The Crisis in American Classrooms
Aaron Baer, Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President and Christian Education Network (CEN) Founder, explained on Fox News how a profound academic and moral crisis in American schools has left parents searching for alternatives. National education assessments show that approximately 70% of fourth graders are not proficient in reading, highlighting the need for meaningful education reform. This educational failure threatens the stability of the family structure and the future of our communities. Expanding educational options ensures that parents remain the primary directors of their children’s upbringing, protecting vulnerable students from failing systems.
Expanding Educational Freedom
The new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit represents a major opportunity to expand educational choice and access to K-12 scholarships nationwide. Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible taxpayers can contribute up to $1,700 annually to a qualified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) like CEN SGO. Married couples filing jointly may be eligible for a combined credit of up to $3,400. Unlike a tax deduction, this dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit directly reduces eligible federal income taxes owed. New York's recent decision to opt into the federal program demonstrates that educational opportunity is not simply a partisan issue, with at least 31 states already opting in.
Ohio's Blueprint for Success
Ohio’s established scholarship tax credit program provides a strong example of how these programs benefit students, families, and schools. The Christian Education Network (CEN) has already raised $15 million and served more than 8,700 scholarship recipients through Ohio's state program. CEN is building on that experience to expand its reach nationally through CEN SGO.
Take Action Today
Christian schools can register with CEN SGO ahead of the tax credit going live on January 1, 2027, to begin preparing for scholarship contributions. Families, donors, and school leaders can visit CENSGO.org to learn more about the program.
About CCV: As Ohio's largest Christian public policy organization, Center for Christian Virtue seeks the good of our neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel.
About CEN: Launched in 2025, Christian Education Network brings together Evangelical and Catholic schools to advocate at statehouses for the protection and expansion of Christian education. Based on the successful model of the Ohio Christian Education Network, CEN partners with state advocacy leaders to give Christian school leaders a voice in the public policy debates of the day. CEN also partners with local church leaders to launch new Christian schools in churches.
