Christian Education Network backs Trump education tax credit

Center for Christian Virtue founder Aaron Baer praised the Trump administration’s new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit as a boost for families seeking Christian school options. The network is also launching a national campaign ahead of the credit’s Jan. 1, 2027 start to help schools, donors and families use the program.

Why it matters: - The federal Education Freedom Tax Credit could expand access to Christian schools nationwide by giving donors a new tax incentive and opening the program to more families. - CEN says the policy could help families move away from schools they view as failing and toward values-based education options. - The new program is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

What happened: - Aaron Baer, president of Center for Christian Virtue and founder of Christian Education Network, praised President Trump’s rollout of the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit on Oct. 1, 2026. - CEN said it is launching a national campaign, “Stop Settling, Expect More,” to promote the credit and the Christian Education Network Scholarship Granting Organization. - The campaign will run through the end of the year to help families learn about CEN SGO before the credit takes effect.

The details: - The tax credit rules require Scholarship Granting Organizations to direct at least 90% of revenue to scholarships. - Individual taxpayers can claim up to a $1,700 tax credit for qualifying donations. - Students from households earning up to 300% of the area median gross income qualify under the framework. - CEN SGO is designed to help Christian schools and families navigate the federal program and maximize participation. - CEN says the network has served thousands of families and more than 200 Christian schools across eight states. - CEN recently announced state affiliate partnerships in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Indiana, Georgia, Massachusetts, Alaska and Kentucky. - The affiliate groups are the Pennsylvania Christian Education Network, Virginia Christian Education Network, Indiana Christian Education Network, Georgia Christian Education Network, Massachusetts Education Network, Alaska Christian Education Network and Kentucky Christian Education Network. - CEN said the affiliates will advocate for expanded Christian education and help students, donors and schools access the new tax credit. - Christian schools, families and donors can learn more at CENSGO.org.

Between the lines: - Baer framed the tax credit as a policy shift that returns more control to parents and could strengthen demand for Christian education. - The affiliate expansion suggests CEN is building a multi-state network before the federal program begins. - The emphasis on Scholarship Granting Organizations shows that the group sees donor participation as central to how the credit will work in practice.

What's next: - CEN’s year-end campaign will try to sign up families, donors and schools before the tax credit starts in January 2027. - State affiliates are likely to become the group’s local outreach arm as the federal program rolls out. - CEN SGO will position itself as a guide for participants looking to use the new credit.