Mississippi Education Scholarship Account (ESA): A guide for families

For families raising a child with special needs in Mississippi, finding the right educational fit can feel like navigating a maze while doing everything else at once. Mississippi's Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program was created specifically for families in that situation — and in 2025, the state made it meaningfully more accessible.

This guide covers what the program is, who qualifies, what funds can be used for, and how to put it to work for your child.

What is Mississippi's Education Scholarship Account?

Mississippi's ESA program was created under the Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Act, passed by the state legislature in 2015. It gives parents of children with disabilities the option to withdraw their child from the public school system and receive funds to help pay for private education and approved educational services.

The program is administered by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and runs on a quarterly reimbursement cycle — meaning families pay for approved expenses upfront, then submit reimbursement requests to MDE.

In 2025, the state made two significant improvements. Funding increased from $3 million to $5 million (House Bill 42), opening participation to more families. And the previous cap that limited new enrollment to 500 students per year was removed, so eligible families are no longer stuck on a growing waitlist. According to a recent PEER report, 99% of parents in the program reported overall satisfaction. For the 2025-2026 school year, the maximum reimbursement is $8,007.00 per student.

Who is eligible for Mississippi's ESA?

The program is designed for children with disabilities who reside in Mississippi and have an active Individualized Education Program (IEP). To apply, families must:

• Have a child who resides in Mississippi with a qualifying disability or special need
• Have an active IEP developed within the past three years by the public school district where the student was enrolled and received special education or related services
• Provide a letter of acceptance from an eligible private school verifying the child has been accepted and that the school can meet their unique learning needs
• Submit a completed application to MDE
• Sign the Parent/Guardian Application Responsibilities document, agreeing to meet the program's statutory requirements

Eligible schools are state-accredited private schools that provide services for the student's disability or address their IEP goals. Home instruction programs do not qualify as eligible schools under this program.

Applications are reviewed within 21 business days and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible families who don't receive an award due to funding availability are placed on a waitlist. The best time to apply is between December and May to receive award notification before the school year begins — though applications are accepted year-round.

What can Mississippi ESA funds be used for?

The Mississippi ESA covers a specific list of allowable expenses. Here's what the program allows:

• Private school tuition and academic fees at an eligible school
• Textbooks related to academic coursework
• Tutoring — the tutor must be certified or licensed by a state, regional, or national certification or accreditation body. Documentation of that credential is required.
• Curriculum and supplemental materials
• Educational services and therapies from a licensed or certified practitioner or provider (speech therapy, occupational therapy, and similar services)
• Standardized test fees — including SAT, ACT, AP exams, and college admissions-related assessments
• Dual enrollment tuition and fees for high school students taking classes at an accredited community college, college, or university
• Up to $50/year in consumable school supplies necessary for educational services, tutoring, or classroom activities
• Computer hardware, software, and technology — only if an eligible school, licensed tutor, certified educational service provider, or licensed medical professional verifies in writing that the item is essential for the student to meet their annual measurable educational goals or IEP goals

For the complete and current list, download MDE's allowable expenses document directly from mdek12.org/specialeducation/esa. Because the law is precise on what qualifies — particularly around tutor credentials — it's worth reviewing this list carefully before making any purchases you plan to submit for reimbursement.

How to apply

Applications for the Mississippi ESA are available through MDE’s online portal, or families can download a paper application from the MDE website. Applications must be complete on submission — incomplete applications will not be processed. The SY 2025-2026 application is currently available.

Once selected for the program, families receive an award packet from MDE that includes an award letter, reimbursement request instructions, and the complete allowable expenses list. Keep this packet — it’s the reference guide for how to use your funds correctly.

If you’re just beginning to explore what private school or supplemental education could look like for your child, our homeschooling in Mississippi guide covers the broader education landscape.

Annual recertification

Current ESA participants don’t submit a new application each year, but they are required to complete a Recertification Form annually. The form is available in the MDE parent portal starting April 1 each year and must be submitted by April 30. Failure to submit the Recertification Form results in losing the scholarship.

Pre- and post-assessments

MDE requires families to submit pre- and post-assessment results each school year. The participating school provides these assessments — pre-assessment at the start of the year and post-assessment during the second semester. It is the parent’s responsibility to submit the results to MDE by the end of the school year. Failure to submit may result in forfeiture of the scholarship for the following year.

How the quarterly reimbursement cycle works

Mississippi’s ESA uses a reimbursement model. Families pay for approved educational expenses first, then submit a reimbursement request to MDE by each quarter’s deadline to receive payment. Key dates for the 2025-2026 school year:

• 1st Quarter: Request due August 29, 2025 — disbursement September 26, 2025
• 2nd Quarter: Request due November 28, 2025 — disbursement December 16, 2025
• 3rd Quarter: Request due February 27, 2026 — disbursement March 27, 2026
• 4th Quarter: Request due May 29, 2026 — disbursement June 26, 2026

Missing a deadline means waiting until the next quarter. No lump sum reimbursements are permitted — funds are disbursed on the quarterly cycle only. MDE’s online reimbursement portal makes the submission process easier than it used to be.

Using Outschool with Mississippi’s ESA

Outschool classes are reimbursable under Mississippi’s ESA program. Because Mississippi uses a direct reimbursement model, families pay for Outschool classes upfront and then submit receipts to MDE through the quarterly reimbursement cycle. Keep your Outschool receipts and any relevant documentation ready for each submission window.

Outschool offers thousands of live, online classes for kids ages 3–18, with small group sizes and flexible scheduling that work particularly well for kids who thrive outside a traditional classroom. Classes span academic subjects, enrichment, and interest-led learning. For families building a broader learning plan around their child’s specific needs, our guides on teaching neurodiverse kids at home and teaching strategies for autistic learners are a useful starting point.

Browse online classes for kids on Outschool

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for Mississippi’s Education Scholarship Account?
The program is for children with disabilities who reside in Mississippi and have an active IEP developed within the past three years by a public school district. Families also need an acceptance letter from an eligible private school and must sign an agreement to meet the program’s statutory requirements.

How much funding does the ESA provide?
For the 2025-2026 school year, the maximum reimbursement is $8,007.00 per student. The amount is calculated each spring and may vary in future years based on available funding.

Do I have to reapply every year?
No — you don’t submit a new application. However, current participants must complete a Recertification Form each year. It’s available in the MDE parent portal from April 1 through April 30. Missing the deadline results in losing the scholarship.

What happens if I miss a reimbursement deadline?
You’ll need to wait until the next quarter’s request window. Missing a deadline doesn’t remove you from the program, but it delays your reimbursement. No lump sum reimbursements are permitted, so plan ahead using the quarterly schedule above.

Can I use ESA funds for Outschool classes?
Yes. Outschool is reimbursable under Mississippi’s ESA program. Pay for Outschool classes upfront and submit your receipts to MDE during the quarterly reimbursement window. Keep all receipts and documentation ready before each submission deadline.

Can my child return to public school after participating in the ESA program?
Yes. Under legislation passed in 2025, parents and educational service providers can request reimbursement for qualifying expenses even after a student returns to a public school in their home district.

Program details, eligibility requirements, and allowable expenses may change. For the most current information on Mississippi’s Education Scholarship Account, visit the official MDE page at mdek12.org/specialeducation/esa.