How to use your ESA funds this summer: classes, tutoring, and what qualifies

Summer in an ESA state can feel like a time pressure problem. Your balance is sitting there. The school year is wrapping up. And depending on your program, you may have a deadline to spend, a fiscal year reset coming, or a balance that doesn't roll over indefinitely.

The good news is that summer is one of the best times to actually use ESA funds — because online classes, tutoring, and enrichment programs are all qualifying expenses in most programs, and the flexibility of summer schedules makes it easier to book the right things at the right times.

Here's what you need to know: what qualifies, how different programs handle summer spending, and how to use Outschool specifically through ClassWallet or direct reimbursement.

Do ESA programs allow summer spending?

In almost all cases, yes. ESA programs fund educational expenses year-round, not just during the traditional school year. The concept of a "summer break" is a traditional-school construct — ESA programs are designed for families who've opted out of that model entirely.

What matters is the fiscal year of your specific program. Most state ESA programs run on either a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year or a September 1 to August 31 cycle. Expenses must be incurred within the active program year. If your fiscal year ends June 30, you'll want to book classes or sessions before that date, not just pay for them.

Check your program's dashboard or parent portal for the exact fiscal year end date — this is the most important detail for summer planning.

What qualifies as an ESA expense in the summer?

The exact list varies by state, but the following categories are approved under most major ESA programs:

Online classes and enrichment programs

Live online classes — including classes on Outschool — qualify under the "online educational programs" or "distance learning" category in virtually every ESA program that covers these expenses. This applies to academic subjects (math, reading, writing, science, history) and enrichment (art, coding, foreign language, music, public speaking).

Classes don't need to be purely academic to qualify. In most programs, enrichment with educational value — coding, debate, creative writing, STEM projects — counts. Pure recreational activities typically don't.

Tutoring

Private tutoring is one of the most universally covered ESA expense types. This includes 1-on-1 tutoring on Outschool, subject-specific tutoring, and reading or math support. Most programs accept tutoring from any qualified educator — you don't need a state-licensed teacher.

Curriculum and educational materials

Summer is a natural time to buy curriculum for next year. Most ESA programs cover textbooks, workbooks, and curriculum packages. If you're planning your fall homeschool year during the summer, you can often use current-year funds for next year's materials — as long as the purchase happens within the active fiscal year.

Therapy and educational support

For families with kids who have IEPs, diagnoses, or special learning needs, many ESA programs cover speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy. These can be booked over summer without any break in services.

How Outschool works with ClassWallet programs

If your state ESA uses ClassWallet — Arizona, Idaho, Utah, North Carolina, and others — Outschool is a direct marketplace vendor. This means you can browse and book Outschool classes directly inside the ClassWallet platform without spending any out-of-pocket money or waiting for reimbursement.

To use ClassWallet for Outschool classes:

1. Log in to your ClassWallet account
2. Search for Outschool in the marketplace
3. Select and pay for classes directly through ClassWallet
4. Your kid receives a class credit that works just like a standard Outschool enrollment

ClassWallet balances typically don't roll over between fiscal years, so summer is genuinely the right time to use any remaining balance before it resets. Check your state's program-specific rules — some have partial rollover provisions and others don't.

How Outschool works with reimbursement-model programs

For states where ESA funds aren't managed through ClassWallet — including Florida, Mississippi, Montana, Louisiana, and others — you'll pay for Outschool classes upfront and then submit receipts for reimbursement.

Here's how the reimbursement process works:

1. Book and pay for classes on Outschool using your regular payment method
2. Download your Outschool receipt from your account (Settings → Billing History)
3. Submit the receipt through your state program's reimbursement portal by the submission deadline
4. Receive reimbursement directly to your bank account or designated payment method

Reimbursement timelines vary by program. Florida's Step Up for Students typically processes within 2-4 weeks. Montana's OPI program processes after the 10th of each month for receipts submitted by the 25th of the prior month. Plan accordingly — if you want summer classes reimbursed within the current fiscal year, submit early.

For detailed, state-specific reimbursement guidance, check your program's guide directly:

• Florida Step Up for Students guide
• Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) guide
• Arizona Empowerment Scholarship guide
• Complete ESA guide by state

Which states have the most flexible summer ESA spending?

Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account is one of the most flexible ESA programs in the country — it covers a broad range of educational expenses, the balance rolls over from year to year (so there's less pressure to spend by a certain date), and Outschool is directly available through ClassWallet.

Florida families have two main programs: Step Up for Students (FES-EO and FES-UA scholarships) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship. Both allow Outschool as a reimbursable expense under online educational programs.

Texas launched the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program in 2025, giving eligible families up to $2,000 per student per year. Outschool classes are reimbursable, and summer is a good time to use remaining TEFA funds before the program year ends.

If you're not sure which category your state falls into, the how ESA programs work guide breaks down the different program structures and how to navigate them.

Practical tips for using ESA funds this summer

• Check your balance and fiscal year end date first. Log in to your program dashboard today and confirm exactly how much you have and when it expires. This shapes everything else.
• Book early for summer classes. Popular Outschool classes and tutoring slots fill up. If you're planning on using ESA funds for summer, browse and book now rather than waiting until June.
• Keep your receipts organized. For reimbursement programs, create a simple folder (digital or physical) for all ESA-related receipts. Outschool receipts are downloadable from your billing history.
• Consider tutoring for subjects your kid found hard this year. Summer tutoring is one of the highest-leverage uses of ESA funds — it prevents fall catch-up work and builds confidence heading into the new year.
• Plan fall curriculum purchases now. If you have remaining balance, summer is a natural time to buy curriculum, workbooks, or supplemental materials for the coming year while it counts against the current fiscal year.

Browse online academic summer camps on Outschool to see what's available across subjects and age groups. If you have an active ESA account, you can book directly through ClassWallet or save your receipts for reimbursement.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use ESA funds to pay for Outschool?

Yes — Outschool is an approved educational expense under most state ESA programs, either as a ClassWallet marketplace vendor (Arizona, Idaho, Utah, NC, and others) or as a reimbursable online education expense. See the state-specific guides linked above for your program's exact process.

Do ESA funds expire in the summer?

It depends on your program. Some programs reset balances at the end of the fiscal year (often June 30 or August 31). Others allow partial or full rollover. Check your state's program rules — your ClassWallet or program dashboard will show your balance and any deadline.

Can I use ESA for summer enrichment classes, not just academic ones?

In most programs, yes, as long as the class has clear educational content. Art, coding, debate, foreign language, public speaking, and STEM enrichment classes typically qualify. Pure recreation typically doesn't. Check your program's approved expense list for specifics.

Do I need to get classes pre-approved by my ESA program?

Most programs don't require pre-approval for individual classes at approved vendors like Outschool. For ClassWallet states, anything available in the marketplace is already approved. For reimbursement programs, you typically submit receipts after the fact. If you're booking something unusual or expensive, it's worth checking your program's guidance first.

What if my ESA application is still pending for 2026-27?

You can only use ESA funds once your account is active and funded. If your 2026-27 application is pending, you'll have to wait for approval before booking against next year's funds. In the meantime, check whether any remaining balance from the current year can be used for summer purchases within the current fiscal year.