Starting with kindergarten, here's a short list of the best financial aid sources you've never heard of...some of this information comes courtesy of Schwab Learning and focuses on special populations.

GRANTS

The Children's Scholarship Program

This is a grant for low-income families, and has no academic requirements.

The Bank of America Abilities Scholarship

This is for college-bound students with disabilities planning on careers in banking.

Anne Ford Scholarship Established for College-Bound Students with Learning Disabilities

This is a $10,000 award.

LOANS

The Children's SLM Financial's K-12

This Sallie Mae company helps families send their kids to private schools.

Wells Fargo Education Connection K-12 Loan

This is for families of special-needs students, and covers all education-related expenses.

Citi-Assist K-12 Loan

This Citibank loan is provided to parents of K-12 students headed for private schools.

Education One K-12 Loan

Chase Bank provides this loan to parents of kids in special education programs.

eStudentLoan

This site is designed to help you compare different loans and find the one that best suits your family's needs.

(For more on coming up with college money, see "Financing College" in our March 2004 issue and "More on Paying for College" in our June issue that year).