Scholarships

Under the Georgia Private School Tax Credit, all Georgia taxpayers are now eligible to receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit in exchange for their contribution to a state-approved Student Scholarship Organization (SSO). This means that your tax dollars can be turned into scholarships for Hopewell Montessori School.

For the 2011-2012 school year, 50% of our scholarship funds will be distributed equally to all eligible students enrolled by the March 10, 2011 enrollment deadline. The remaining funds will be allocated on a criteria basis; click here for a printable scholarship application, also due by March 10, 2011.

We have partnered with Apogee Georgia School Choice Scholarship Fund, a state approved Student Scholarship Organization (SSO), to create a school scholarship fund made up of directed Georgia state tax dollars.

Every Georgia taxpayer is allowed to divert some or all of their state tax payment to Hopewell scholarships at no cost to you. In fact, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to have a direct say in how the taxes you’re already paying are spent. This fund will benefit families in need of scholarships, and will become a vital part retaining students.

Maximum contributions are $2,500 for married filing jointly and $1,000 for individuals. C-Corporations can contribute up to 75% of their corporate tax liability and receive that amount as a dollar-for-dollar credit on Georgia taxes. These credits are not indefinitely available. The state has placed a cap on the maximum amount of funds that can be contributed during each tax year. We are now in a race to obtain contributions and receive pre-approval before that cap is reached, and we urgently need your participation.

What is the Qualified Education Expense Credit?

This tax credit was passed into law in July, 2008. Hopewell is excited about the law as it has financial benefits both for you and Hopewell. The state has set aside $50 million in available credits each year, distributed on a first come first served basis.

How can this tax credit benefit both Hopewell and myself?

Under the new law, you can redirect a portion of your Georgia income tax liability to provide scholarship assistance to Hopewell students. You will receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your state income taxes and a charitable contribution deduction on your federal incomes taxes for the amount donated. AMT filers should also inquire about additional benefits, which are often quite significant and equal more than the initial dollar-for-dollar credit.

For married couples filing jointly, the maximum tax credit-eligible contribution is $2,500 ($1,000 as an individual).  Contributions of any dollar amount up to the maximum allowed are welcome.

How it works?

With a donation to the Apogee Georgia School Choice Scholarship fund, a Georgia state income tax credit is available to you for the tax year the donation is made. Your donation can also be used as a charitable contribution deduction on your Federal tax return. For more FAQs, click here

How to Donate?

Option 1: Complete the process all at once, requires notarized signature:

  • Complete the Apogee SSO Donation Form (requires notarized signature)
  • Sign or complete Form IT-QEE-TP1 (Apogee can fill this form out for you with your signature).
  • Make your donation check payable to “Apogee Scholarship Fund” or pay by credit card online.
  • Mail Form IT-QEE-TP1, SSO donation form, and donation check (if applicable) to:

Apogee Georgia School Choice Scholarship Fund
3330 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 400
Atlanta, Georgia 30339

*Apogee will process your donation package and submit all necessary paperwork to the Department of Revenue

Option 2: No notary necessary, but requires follow up in a few weeks: (only available until Dec. 1)

  • Complete the Apogee SSO Donation Form (no notary required)
  • Sign or complete Form IT-QEE-TP1 (Apogee can fill this form out for you with your signature).
  • Make your donation check payable to “Apogee Scholarship Fund” or pay by credit card online.
  • Mail Form IT-QEE-TP1, SSO donation form, and donation check (if applicable) to:

Apogee Georgia School Choice Scholarship Fund
3330 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 400
Atlanta, Georgia 30339

*Apogee will process your donation package and submit all necessary paperwork to the Department of Revenue

  • Applicants will receive an approval letter from the Department of Revenue; you must forward a copy of the approved IT-QEE-TP1 Form to Apogee, must be received by December 31.

Apogee will mail you the required forms to include with your 2010 tax returns: Forms IT-QEE-SS01 & IT-QEE-TP2, at the beginning of the calendar year.You will need to include both Form IT-QEE-SS01 and Form IT-QEE-TP2 with your state tax return in order to claim the Education Expense Credit.

For additional questions or assistance, please contact Hopewell or John Panessa (404.419.7123) @ Apogee.

To learn more about the Apogee Georgia School Choice Scholarship Fund, please visit www.apogeescholarships.org