Georgia Girl Earns Catholic School Spot via Promise Scholarship

A DeKalb County Family Shares Their Experience with the Georgia Promise Scholarship

A family from DeKalb County, Georgia, recently shared their story about how the Georgia Promise Scholarship has allowed their daughter to attend a Catholic school where the mother works. The program, which provides financial assistance for private school tuition, is gaining attention across the state as more families take advantage of its benefits.

The scholarship is part of a broader initiative aimed at offering educational opportunities to students who may not have access to traditional public schooling. According to the Georgia Student Finance Commission, which oversees the $140 million scholarship fund, the majority of recipients come from low-income households. In fact, three out of every four families receiving the scholarship are considered low-income, and one-third of the recipients are kindergartners like Victoria Wilkinson, the daughter of Olivia Wilkinson.

Wilkinson, a guidance counselor at Saint Peter Claver Regional Catholic School, explained that the scholarship has made it possible for her daughter to attend the school. With the help of an employee discount and the $6,500 Georgia Promise Scholarship, the total cost for Victoria’s education will be just $2,250. “It’s a blessing,” she said. “I grew up going to Catholic schools, and now they’re very expensive.”

Wilkinson previously worked in the public school system before transitioning to the Catholic school. While she supports public education, she believes the voucher program is the right choice for her family. “Here, she gets to become one of 20. It's a tremendous difference,” she added. “It's one of the best Catholic schools, and it's just seven minutes from my home.”

Public School Advocates Express Concerns

Despite the positive experiences of families like the Wilkinsons, some public school advocates remain skeptical about the expansion of the Georgia Promise Scholarship. They argue that the program could lead to a dual school system, where resources are diverted from public schools to private institutions.

Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators, voiced concerns about the potential impact on public education. “This is an attempt at dual school systems in Georgia, and we are not fully funding our public schools,” she said. She emphasized the need for continued investment in public education rather than shifting resources toward private options.

The Scope of the Georgia Promise Scholarship

As of July 22, a total of 8,559 students received the Georgia Promise Scholarship for the Fall 2025 semester. DeKalb County led the list with the most scholarships awarded, followed by Henry County, Bibb County, and Richmond County. Other counties with high numbers of recipients include Savannah-Chatham County, Newton County, and Clayton County.

The breakdown of recipients by county and city school district highlights the widespread reach of the program. From Fulton County to Gwinnett County, and from Cobb County to Houston County, the scholarship is being utilized across various regions of Georgia.

What’s Next for the Georgia Promise Scholarship?

Looking ahead, families will soon have the opportunity to apply for spring scholarships through the Georgia Promise program. This development underscores the ongoing commitment to expanding educational choices for students and their families.

The Georgia Promise Scholarship continues to spark debate among educators, parents, and policymakers. While many see it as a valuable resource for families seeking alternative educational opportunities, others worry about its long-term implications for public school funding and equity.

As the program grows, it will be important to monitor its impact and ensure that all students have access to quality education, regardless of the type of school they attend.