There’s no single path to learning, and that’s the beauty of it. Everyone has different needs, interests, and ways of growing. Education savings accounts (ESAs) recognize diversity and give every parent the tools to shape their learner’s path, empowering families to choose the best for their unique learner.
You can use ESA funds to support a variety of learning experiences that match your learner’s interests—like engaging math classes, creative writing workshops, or hands-on science adventures—without stretching your budget.
As a parent, you can direct these funds toward educational choices that spark curiosity and confidence. Programs in different states now help families customize their children’s education, offering new pathways for all kinds of learners.
When you use your ESA funds, your learner can explore interactive, small-group classes designed to spark curiosity and build confidence, led by teachers who care deeply about student growth. From academics to creative enrichment, our flexible online platform helps your learner build skills, friendships, and a lifelong love of learning.
Who qualifies—and how to get started with ESA funds
Whether homeschooling or seeking extra support beyond the school day, ESA funds help you create a learning journey that fits your family’s needs. Understanding eligibility is the first step.
How do I know if my family qualifies for an ESA?
Most state ESA programs are open to any learner who is eligible to attend public school, typically through age 21 or 22, depending on the state. These programs are designed to welcome families looking for alternatives to traditional schooling. Several online platforms, including Outschool, partner with ESA programs to help families get started quickly.
What are the family income guidelines for ESAs?
Many state-run ESA programs are designed to serve specific groups, such as low-income families or learners with disabilities, and may include household income limits. These programs typically prioritize access based on financial need, disability status, or educational background.
However, each state sets its own rules. Some may prioritize low-income families, or require specific documentation depending on the program. Be sure to check your state’s guidelines to understand how income may or may not affect your eligibility.
What learning formats can I access with my ESA?
Depending on your state's guidelines and chosen providers, ESA funds can support various learning formats that match your family's schedule, goals, and learning style. Here are a few formats you might consider:
Beyond online formats, ESA funds can also support:
- Charter or microschools that align with your learner’s style or schedule.
- Tuition at specialized schools, such as those serving neurodivergent learners or those with specific support needs.
- Outdoor and experiential learning, including field trips, nature programs, and educational travel, where allowed by your state.
- Hands-on learning supplies include science lab kits, robotics gear, manipulatives, and art materials for home-based projects.
- Hybrid learning models that combine part-time enrollment at traditional or charter schools with home-based instruction.
- Learning pods or co-op classes led by certified instructors or experienced parents
- Eligible individuals can access therapeutic and support services, such as occupational, behavioral, or speech therapy.
- Dual enrollment programs allow high school learners to take college-level courses for credit,
- Educational apps, software, and curriculum subscriptions that meet your state’s ESA-approved vendor list.
These formats can be mixed and matched throughout the year, helping you create a personalized rhythm, whether you’re building a complete homeschool experience or adding enrichment after school.
Do ESA funds expire?
State ESA programs differ in how they handle unused funds. Some allow balances to roll over year to year, while others may set deadlines for spending or require families to return unspent funds after a certain period.
Which states offer ESA programs, and how do I apply?
As of 2024, 17 states have launched ESA programs across 20 total initiatives, with several states offering more than one type of account. These programs vary in who they serve—some are universal, while others are targeted to specific populations such as learners with disabilities or students from lower-income families.
Here is a list of states with ESA programs. Note that some states offer more than one ESA program, each serving different student groups or educational needs:
- Alabama: CHOOSE Act (Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education)
- Arizona: Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
- Arkansas: Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program
- Florida: Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options
- Florida: Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities
- Georgia: Promise Scholarship Act
- Indiana: Education Scholarship Account Program
- Iowa: Education Savings Account Program
- Louisiana: LA GATOR Scholarship Program (Giving All True Opportunity to Rise)
- Mississippi: Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs
- Montana: Special Needs Equal Opportunity ESA Program
- New Hampshire: Education Freedom Account Program
- North Carolina: Education Student Accounts (ESA+)
- South Carolina: Education Scholarship Trust Fund
- Tennessee: Education Savings Account Program
- Tennessee: Individualized Education Account Program
- Tennessee: Education Freedom Scholarship Act
- Utah: Utah Fits All Scholarship Program
- West Virginia: Hope Scholarship Program
- Wyoming: Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act
Application processes vary by state, but most require:
- Proof of residency in the state offering the ESA program
- Documentation showing your learner’s eligibility (e.g., enrollment status, special needs diagnosis, or previous school attendance)
- Agreement to use the funds for approved educational purposes
Once approved, funds may be distributed in one of three ways:
- Digital wallets (like ClassWallet or Odyssey)
- Direct reimbursements for qualifying expenses
- Prepaid debit cards issued through state-run systems
For up-to-date program information and comparisons, visit EdChoice’s ESA overview or your state’s Department of Education website.
How to use your ESA wisely (and stress-free!)
Whether homeschooling or looking for after-school enrichment, ESA funds offer the flexibility to support your learner’s growth in personalized ways. From small-group instruction to independent learning, here’s how families are getting the most out of their accounts:
How can ESA funds enhance my learner’s homeschool journey?
ESA funds make it easier to tailor learning to your learner’s strengths, goals, and passions. You can use ESA resources to cover curriculum costs, online classes, tutoring, and adaptive learning tools supporting neurodiverse learners. From core academic instruction to creative enrichment and therapeutic supports, these funds allow you to build a learning experience that reflects your family’s values and your learner’s pace.
Many parents use ESA funds to access specialized support, join learning pods, or experiment with nontraditional education formats, all without the financial strain of out-of-pocket costs.
What's the best way to plan my ESA spending?
Start with your learner’s spark—what gets them curious, motivated, or smiling? Blend core academics with enrichment, and use flexible formats, like seasonal camps or project-based workshops, to create a schedule that keeps them excited to learn.
Here are practical ways to plan your ESA spending wisely and stretch every dollar:
- Personalize your spending based on your learner. Focus on tools and formats that align with their learning style—whether that’s self-paced learning, arts-based instruction, or one-on-one tutoring.
- Prioritize essential services and equipment. This might include adaptive tools for neurodivergent learners, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or academic remediation.
- Plan for the year ahead. Create a simple learning calendar with seasonal enrichment, such as summer camps and tutoring during high-focus academic months.
- Join homeschool co-ops or learning pods. These communities often share teaching resources, group classes, and even split the cost of visiting specialists or field trips.
- Swap or borrow a curriculum. Connect with local or online homeschool groups to exchange gently used books and learning kits instead of buying new ones yearly.
- Use public and community resources. From charter school partnerships to free local museum memberships or library programs, public offerings can offset significant expenses.
- Invest in reusable tools. Choose manipulatives, lab kits, or tech that will grow with your learner across multiple years or subjects.
By staying organized and grounded in how your learner thrives, you can use your ESA funds to support academic achievement and joyful and meaningful learning.
Your state, your plan: Making ESA rules work for you
Each state manages ESA funds with its regulations, portals, and approved vendors. While this can feel overwhelming at first, a few key actions will help you stay organized and compliant:
- Review your state’s list of eligible expenses and services
- Track application deadlines and renewal dates
- Use your state’s ESA platform to monitor balances and purchases
- Ask whether unused funds roll over from year to year
- Look for pre-approved vendors to simplify class selection
From art and coding to writing and science, your learner can still explore what excites them more clearly and confidently and grow in ways that feel uniquely theirs.
Need help designing your learner’s ideal learning path? Explore your options and discover the classes, teachers, and tools to bring your passions to life. We’re here to support you, every step of the way.
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