Wyoming ESA: what families need to know about the education savings account program

What is the Wyoming ESA?

Wyoming's Education Savings Account program gives families a new way to direct public education funding toward the learning setup that fits their kids best. Established by the Wyoming Education Savings Account Act in 2024 and expanded by the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act in 2025, the program provides eligible kids up to $7,000 per year for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, curriculum, tutoring, online classes, and more.

The program is administered by the Wyoming Department of Education and runs through the Odyssey platform, where families can access approved Education Service Providers and manage their funds.

A note on the legal challenge

In June 2025, the Wyoming Education Association filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the ESA program. A lower court injunction temporarily blocked the program, but the Wyoming Supreme Court lifted that injunction, and the state is moving forward with fund distribution. The broader case is still being litigated in district court, but the program is fully authorized to operate and make payouts while that process continues.

According to the Wyoming Department of Education, there is no indication that participating parents or schools would be held personally liable for repayment of properly disbursed funds if the law were overturned later.

Who qualifies for the Wyoming ESA?

Eligibility is straightforward for most families. Your child must be:

• A Wyoming resident
• Aged 4 years old through grade 12
• Not currently enrolled in a public school

Pre-kindergarten kids have an additional income requirement: household income must be at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines (approximately $80,375 for a family of four). For kids in kindergarten through twelfth grade, there is no income cap.

2026-27 application status

The application window for the 2026-27 school year has closed. The Wyoming Department of Education is reviewing applications now, and applicants will receive an email with their application status by September 1, 2026. If approved, families will get instructions for accessing approved Education Service Providers through the Odyssey marketplace.

Returning families who were enrolled during 2025-26 will find their application information prepopulated for verification. New applicants can review the ESA Family Handbook for step-by-step guidance.

2025-26 rollover funds

Because the Supreme Court's lifting of the injunction is not retroactive, full costs from the 2025-26 year cannot be reimbursed. However, the fourth quarter payment of $1,750 is eligible to be rolled over into the 2026-27 school year for kids who were previously approved and were not enrolled in public school during 2025-26.

What can Wyoming ESA funds be used for?

The program covers a wide range of educational expenses. Families can use their $7,000 annual award for:

• Tuition and fees at a participating private school
• Tutoring services
• Online learning programs, including nongovernmental online classes and courses
• Textbooks and curriculum
• Educational technology, such as laptops, tablets, and software
• Summer and after-school education programs
• Educational therapies, including behavioral and speech-language therapy
• College admission tests and AP exams
• School uniforms
• Extracurricular activities at a traditional public or public charter school
• Transportation to and from Education Service Providers

Families can also submit certain expenses for reimbursement outside the Odyssey marketplace, including core-subject curriculum, entrance fees to museums and educational facilities, transportation fees, and internet costs. For the full breakdown, see the Allowable and Disallowable Expense Guidance document from the Wyoming Department of Education.

Participation requirements

Parents must ensure their kids receive instruction in core subjects and are assessed on academic progress through either the state assessment or a nationally norm-referenced assessment. The Wyoming Department of Education provides a list of standardized assessment options accepted by the program.

Using your Wyoming ESA funds on Outschool

Outschool is a registered Education Service Provider on Wyoming's Odyssey marketplace. Once your ESA application is approved and you receive access to the marketplace, you can use your funds to book Outschool classes directly through Odyssey. No upfront payment or separate reimbursement process needed.

With your Wyoming ESA, you can access:

• Live, small-group classes taught by vetted teachers across core academics and enrichment
• One-on-one tutoring personalized to your kid's goals and pace
• Self-paced courses in subjects like math, reading, writing, science, and coding
• Supplemental learning to round out a homeschool, private school, or hybrid education plan

Browse Wyoming ESA-eligible classes on Outschool

Frequently asked questions about the Wyoming ESA

Can I use Wyoming ESA funds for Outschool?

Yes. Outschool is a registered Education Service Provider on the Odyssey marketplace for Wyoming ESA families. You can book eligible classes, tutoring, and courses directly through the platform using your ESA funds.

How much funding does my child receive?

Eligible kids receive $7,000 per year, deposited into their ESA account for approved educational expenses.

Is there an income requirement?

For kids in kindergarten through twelfth grade, there is no income cap. Pre-kindergarten kids must come from households with income at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines (approximately $80,375 for a family of four).

Can I use Wyoming ESA funds for homeschooling?

Yes. Families can use ESA funds for curriculum, textbooks, online classes, tutoring, educational technology, and other approved resources that support a homeschool plan. Kids must receive instruction in core subjects and complete an annual academic assessment.

When will I find out if my 2026-27 application is approved?

The Wyoming Department of Education will email applicants with their status by September 1, 2026. Approved families will receive instructions for accessing the Odyssey marketplace.

Does my child need to reapply every year?

Families verify eligibility through a new application each school year. If your child was previously approved, the application will prepopulate your information for quick verification. If you do not intend to continue, contact wde-esa@wyo.gov to unenroll.

Start planning your child's learning path

Wyoming's ESA program opens up real flexibility for families who want more control over how their kids learn. Whether you're building a full homeschool plan, supplementing private school, or mixing online and in-person learning, $7,000 a year gives you meaningful room to customize.

If you're new to ESAs, our guide to education savings accounts covers how these programs work across the country. And if you're a Wyoming homeschool family, our guide to homeschooling in Wyoming walks through state requirements, testing, and getting started.

For questions about the Wyoming ESA program, contact the Wyoming Department of Education at wde-esa@wyo.gov or visit edu.wyoming.gov.

Program details, eligibility, and allowable expenses may change. Visit edu.wyoming.gov/parents/education-savings-accounts for current information.