Scholarships

ESM believes that quality Christian education should be affordable to all families. To make this possible, members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and St. Michael Lutheran Church together provide approximately half of the total cost of education for all students enrolled. Despite the fact that the cost of education continues to climb steeply, the support and commitment of our two church congregations helps us provide excellent academic programming at a cost that is still within reach.

For those who need some extra financial help, various forms of scholarships are available. 

Along with the incredible support we get from our partner congregations, our participation in the School Choice program represents our commitment to providing the financial support necessary for families to choose a partnership with ESM. Choice is also available to provide scholarships for a Lutheran high school education! With the significant savings that a Choice Scholarship or SGO award provides at ESM, this allows your family to plan accordingly for Concordia Lutheran High School. What an opportunity for your family to continue with excellence in Lutheran education in the years ahead! For families who need additional support there are a variety of other needs-based and independent scholarships available. Learn more about these programs below.

Scholarship FAQ

Great news!! NEW for the 2026-2027 school year, income eligibility is no longer a requirement for the Indiana School Choice Scholarship. Students who are age 5-21 in grades K-12 and residents of the State of Indiana now qualify. 

HOW MUCH IS THE CHOICE SCHOLARSHIP?

The State of Indiana sponsors one of the most robust School Choice programs in the country, providing choice for Indiana families in Kindergarten through high school. See the chart below for the 2026-2027 estimated award based on the school district where the student primarily resides and see the ESM K-8 Tuition and Fees Estimate Worksheet and Plans to estimate your family tuition.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE CHOICE SCHOLARSHIP? 

Indicate your Tuition Plan commitment in your student’s online enrollment or re-enrollment application for Plan C. While families will NOT have to complete an ESM Scholarship Application or submit tax returns, there will be paperwork that will require you to schedule an appointment with our ESM Finance Team in order for the scholarship to be applied. Stay tuned for further instructions. Appointment scheduling will begin after May 1st. 

HOW DO I APPLY FOR SGO/INDEPENDENT SCHOLARSHIP IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL NEED?

SGO and Independent Scholarships are available for families who demonstrate financial need for remaining tuition balance after Indiana School Choice Scholarship is applied. Scholarships vary in value, are based on need, and on funds available. If you would like to be considered for any of these scholarships, indicate your Plan D commitment in your student’s online enrollment or re-enrollment application. Application for scholarships is separate from the enrollment process and in addition to the steps to receive Choice. Return the completed ESM Scholarship Application AND a copy of your 2025 Federal Form 1040 to either school office. Completed scholarship applications are due April 15th for priority consideration. Following the priority deadline, applications will be considered based on the remaining funds available. For a secure, online method of signing and returning forms click HERE. For Independent Scholarships, follow the steps outlined by the organization from which you are seeking a scholarship. 

WHAT ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PRESCHOOL?

While the Indiana Choice Scholarship continues to be for students in Kindergarten - 12th grade, ESM is blessed with private donations from individuals and businesses to provide scholarships to financially qualifying students. Scholarships vary in value, are based on need, and on funds available. Return the completed ESM Scholarship Application AND a copy of your 2025 Federal Form 1040 to either school office. Completed scholarship applications are due April 15th for priority consideration. Following the priority deadline, applications will be considered based on the remaining funds available. For a secure, online method of signing and returning forms click HERE.    

HOW DO I CHECK WHICH K-8 TUITION PLAN I SELECTED? 

Review the K-8 Tuition and Fees Estimate Worksheet & Plans. You can confirm which tuition plan you selected by calling the school office. If you need to make a change to your Tuition Plan selection, contact Mrs. Crump, ESM Financial Assistant, at hcrump@esmeagles.com | (260) 422-6712.

When will I know if I have received a scholarship? 

For scholarship applications submitted by April 15th, families will receive an award letter with estimated costs in late May. Award amounts will be reflected on your preliminary statement if you have completed the scholarship application process and met with the ESM finance team to sign the required paperwork. You can always utilize the ESM Tuition and Fees Estimate Worksheet as a guide.

What if I submit my scholarship application after the deadline? 

Scholarships will continue to be accepted after the priority deadline. However, following the priority deadline, applications will be considered based on the remaining funds available.  

For additional help or to receive more information about scholarships, please contact Mrs. Crump, ESM Financial Assistant, at hcrump@esmeagles.com | (260) 422-6712

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