Families in Colorado are exploring more ways to shape a K–12 education that fits their goals and their child's learning style. While public school remains the default for many, growing interest in flexible learning paths has led to more conversations about school choice, private education, and homeschool support.
If you've heard of education savings accounts or ESAs, you may be wondering how those ideas apply here. While Colorado doesn't have a full ESA system in place, this guide explores what's currently available and how resources like Outschool can help you build a personalized learning experience from wherever you are.
What is an Education Savings Account (ESA)?
An Education Savings Account is a program that allows parents to use public funds to support their child's education outside the traditional public school system. You can think of it like a specialized account that helps you cover approved educational expenses.
These might include private school costs, one-on-one tutoring, curriculum, online classes, and other learning resources that support your family's goals. It's a flexible option that can make room for a more customized approach to education.
That said, ESA programs aren't the same in every state. The name, rules, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts can vary widely depending on the state.
Does Colorado currently offer an ESA program?
No. Lawmakers have recently explored creating an ESA in Colorado, but the bill did not move forward. Voters were also asked to consider a broader school choice amendment, but it didn't receive enough support to pass. Because of that, Colorado families currently won't find a state-run ESA option like the ones available in some other states. Colorado isn't unusual, though — many states saw early ESA proposals fail before later creating programs that ultimately worked well for families.
Still, there are programs offering meaningful support for Colorado homeschool families. Two worth knowing: OpenEd, a free statewide homeschool enrichment program open to all K–12 homeschoolers, and My Spark Denver, a local enrichment fund for middle schoolers in the Denver Public Schools system. We'll break down both below.
What is the OpenEd homeschool program?
OpenEd is a tuition-free homeschool enrichment program available to any Colorado family currently homeschooling their child. Unlike My Spark Denver, which is limited to Denver Public Schools middle schoolers who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, OpenEd is open statewide with no income limit.
Through OpenEd, families receive access to premium educational resources and up to $2,000 in Learning Passport credits to use toward approved enrichment providers, including Outschool. Funds are available for K–12 learners, including a dedicated high school track for grades 9–12.
How OpenEd works
- Design your education plan: During enrollment you'll build a simple learning plan that can evolve throughout the year.
- Access premium resources: Browse and order curriculum, apps, clubs, and enrichment classes directly through the OpenEd platform, including Outschool classes.
- Get support on your terms: OpenEd provides mentor teacher support and a community of families — as much or as little as you need.
Colorado program requirements
- Build and maintain a simple Education Plan
- Complete brief weekly learning logs
- Average 5 hours per week of live virtual session attendance (flexible scheduling available)
No state assessments are required. Religious and faith-based materials are welcome. OpenEd hosts regular live info sessions specifically for Colorado families, including a weekly "How OpenEd Works In Colorado" session for new enrollees.
What is the My Spark program?
If your child is in middle school in the Denver Public Schools system, the My Spark Denver program may help you cover the cost of meaningful after-school learning experiences. This program gives qualifying families up to $1,000 per student to spend on a wide variety of enrichment activities, from tutoring and STEM to dance and sports.
My Spark launched in 2023 as a partnership between local organizations to increase access to extracurricular opportunities. In 2025, the Denver Public Schools Foundation took over management of the program, expanding its reach and making it easier for families to apply and participate.
Funds are distributed through a prepaid virtual card and can be used at more than 200 local programs that align with your child's interests and educational needs.
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Browse classesEligibility
- Residency and Enrollment: Students must be enrolled in a Denver Public Schools middle school (grades 6–8).
- Income: The student must qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Lunch (FRPL).
How it works
- Application: Families can apply online starting around August each year.
- Funding: Approved applicants receive a restricted-use virtual card worth up to $1,000 per student.
- Programs: Funds can be used at over 200 participating providers offering activities such as:
- Academic tutoring
- STEM and robotics classes
- Sports and dance
- Music lessons and visual arts
- Outdoor programs and more
Restrictions
- Only students who meet both enrollment and income criteria are eligible.
- Funds may only be used with participating programs listed by My Spark.
- Families must follow all program guidelines to remain eligible.
How to use your OpenEd credits on Outschool
If you're enrolled in OpenEd, you can use your Learning Passport credits to book Outschool classes through the OpenEd platform. Outschool is an approved enrichment provider, so eligible live online classes count toward your family's education plan.
OpenEd credits can go toward:
- Live online classes in math, science, language arts, history, and more
- 1:1 tutoring sessions tailored to your child's level and pace
- Creative enrichment in art, music, theater, and coding
- Social learning clubs and project-based courses
To get started, visit opened.co/outschool or learn more about how OpenEd works with Outschool.
How to use your My Spark funds on Outschool
Outschool is an approved vendor for the My Spark Denver program, which means you can use your My Spark Card to enroll in eligible live online classes. Whether your learner is drawn to STEM, the arts, tutoring, or social learning, Outschool offers flexible options to help your child grow outside the traditional classroom.
You can use your My Spark funds on:
- Live music lessons and instrument instruction
- Visual arts like painting, clay modeling, and digital art
- Theater, improv, and performing arts classes
- Hands-on science, STEM clubs, and maker labs
- Cooking and baking courses for beginner chefs
- Dance sessions for all levels and styles
With so many options to explore, it's easy to help your middle schooler discover new interests or dive deeper into something they already love, all from home and on a schedule that fits your routine.
Colorado homeschool programs: Frequently asked questions
Colorado doesn't have a single statewide ESA program, but there are still options for families exploring flexible education funding. These FAQs can help you make sense of what's available and how to get started.
How do I enroll in OpenEd in Colorado?
Visit opened.co/outschool and sign up for a free info session. OpenEd hosts weekly live sessions for Colorado families, including a "Discover OpenEd" session on Mondays and a Colorado-specific walkthrough on Thursdays. There is no income limit or geographic restriction within Colorado, and the program is 100% free for homeschool families.
How do I apply for the My Spark program?
Applications usually open around August 1 through the DPS Foundation's website. If your child is a middle schooler in Denver Public Schools and qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, you'll just need to fill out a short form and provide basic eligibility info. Questions? You can always reach out to myspark@dpsfoundation.org for help.
Can I use My Spark funds for online classes or homeschooling resources?
Not exactly. My Spark is designed to support after-school and enrichment programs, not full-time homeschooling or standard curriculum tools. That includes things like tutoring, music lessons, or sports programs, but not core school subjects or daily academic instruction.
What happens if my family's income changes during the program year?
If your financial situation changes significantly, it's a good idea to notify your program administrator. For My Spark, that means contacting the DPS Foundation. These programs typically require annual reapplication, so you'll be able to update your information for the next cycle.
Is transportation included or reimbursed through My Spark?
My Spark funds do not typically cover transportation. Parents are responsible for getting their child to and from their selected activities. Be sure to choose programs with locations and schedules that work for your family's routine.
Next steps for Colorado families
As school choice conversations continue across Colorado, programs like OpenEd and My Spark offer real options for families ready to try something different. OpenEd is the broadest option, open to all Colorado homeschoolers K–12 with no income limit and up to $2,000 in Learning Passport credits. My Spark is a great fit for Denver Public Schools middle schoolers who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
No matter your goals, having access to flexible learning options makes a difference. Outschool offers thousands of live classes across core academics and enrichment, covering math, reading, writing, science, and history alongside coding, art, music, debate, and 1:1 tutoring, for every grade level from kindergarten through high school. Whether you're supplementing a curriculum, exploring a new passion, or getting targeted academic support, there's a class on Outschool that fits your family's schedule and your child's learning goals.
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