibility and awarding scholarships. This structure ensures that every dollar goes where it's needed most.

How will the federal government pay for the tax credit scholarships?
The EFTC is funded entirely through voluntary private contributions, not new government spending, making it a fiscally responsible solution that expands educational opportunity without taking a single dollar from public schools.

Which Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) is Saint Louis Sudbury School partnering with?
Our school is partnering with ACE Scholarships. For more than 25 years, ACE has worked to expand educational opportunities, helping parents choose the learning environment that best meets their child's unique needs. Their innovative technology, proven track record, and knowledge in this arena will help our school generate life-changing scholarships for our current and future students and families.

Have more questions?

The EFTC credit web site has excellent resources on the program plus videos to explain the process.

Saint Louis Sudbury School Moments