Jewish identity does not happen by accident. It grows through daily experiences and authentic relationships. Jewish day school education is associated with the largest and most consistent positive impact on adult Jewish identity measures, even after accounting for other background factors.

For families who want that foundation but worry about cost, this is a moment of opportunity. Scholarships and grants are available now for pre-school through college. Deadlines to apply for many schools and financial assistance are quickly approaching, so we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of what is available for students to help you make the best decision for your family.

Most applications require detailed income information and include multiple forms to complete. We always recommend checking with a financial professional about your specific situation if you have questions.

Support Your Student with Scholarships, Grants, or Financial Assistance

Rockwern Academy

As Cincinnati’s Jewish community day school, Rockwern Academy educates students from 12 months through 8th grade, beginning in its Early Childhood Education Center and continuing through middle school.

Rockwern offers several ways to help make private school more affordable, including scholarships, tuition assistance, middle-income affordability programs, and discounts for staff, Jewish professionals, and new families.

For questions, please email [email protected] or call (513) 984-3770 and ask for Carye Hutchison.

Ohio Educational Choice Scholarship Program (EdChoice)

For some families, the right school fit can make all the difference. The Educational Choice Scholarship (EdChoice) Program gives Ohio students scholarship funds to attend participating private schools, including many local Jewish day schools. Students entering kindergarten through 12th grade may qualify, depending on eligibility criteria.

Scholarships provide up to $6,166 for grades K-8 and $8,408 for grades 9-12.

For questions, please email [email protected] or call (614) 728-2743.

Mayerson JCC Financial Assistance Program

The Mayerson JCC offers need-based financial assistance for several programs at its facility, including the JCC Early Childhood School, Camp at the J, and other selected programs.

Early Childhood financial aid applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Other applications have a deadline of April 15, 2026.

For questions, please email [email protected] or call (513) 761-7500, ext. 8029.

Cincy Journeys

These grants are not based on financial need. Funded by The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati and administered by Federation, grants are available for:

• Campers up to 16 years old at overnight Jewish camps
• Camp counselors and staff, 18-26 years old, at overnight Jewish camps
• Israel and other international travel for teens, 16-18 years old
• Israel travel for young adults, 18-26 years old

For questions about Cincy Journeys, please email [email protected] or call (513) 985-2962.

Camp Livingston and Camp Ashreinu also offer several ways to make camp more affordable, including early bird registration pricing, sibling discounts, and other assistance.

Hilb Scholarships

Administered by JVS Careers and supported by Federation, these are need-based scholarships for students pursuing higher education, vocational, or professional training. These scholarships are not limited to any school, college, or university.

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are being accepted now through May 2, 2026.

For questions, please email [email protected] or call (513) 936-9675.

Support Local Jewish Education

One of the easiest ways to support local Jewish day schools is by participating in the Scholarship Grant Organization (SGO) program. It allows Ohio taxpayers to make a donation to a certified SGO and then claim a dollar-for-dollar, nonrefundable credit on their Ohio income taxes. The credit is capped at $750 per taxpayer, or $1,500 for married couples filing jointly, and must be submitted by the unextended filing due date of April 15, 2026.

In plain terms, if you owe Ohio income tax, this program can let you redirect a portion of what you would pay in taxes and instead help fund K-12 scholarships, including those that support students at our local Jewish day schools.

Rockwern Academy (through Ohio Association of Independent Schools) and Cincinnati Hebrew Day School, Chai Tots Early Childhood Center, Ohr Torah Cincinnati, and Mesivta of Cincinnati (through Every Child Every Family) participate in the program.

Jewish day schools do more than teach academics. They nurture identity, community, and a sense of responsibility for one another. They build Jewish confidence. When you use the SGO credit, scholarship funds can grow, and more families can say yes to a Jewish education.

Every situation is unique, and you may be eligible for other forms of financial assistance through your synagogue, school, or civic organizations.