A guide to South Carolina’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund

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Published September 12, 2025

Last updated July 10, 2026

What is an Education Savings Account (ESA)?

An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a flexible education fund that families can use for approved learning expenses, such as tutoring, curriculum, therapies, or online programs. Each state's ESA program is unique. South Carolina's version is called the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), which gives families direct control over how education funds are used for their child's learning needs.

What ESA options are available in South Carolina?

Launched in 2024, South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program (ESTF) is the state's version of an Education Savings Account (ESA). It awards $7,634 per student for the 2026-27 school year (up from $7,500 in 2025-26) for approved educational expenses, including tutoring, curriculum, therapies, and more.

2026-27 application status: The ESTF has reached its maximum capacity of 15,000 awarded students for 2026-27 and is no longer accepting new applications for the current school year. Families can register for the waitlist to receive updates when the 2027-28 application window opens. For currently awarded students, the first quarterly payment will be released to ClassWallet accounts in late July 2026.

Funds are distributed and managed through ClassWallet, a secure digital platform that simplifies payments to approved providers and tracks eligible purchases.

South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program (ESTF)

Eligibility

Residency: The student must be a legal resident of South Carolina.
Grade Level: Eligible for students entering kindergarten through 12th grade. Kindergarteners must be age 5 by September 1.
Income: Household income must not exceed 500% of the federal poverty guidelines (for 2026-27 and after). For a family of four, the 500% FPL threshold is $160,750.
Public School Restriction: Students cannot be enrolled in their local public school while receiving funds.
Priority: Families at or below 300% FPL, siblings of current ESTF participants, children of active-duty military, and students who attended public school the prior year receive priority in application windows.

Use of Funds

Families can use ESTF dollars for:

Tutoring and academic instruction
Curriculum and instructional materials
Specialized educational therapies (speech, OT, PT, behavior intervention)
Technology and devices for learning
Transportation to and from eligible providers (up to $3,000 per year)
Testing and certification fees (e.g., SAT, ACT, industry credentials)

Example: Families might use ESTF funds to register for a four-week online math class, join a writing workshop, schedule one-on-one tutoring, or purchase a new laptop for home-based learning.

Please note that tuition and fees for nonpublic schools are not currently eligible under the ESTF. This makes the scholarship especially valuable for families pursuing home education, virtual learning, or enrichment through approved educational providers.

For full guidelines, review the ESTF Participant Handbook (PDF).

Rules & Restrictions

Funds are accessed and managed through ClassWallet after approval.
Funds are distributed quarterly. The first 2026-27 payment releases to ClassWallet accounts in late July 2026.
Purchases must be made from state-approved vendors only.
Students remain eligible until they graduate, re-enroll in public school, or leave the program.
Students cannot receive both ESTF and any other state-administered scholarship program.

Eligibility details are confirmed annually. For current criteria, visit the SC ESTF Program site.

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How to use ESTF on Outschool

Outschool is a state-approved provider under South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), allowing families to use scholarship dollars for eligible educational classes, tutoring, and more.

Outschool supports a wide range of educational goals, from home education planning and academic support to enrichment in creative or interest-based subjects. With flexible formats including live group classes, one-on-one tutoring, and self-paced courses, families can choose the structure and topics that best align with their learner's needs.

Families commonly apply ESTF funds toward:

Interactive, live classes taught by qualified instructors
One-on-one tutoring for targeted academic support
Structured home education programs and curriculum bundles
Enrichment activities like art, coding, or music
Flexible scheduling options, including self-paced learning formats

Common questions about South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund

How do I apply for the ESTF?

Applications for the 2026-27 school year are closed after the program reached its 15,000-student cap. To be notified when the 2027-28 application window opens, register for the waitlist at the official ESTF program site. When applications reopen, the process requires: proof of residency, income verification, and prior school enrollment (if applicable).

When do funds become available?

For the 2026-27 school year, awarded students will receive their first quarterly payment in their ClassWallet account in late July 2026, with subsequent quarterly payments throughout the year.

What are the approved providers and educational tools for ESTF?

The state has established a list of pre-approved vendors and service providers. Approved categories include tutors and educators (with relevant credentials), therapists and specialists (licensed in their fields), curriculum providers (aligned with state academic standards), and technology vendors (demonstrating educational purpose). View the full list of approved education service providers on the ESTF program site.

Can I use this for home education?

Yes. The ESTF was designed to allow families to educate their children at home or through nontraditional means. Funds can be used for curriculum, learning tools, academic services, and assessments that support home education. Note that students using ESTF funds cannot simultaneously register under South Carolina's traditional homeschool Options 1, 2, or 3.

How do I use ESTF funds with Outschool?

Once approved for the ESTF, create your ClassWallet account after receiving your Welcome Email. Log in to ClassWallet, search for Outschool, and link your ESTF account to make approved purchases. Then browse Outschool's catalog of thousands of ESA-eligible classes, including core academics, enrichment, and niche topics.

Is this a renewable scholarship?

Yes. Students may continue to receive the scholarship each year if they remain eligible and funds are available. You can confirm renewal policies on the SCDE program website.

Can I combine ESTF with other state scholarships?

No. Students receiving ESTF may not concurrently receive funding from any other state-administered scholarship or education grant program.

What happens if my child returns to public school?

If your child re-enrolls in their district-assigned public school during the funded year, they will lose eligibility for the ESTF, and any unused funds will be revoked.

Supporting personalized education in South Carolina

South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund is about more than just funding — it's about freedom and flexibility. It gives parents the tools to shape learning around their child's needs, interests, and goals. From advanced learners to students with special needs, the ESTF offers families real choices.

Many South Carolina families use their scholarship to mix academic support with enrichment: math tutorials in the morning, art or coding in the afternoon. With live, self-paced, and one-on-one class options, Outschool helps families design a schedule that fits their lifestyle and learning goals.

To learn more or explore approved services, visit the official SC ESTF program site.