Homeschooling in North Carolina is an increasingly popular choice for families seeking flexibility and meaningful learning experiences. With support from the ESA+ program, families of students with disabilities can access a wide range of resources tailored to their child’s educational needs, offering more freedom to learners who thrive outside of traditional classroom environments.
Whether new to homeschooling or looking to enhance your current setup, the ESA+ program offers an exciting opportunity to personalize how your child learns. At Outschool, we offer various live, interactive lessons that fit seamlessly into your homeschool plan, helping you meet educational goals and ESA guidelines.
Understanding ESA+ rules for homeschooling families
North Carolina’s ESA+ program offers vital support for families of students with disabilities, making it possible to build a customized learning experience that meets each child’s unique needs. For those choosing to homeschool, the program can be a powerful tool, but it comes with specific responsibilities.
If you're planning to use ESA+ funds while homeschooling, it’s important to understand the key rules, requirements, and spending guidelines. This helps ensure continued eligibility and allows you to confidently make choices that benefit your learner.
1. Homeschool registration requirement
Families homeschooling children between the ages of 7 and 16 will need to provide the homeschool ID number you received when you registered your homeschool with North Carolina’s Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE). This helps the ESA+ program confirm your homeschool status.
Homeschools that do not have a home school ID because they serve children younger than 7 or older than 16 who fall outside North Carolina’s compulsory school attendance age should contact ESA+ program to confirm your child’s eligibility.
2. Minimum spending requirement
To remain eligible for ESA+ funding, you must spend at least $1,000 of your scholarship funds each school year on educational expenses related to core academic subjects: English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. This requirement ensures that funds are used to support essential areas of your child's education.
3. Allowable expenses
ESA+ funds can be used for a variety of educational expenses, including:
- Curriculum and educational materials: Resources that provide academic instruction in core subjects.
- Tutoring services: Provided by Provider Enrolled individuals or centers approved by the State Education Assistance Authority (SEAA).
- Educational therapies: Services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or applied behavior analysis, delivered by licensed professionals.
- Technology and assistive devices: Tools that support your child's educational needs.
While ESA+ covers many educational expenses, some costs, such as homeschool tuition, are not permitted. Review the most current state guidelines to understand which purchases are eligible and which are not.
4. Purchasing process for homeschooled students
All purchases must be made through the ClassWallet platform, which is used to manage ESA+ funds. Parents are responsible for ensuring that their purchases comply with the program's allowable expenses.
5. Rollover policy
If your child receives the base ESA+ award ($9,000), any unspent funds at the end of the school year will be returned to the SEAA. For learners awarded the higher amount ($17,000), up to $4,500 may roll over to the next year if not used.
Exploring ESA homeschooling benefits in North Carolina
Homeschooling looks different for every family, and that’s exactly the point. With support from North Carolina’s ESA+ program, you’re not limited to a single path. Instead, you can shape a homeschool experience that reflects your learner’s interests, needs, and pace.
With access to diverse supports, like hands-on kits, digital tools, therapy, and tutoring, you can build a day that reflects your learner’s strengths and adapts to their needs. You’re free to combine structure with spontaneity, core academics with passion-led exploration, and traditional tools with innovative platforms.
Maximizing eligible expenses for ESA homeschooling
ESA+ gives families access to a wide range of educational tools and services, but knowing what’s covered is the first step. There are many meaningful ways to use your funds, from academic materials and online classes to therapies and assistive tech. Here are the most common ESA-eligible expenses in North Carolina:
- Curriculum and educational materials
You can use your funds to buy textbooks, online programs, workbooks, and hands-on learning tools, whatever best suits your child’s learning style.
- Private tutoring and educational services
If your learner needs extra support in a subject or benefits from one-on-one help, ESA+ covers tutoring or academic services from Enrolled Providers.
- Therapies and support services
If it's part of your child's learning plan, ESA+ can help pay for speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral support.
- Online classes and enrichment programs
ESA+ covers virtual classes from Provider Enrolled platforms, allowing your child to explore everything from core subjects to creative interests like art, music, or coding.
Funds can be used for laptops, tablets, or assistive tech that supports your child’s learning and helps them stay engaged at home.
The program also allows you to pay for a learning evaluation or progress testing.
You can even use ESA+ for part-time private school tuition if you blend homeschool with in-person learning at a Provider Enrolled school.
ESA+ allows you to build a learning environment that works for your family. With a variety of ways to use your funds, you can mix structure with creativity and meaningfully support your child’s growth. Just keep track of your purchases and follow the program guidelines to maximize every opportunity.
Step-by-step guide to the North Carolina ESA application process
Getting started with the ESA+ program in North Carolina is a straightforward process that helps families take meaningful steps toward personalized learning. Here's how to get started on your ESA+ journey:
- Confirm eligibility: Check your eligibility by confirming your child is a North Carolina resident, has an IEP or disability documentation, or meets the program's age and grade requirements.
- Application: Submit your application through MyPortal on the NC Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) website. You can create an account starting in December and applications will be open from February 1st to March 1st. All applications submitted during this window will be entered into a lottery, and scholarships will be awarded until funds are exhausted.
- Gather your documentation: Homeschooling families will need to submit:
- Proof of North Carolina residency
- A copy of your child’s IEP or qualifying documentation
- Your homeschool ID number from the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education
- A signed Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School
- A signed LEA (Local Education Agency) form, which confirms that your learner is not enrolled in a public school
- ClassWallet: If you are approved for ESA+, set up your ClassWallet digital account to receive and manage your funds. This platform streamlines payment for approved educational expenses, including Outschool’s live classes and tutoring options.
The ESA+ process can be smooth and empowering with a bit of preparation. Once approved, you'll gain access to the tools and funding needed to create a personalized homeschool experience.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
When navigating a new homeschool program like ESA+, having questions is natural. These common questions and answers will help you feel more confident as you get started and explore everything ESA+ offers.
Who qualifies for the ESA+ program in North Carolina?
ESA+ is primarily for North Carolina students with disabilities with an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) or other qualifying documentation. Your child must also be a state resident and meet certain age and grade-level requirements.
Can I use ESA+ funds for programs like Outschool?
Yes! ESA+ funds can be used for Provider Enrolled online learning platforms, including Outschool, if the classes align with your child’s learning goals and the vendor is an Enrolled Provider with ClassWallet. It’s a great way to add variety and flexibility to your homeschool schedule with live, interactive classes that engage learners.
Do I need to follow a specific homeschool curriculum with ESA+?
You don’t need to follow one set curriculum, but you must include instruction in the core academic subjects: English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. These subjects are required under ESA+ rules for homeschool families and must be clearly reflected in your educational purchases.
You have flexibility in how you teach those subjects, whether through workbooks, online programs, or live classes, as long as materials are purchased from Enrolled Providers through ClassWallet or SEAA and align with ESA+ guidelines.
This means you can still tailor your child’s homeschool experience to their interests and learning style, but you’ll need to ensure your plan covers the required subjects and that spending follows state rules.
What happens if I don’t use all the ESA+ funds by the end of the year?
Unused ESA+ funds can roll over for future educational use, giving you some flexibility in planning. You’ll still need to follow the program’s spending rules and keep good records of your purchases. Checking the updated guidelines each year helps ensure you’re making the most of your balance and staying on track with what’s allowed.
How do I know which vendors or services are Enrolled Providers under ESA+?
Once your application is approved, you’ll access ClassWallet, where you can browse and purchase from a list of Enrolled Providers. It’s a simple way to manage your funds and find resources that fit your homeschool plan. If something you’d like to use that isn’t listed, you can easily request it to be added through ClassWallet’s vendor approval process.
Is there support available if I have questions about using ESA+ funds?
Yes! The NCSEAA provides support through their website and customer service, and ClassWallet has tools and guidance to help you navigate your account. You can also connect with local or online homeschool communities where ESA+ families share advice, favorite resources, and helpful vendor tips. It’s a great way to stay informed and feel supported throughout your homeschooling journey.
Empower your homeschool journey with ESA+
ESA+ allows North Carolina families to shape an educational path that reflects their child’s unique strengths, needs, and interests. Homeschooling becomes manageable and deeply rewarding with thoughtful planning and the right tools. Whether you're just starting or refining your approach, ESA+ offers the flexibility and support to build a learning experience that grows with your family.
With access to quality resources and engaging experiences, your child’s education can be as dynamic as their curiosity. At Outschool, you’ll find live, interactive classes that help your learners dive into subjects they love while staying aligned with your homeschool goals.
More resources for North Carolina homeschoolers
Need more information? Check out our North Carolina Empowerment Scholarship guide to get started.
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