Building Montana’s Future – One Student at a Time

More than half of Montana’s K-12 students may be eligible for an ACE Scholarship, yet many remain stuck in underperforming schools solely due to their zip code.

Over 70% of families WANT school choice, but only a fraction have access. ACE Scholarships is changing that by offering partial scholarships to eager students.
ACE vs. The Status Quo

ACE partner school students compared to their lower income public school peers.
Higher Proficiency in Math
Higher Proficiency in Reading
Graduation Rate in ACE Partner Schools
Graduation Rate in Montana Schools
Families choose what works – not zip codes.
Our Model Works
Since launching in 2012, ACE Montana has provided a solution.
Last year, almost 1,600+ students applied for an ACE Scholarship—but more than 460+ were turned away largely due to lack of funding. The demand is real and the results are proven, but we need your help.
Average School Tuition Cost
(K-8) $6,774 (HS) $7,598
Average Family Contribution
(K-8) $2,906 (HS) $3,737
Average Scholarship Amount
(K-8) $2,764 (HS) $3,745
Average Household Size
4.8
Average Household Income
$59,375
ACE partners with families, donors, and private schools to provide equal access to quality education for Montana students, empowering lower-income families with scholarships, support, and the freedom to choose the learning environment that best fits their children’s needs.
963
Open Seats
in Montana Schools
67
Partner Schools
Across the State
Here’s How Your Gift Works
Donate
Thank you for choosing to donate to ACE Scholarships Montana.
For donations up to $50,000, please fill out the donation form below and click the Secure Payment button to submit.
For gifts over $50,000, or for additional ways to donate, please reach out to: Lisa Russell, President of ACE Montana & Wyoming, at [email protected] or (406) 628-8366.
See how far your donation can go!
| Your Support | Give Once | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10 children for a year | $35,000 | $3,000 |
| 5 children for a year | $17,500 | $1,500 |
| 2 children for a year | $7,000 | $600 |
| 1 child for a year | $3,500 | $300 |
| 1 child for a semester | $1,750 | $150 |
| 1 child for a quarter | $875 | $75 |
ACE Scholarships Montana Tax Credit Program
Thank you for your interest in Montana’s Student Scholarships Organization Tax Credit. Unfortunately, the state tax-credit donation cap has already been met for the current calendar year. The program will open again for donations on January 1st. However, tax-deductible donations are still accepted.
For questions about how to take advantage of the tax credit for the upcoming calendar year, please contact Lisa Russell, President of ACE Montana & Wyoming, at [email protected] or (406) 628-8366.
Please Note: This program is available until the state cap has been met. ACE will be able to start entering donations we have received on the Montana Department of Revenue’s website on January 21st and will inform all donors at that time whether their donation was accepted by the state for the tax credit or not.
Scholarships from this student scholarship organization may be used at any qualified education provider of the parent’s or legal guardian’s choice 15-30-3103 (1)(j)(iii), MCA.
For those inclined to make a difference and fortify our Montana community, this program is a no-brainer. Eighty-six percent of every donation to ACE directly funds a child’s scholarship, and the taxpayer receives a 100% state income tax credit, if eligible, through the Montana Tax Credit for Qualified Education Contributions for this donation. That’s a small investment for an enormous benefit to kids who need it most.
Every Gift. Every Student. Every Step Forward.
State Partner Schools
State Partner Schools
Scholarships Delivered
Scholarships Delivered
Total Amount of Scholarships Delivered
Total Amount of Scholarships Delivered
Since launching in Montana in 2012, ACE Montana Families have accepted more than 11,450 scholarships totaling over $24.9 million. ACE Scholarships has also established partnerships with 67 partner schools throughout the state. During the 2025/26 school year, 1,048 scholarships were delivered and the demand continues. Our vision is that every child has access to a quality education, so our work here is not done.

Sadie
Montana
When Sadie received an ACE Scholarship, it opened doors her mother once thought were far beyond her reach. Without the tuition assistance, the idea of accessing a high-quality private school would be nothing more than wishful thinking.




