ESA approved list: What expenses are covered

Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) can open up tremendous opportunities for your child’s learning—but only if you understand how to use them. Knowing what expenses are covered (and what’s not) helps you make confident, informed choices that align with your child’s learning goals.

At Outschool, we know that smart use of ESA funds can go a long way in shaping a personalized learning experience. This guide outlines the most commonly covered expenses so you can make the best use of your funding.

What are ESAs, and where are they available?

Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are state-run programs that give families access to public funds for private educational use. ESA funds are designed to give families more control over their child’s education, whether that means choosing a private school, homeschooling, or another nonpublic option. However, it’s important to know that how ESA funds can be used (and what they cover) varies widely from state to state.Rather than assigning education dollars directly to a school, ESA programs allocate funds to families to spend on approved services or materials.

As of now, ESAs are active in 18 states across the US, with 21 total programs and more being proposed each year. While the concept is similar across states, flexible, parent-directed education support, the actual rules can vary significantly. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, funding amount, and list of approved expenses.

Because of those differences, it’s important to refer to your specific state’s ESA handbook or official website for the most up-to-date information. This helps ensure that your spending choices align with program requirements and avoid any unexpected issues with reimbursements or approvals.

Education expenses typically covered by ESAs

It’s not always easy to know what your ESA funds will or won’t cover, but most share a common set of eligible expense categories. Here’s a general overview to help you plan.

Academic costs and curriculum

Academic expenses make up the foundation of most ESA programs. These are the items and services directly tied to a student’s core learning experience.

• Private school tuition is one of the most commonly approved ESA expenses, as it directly supports core academic instruction.
• Online course fees for core subjects or accredited programs are usually eligible, especially when used as part of a homeschool or hybrid education plan.
• Curriculum materials, including textbooks, workbooks, lesson plans, and digital learning tools, often qualify as long as they’re educational in nature.
• Instructional supplies like calculators, microscopes, or science kits are typically allowed if they support required coursework.
• Standardized test fees, such as the SAT, ACT, or state-recognized assessments, are often covered, especially for college-bound students.
• Academic registration fees or costs associated with required enrollment in an eligible program may also be included.

Support services and special education

Many ESA programs include services that help students with learning differences, disabilities, or specific educational support needs. These can range from therapies to assistive tools, especially when tied to a formal diagnosis or IEP.

• Speech, occupational, physical, or behavioral therapy is often approved when recommended as part of a child’s learning plan.
• Paraprofessional aides or educational specialists may qualify if they provide in-class or homeschool support tied to academic development.
• Diagnostic evaluations that assess learning challenges, developmental delays, or behavioral conditions are typically eligible.
• Assistive technology, like communication devices or specialized software, is often covered with documentation showing it supports the child’s education.
• Sensory tools and adaptive equipment may be approved when connected to a child’s documented learning or support needs.

Enrichment and extracurricular learning

Some ESA programs may cover in person or online enrichment experiences that support broader learning, creativity, or skill-building. Since these activities aren’t always classified as core academics, approval can vary by state. It's a good idea to check your program’s handbook or guidelines before spending in this category.

• Arts and music classes—such as painting, dance, or instrument lessons—may qualify if they are part of an educational plan.
• STEM-related programs, like robotics, coding, or science labs, may be covered when linked to academic development.
• Foreign language instruction, whether online or in person, may be considered eligible depending on how your program defines curriculum.
• Educational memberships or field trips, like museum visits or guided historical tours, may be approved if they align with learning goals.
• Supplemental learning tools, such as robotics kits or science experiments, could qualify when clearly connected to instruction or coursework.

Expenses typically not covered by ESAs

While ESA programs support a wide range of educational expenses, there are still important limits. Most programs have clear exclusions for items that don’t directly support learning goals. Spending on ineligible items may lead to denial or require repayment, so it’s best to double-check your program’s rules before deciding on a purchase. 

• Recreational equipment or toys, like sports gear, bicycles, or non-educational games, are generally not covered.
• Clothing and accessories, including school uniforms (in some states), backpacks, or shoes, are often excluded unless specifically allowed.
• Technology without academic use, such as gaming consoles or devices used primarily for entertainment, is typically ineligible.
• Standard household items, like furniture, cleaning supplies, or food, are generally not considered educational expenses.
• Unapproved service providers, including tutors or therapists not listed in your program’s vendor list, may result in rejected claims.
• General extracurricular fees, such as club dues or recreational league registrations, are usually excluded unless clearly tied to instruction.

How to stay compliant with your state ESA program

Since each ESA program operates a little differently, what’s allowed in one state may not be approved in another. Staying organized and informed can help you avoid delays, denials, or penalties.

• Review your state’s ESA handbook or official website before making any purchases. Some expenses require preapproval or may only be eligible under certain conditions.
• Stick to approved vendors or platforms, some programs restrict spending to a closed marketplace or have specific vendor lists.
• Save all itemized receipts and invoices, even for purchases made through approved portals. You may need to submit documentation for reimbursement or auditing.
• Stay up to date on program changes. ESA rules can shift year to year, so checking for updates helps you avoid mistakes.

Being consistent about documentation and following rules helps ensure you’re making the most of your child’s ESA benefits.

How to use ESA funds with Outschool

If your state ESA program includes Outschool as an approved vendor, you may be able to use your funds to access a wide variety of live, small-group classes across core subjects, enrichment topics, and special interest areas.

Some programs require families to book classes through a specific ESA marketplace, while others allow you to pay out of pocket and request reimbursement. In either case, you’ll likely need to submit a receipt or show how the class supports your child’s learning plan.

Outschool is currently ESA-approved in the following states:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Florida
• New Hampshire
• New York
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Utah

We’re also launching soon in:

• Alabama
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Missouri
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

If your state isn’t listed yet, you can join our waitlist to get notified when Outschool becomes available through your ESA program.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Even with clear guidelines, ESA rules can raise a few practical questions. Here are some quick answers to help you use your funds more confidently.

Can I use ESA funds for homeschooling curriculum?

In many states, yes—if the materials meet your state’s educational standards or align with your learning plan. It’s a good idea to double-check your program’s approved expense list before buying.

Can I buy a laptop or tablet with ESA funds?

Many programs allow tech purchases that directly support education, like laptops or tablets. However, your state may have limits on how often you can buy these items or may require written justification.

Do I need to submit receipts for everything when using ESA funds?

Yes, most programs require detailed records of all purchases. Saving itemized receipts will help if you’re ever asked for documentation.

Are tutoring and therapy sessions covered by ESA programs?

Often, yes. Tutoring in core subjects and services like speech or occupational therapy is commonly approved, especially if your child has an IEP or diagnosed need. Be sure the provider is eligible under your state’s rules.

Can I use ESA funds on multiple platforms or vendors?

That depends on your state. Some programs limit purchases to approved vendors or marketplaces, while others allow broader flexibility if you can document how the expense supports your child’s education.

What happens if I accidentally buy something that’s not approved by my child’s ESA program?

Each state has different procedures, but you may need to repay the funds or face penalties. Reviewing the rules ahead of time and keeping your purchases tied to academic goals can help you avoid issues.

Support your child’s learning journey

Managing ESA funds comes with a learning curve, but understanding how they work and what they can be used for makes it much easier to plan your child’s education with confidence. From tuition and curriculum to services and enrichment, approved expenses span a wide range of needs, as long as you follow your state’s guidelines.

At Outschool, we’re here to support families in creating flexible, engaging learning paths. With the right information and tools at your fingertips, you can navigate ESA rules more easily and focus on what matters most: helping your child grow and succeed.