Wyoming parents can apply now for K-12 scholarships

Wyoming families and students have a huge reason to celebrate. As of July 6, they can apply for up to $7,000 for costs related to private or homeschooling for K-12 students for the 2026/2027 school year.

A lower court blocked the scholarships from being distributed last year, just as students were preparing to go back to school. But the Wyoming Supreme Court in May unanimously lifted the injunction against the Steamboat Scholarship Act while it deliberated on the merits of the case.

While not a final decision, lifting the injunction sends a strong message from the state Supreme Court justices that those opposed to providing families with more education options have not proven the scholarships cause irreparable harm to them or violate the state constitution.

About 4,000 applicants had signed up for the 2025/2026 school year. It’s not known how many of those would be new to private or homeschooling. But even pre-scholarships, statistics show the number of homeschoolers grew 47 percent in the Cowboy State between 2017-2023 as parents looked for education options that fit the individual needs of their children. Given the massive sign-up response to Idaho’s new education tax-credit program following its legal victory earlier this year, expect to see a similar demand for more education choice in Wyoming.

Parents applying for the scholarships should do so with full confidence, as the money will not be clawed back from them even if the law ultimately fails. Based on the initial state supreme court ruling in May, a final victory like the one that occurred in Idaho and other states is likely.

Opponents of the Steamboat Scholarship argue that the “complete and uniform” clause in the state constitution prohibits the state from creating a new parallel school system. Courts have routinely found that scholarship and tax-credit programs do not create a separate system and that those laws simply create a floor upon which state legislatures can build.

Separately, the law does not harm public school students because some private schools created as a result of the program may not have adequate services for them or discriminate based on sex or gender —because they don’t have to go. Public schools will still exist, and those who want to stay will be able to choose that option.

Opponents also argued that the law violates Article 3, Section 36 of the state constitution, which prohibits direct payments to individuals or organizations. This is false. The Steamboat Scholarship Act distributes money to the Wyoming Department of Education, which then apportions it according to its regulations. This is similar to the way different state government departments distribute grants to businesses, arts, human services, and other nonprofits.

Interested families should apply this month and start researching the options for them. Applications are supposed to be processed by the end of the month, with funds distributed by September 1. There are myriad established and proven homeschool options— and a growing number of private options made possible because of the scholarships. In addition, many homeschool groups exist throughout the state to plan activities, outings, and social activities. Parents are not alone. And the scholarships will make it possible for families to choose the best learning option for their children rather than accept the only one.

It’s exciting to see that it is now full steam ahead for the Steamboat Scholarships and more education options for Wyoming families.