Montana SSO Scholarships

Montana Student Scholarship Organization – Your Scholarship Opportunity

Children’s education is a key element of the mission of The Summit Lighthouse. In support of this, we applied for registration as a Student Scholarship Organization (SSO) under the Montana Department of Revenue’s Student Scholarship Organization Tax Credit program. The SSO program is for raising funds and awarding scholarships to make education accessible to all and allowing parents to make the best choice for the education that will meet the individual needs of their children.

Through this program, we will offer need-based scholarships, as funds are available, to make tuition more affordable for families in the Paradise Valley who wish their children to attend a school of their choice such as Montessori International, the private elementary school at The Summit Lighthouse headquarters in Corwin Springs, or any qualified education provider.

Scholarships from this student scholarship organization may be used at any qualified education provider of the parent’s or legal guardian’s choice.

Eligibility: Students must be Montana residents who are 5 years old on or before September 10 of the school year and have not yet reached 19 years of age. Mont. Code Ann. §15-30-3102(3)

Award limits: Scholarships may not exceed the per-pupil average of total public school expenditures. Mont. Code Ann. §20-9-570; §15-30-3103(1)(d)

School choice: Scholarships from this Student Scholarship Organization may be used at any Qualified Education Provider (QEP) of the parent’s or legal guardian’s choice. Mont. Code Ann. §15-30-3103(1)(c), (j)(iii)

A QEP is an education provider that is not a public school, is an accredited or non-accredited private education provider that qualifies for an exemption from compulsory enrollment under MCA 20-5-102(2)(e) or MCA 20-5-109, and is not considered a home school under MCA 20-5-102(2)(e). QEPs must meet the health and safety requirements for private schools in Montana.

ANNUAL TIMELINE

January: Scholarship funds are raised; Scholarship Committee is formed.

March 15: Scholarship applications are due.

April 1: The Scholarship Committee reviews applications, funding, and drafts a scholarship plan.

April 15: The Board of Directors approves the scholarship plan and budget; families are awarded financial aid.

First week of May: Families are notified of scholarship amounts.

Summer: Enrollment and tuition verified and scholarship funds are paid directly to the Qualified Education Provider.

Note: Late applications for scholarships may be considered if scholarship funds remain for that school year.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

1. How to apply: Download the application form below and return the completed form to:
Summit Lighthouse
Business Office, attn. Student Scholarships
63 Summit Way
Gardiner, MT 59030

2. Committee review: Applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. The committee evaluates financial need, available funds, and the number of applicants.

3. Selection: Scholarship amounts are allocated in proportion to the family’s financial need and the funds available.

4. Board approval: The scholarship plan is presented to the Board of Directors for approval.

5. Notification & enrollment verification: Families are notified of their award. Enrollment and tuition are verified, and scholarship funds are paid directly to the Qualified Education Provider. Scholarship awards may only be applied directly to tuition at the designated Qualified Education Provider for the upcoming academic year. Awards may be reduced if tuition is partially or fully funded by other scholarships, grants, or payment sources, and may not exceed the remaining tuition balance.

PRIOR YEAR’S QUALIFIED EDUCATION PROVIDER SCHOLARSHIPS RECIPIENTS

2024/2025 – No scholarships were awarded.
2025/2026 will be the first year of operation of the SSO.

INFORMATION FOR DONORS

Tax credit: Donors to the SSO receive a dollar-for-dollar Montana state tax credit while enabling families to choose the best educational environment and supporting educational choice and accessibility in Montana.

Due to the statewide donation threshold, not all donations may be processed and certified for the 2026 tax credit. If the maximum threshold is met before we process your donation, your check will be returned. All donations must be physically in hand on January 19 to be processed.

Tax Credit Amount: Montana taxpayers (individuals and businesses) who donate to a state-approved SSO may claim an income tax credit equal to 100% of the donation amount.

Maximum Credit: The credit is capped at a maximum of $200,000 per year per taxpayer.

Check Instructions: The check must be made out to The Summit Lighthouse with “Student Scholarship Organization” in the memo line. Please also fill out the donor form found at the link below.

Direct Impact: The SSO allocates not less than 90% of its annual revenue from donations for scholarships.

Link to Scholarship Application form: Montana SSO Application Form

Link to donor information form: SSO Donor Information Form