Kentucky School Choice Options
Kentucky has no education savings account or voucher program for homeschoolers. The state education department also gives homeschools no financial help. Still, a few options matter for families. First, Kentucky’s KEES college scholarship is partly open to homeschool graduates. Homeschool graduates can earn the supplemental, or bonus, awards based on test scores. However, they cannot earn the base award, which depends on a high school GPA. Bills to change that rule failed in 2026. Second, Kentucky appears on the IRS list of states in the new federal scholarship tax credit. Donors may claim up to $1,700, or $3,400 for joint filers, starting in 2027.
Day to day, public school access depends on where you live. Each district decides whether homeschoolers may take classes or join activities. State-sanctioned high school sports require full-time enrollment at a member school. A 2026 bill to change that rule did not pass. Lawmakers return in January 2027. Ask your district about its own policy before you plan on classes or teams. We will update this page as new options appear. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.
The Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) has a base award tied to high school GPA and supplemental/bonus awards. Homeschool graduates, like other graduates of schools not certified by the Kentucky Board of Education, are not eligible for the base award because the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority does not accept their GPA. They are eligible only for the supplemental/bonus awards (HSLDA: HB 298).
In 2026, HB 298 (GPA from dual credit or AP exams) and HB 275 (GPA based on ACT scores) would have opened the base award to homeschool graduates. Neither passed (Kentucky Legislature: HB 298; HSLDA).
Kentucky appears on the IRS list of states participating in the federal scholarship tax credit as of October 22, 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, individual donors may claim a federal credit of up to $1,700 ($3,400 if filing jointly) for cash gifts to scholarship granting organizations (IRS: FSTC Participating States). Check with each scholarship organization about who qualifies and which expenses it covers.
KDE does not provide financial assistance to homeschools (KDE). See our Kentucky Homeschool Laws page for legal requirements.
- HSLDA: HB 298 (KEES); Kentucky Legislature: HB 298; HB 421
- IRS: Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Participating States (as of October 22, 2026)
- KDE Homeschool Information Packet (May 2026); HSLDA: Public School Access in Kentucky; LEX 18
Last reviewed: November 7, 2026
*The information on this page is for general use only. It should not be taken as legal advice. It is believed to be accurate however state and federal laws change every year. Homeschool.net recommends joining an organization such as the Home School Legal Defense Association before your homeschooling adventure begins. HSLDA can provide complete, accurate, legal advice and services for homeschooling families.
Update History
No changes in law noted since this page was first published.