Last verified: October 2026
What is the Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust?
The Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust (MOST) is a private nonprofit that has given partial, need-based private school scholarships to Shelby County children since businessman Bob Solmson founded it in 1998. MOST says it has awarded more than $28 million to over 4,000 students.
Its partner list covers about 42 schools, from Binghampton Christian Academy and New Hope Christian Academy to Christian Brothers, St. Agnes, Pleasant View and Porter-Leath's early childhood centers.
When do Memphis families apply to MOST?
MOST's published calendar lists the new-student and lottery application in February (February 1-28), with paperwork from families drawn in the lottery due April 21 and award notices for the coming year in late July. Returning families requalify between February 10 and April 21.
The 2026-27 requalification form asks whether the family has applied for the ESA and EFS, and it requires families to apply for their school's own tuition assistance when the school offers it.
Will MOST take part in the 2027 federal scholarship tax credit?
MOST says it plans to act as a scholarship granting organization under the federal credit, with a family application portal opening in 2027 and eligibility up to 300% of area median income, which it estimates at roughly $240,000 for a Memphis family of four.
Tennessee had not published its approved SGO list as of late October 2026, so treat those plans as pending until the state list appears.
| Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust is | Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust is not |
|---|---|
| Privately funded, need-based help for Shelby County families | Not a state program |
| Paid at MOST partner schools | Not a guaranteed or fixed amount |
| Entered through a February lottery application | Not open to Tipton or Fayette County families, per its Shelby County focus |
| Stackable with school aid and state programs | Not yet an approved Tennessee SGO for the federal credit |