Families in South Carolina now have more ways than ever to support learning at home, with access to online classes, tutoring, curriculum materials, and creative supplies. The state’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program is expanding year by year, empowering families to create learning journeys as unique as their learners.
Your learner deserves an education that builds confidence and joy. With ESA funding, you can create a learning environment that aligns with their passions, pace, and preferred style. Whether they thrive through hands-on exploration, small-group classes, or one-on-one support, ESA funds help you build a journey that celebrates their individuality.
Understanding South Carolina’s ESTF for homeschooling families
South Carolina’s official ESA program, the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), offers up to $6,000 annually to support nontraditional education paths like homeschooling. This state-funded initiative helps families invest in meaningful learning without being limited by one-size-fits-all education models.
Rules and regulations for homeschooling families using the ESTF program
Here are the specific requirements homeschooling families must understand to participate in this program:
1. Enrollment Status
To be eligible for ESTF funds, students must not be enrolled in a public school during the scholarship year. This includes traditional public schools and charter schools. Additionally, students cannot be enrolled under South Carolina’s traditional homeschooling options (Options 1, 2, or 3) as outlined in state law.
2. Instructional Requirements
Parents must agree to provide academic instruction in the core subjects: English/language arts (including writing), mathematics, science, and social studies. Instruction can be delivered through various approved education service providers or curricula. Family Connection SC
3. Use of Funds
ESTF funds can be used for:
- Tuition and fees for approved education service providers
- Textbooks, curriculum, and instructional materials
- Tutoring services approved by the South Carolina Department of Education
- Computer hardware and technological devices used primarily for educational needs
- Online courses from approved providers
- Fees for standardized tests, AP exams, and college entrance exams
- Educational therapies from licensed practitioners
- Contracted services from public school districts, including individual classes and extracurricular activities
- Transportation fees to and from eligible providers (up to $3,000 per year)
4. Fund Management
All ESTF funds are managed through ClassWallet, a platform contracted by the South Carolina Department of Education. Parents must use ClassWallet to make purchases and payments to approved providers.
5. Assessment Requirements
Students receiving ESTF funds are required to participate in assessments as referenced in Section 59-8-150 of the South Carolina Code. If the student does not receive full-time instruction from an education service provider, parents must ensure assessments are administered in a similar manner through other means.
6. Annual Agreement
Parents must sign an annual agreement with the South Carolina Department of Education, affirming their commitment to comply with all program requirements, including instructional obligations, assessment participation, and appropriate use of funds.
Choosing a home-based learning path with ESTF in South Carolina
If you're using South Carolina’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) program to educate your child at home. In that case, it's important to understand that you cannot register as a homeschooler under South Carolina’s traditional legal options (Options 1, 2, or 3). Those options are governed by different laws and are not compatible with ESA participation.
Instead, families receiving ESTF funds must follow a distinct pathway that still allows for home-based learning, but within the framework and rules of the ESTF program.
Here’s what that looks like:
- You educate your child at home, but you're not legally recognized as a homeschooler under state homeschooling laws.
- You must provide instruction in core academic subjects, including English/language arts, math, science, and social studies.
- All educational purchases and services must be made through ClassWallet and come from approved vendors.
- Your learner may be required to complete assessments as outlined by the South Carolina Department of Education, depending on how instruction is delivered.
Building your educational plan with ESTF
While you’re not homeschooling under the state’s traditional definitions, you still have meaningful freedom to create a personalized learning experience at home. With ESTF support, you can:
- Mix and match live online classes, digital curriculum, hands-on kits, and tutoring
- Choose from a wide variety of ClassWallet-approved providers
- Focus on your learner’s interests, strengths, and pace
- Adapt your plan as your child grows and their needs evolve
When selecting curriculum and resources, consider:
- Learning style: Does your learner thrive with visuals, hands-on activities, or structured reading?
- Structure: Do you prefer flexible, modular programs or a full academic package?
- Assessment: Will you use built-in tests, projects, or outside evaluations?
Reminder: ESTF families must follow program rules and cannot blend ESA funds with traditional homeschool registrations or enroll in public school programs during the same year.
By staying within the ESTF guidelines, you can build a rich, custom-fit education for your child—right from home, with support every step of the way.
How to use and make the most of your ESA funds for homeschooling
You don’t have to follow someone else’s blueprint. ESA funding allows you to build a homeschool experience centered around your learner’s needs.
How to get started
- Apply through the ClassWallet portal. Submit your application online with the required documentation, including proof of residency, income, and guardianship.
- Await approval and activate your ClassWallet account. Once approved, you’ll receive instructions on accessing your ESTF funds via ClassWallet, the state’s secure digital payment platform.
- Design your learner’s educational plan. Plan your year around your learner’s goals and interests using eligible educational tools, classes, and services.
- Shop and enroll with approved providers. Use your ClassWallet account to browse, select, and pay for services from state-approved providers like Outschool. All purchases must be made through ClassWallet.
Tips to stay organized and adaptable
Homeschooling with ESA support opens up incredible opportunities, but it also comes with moving parts to manage. Staying organized from the start can help you avoid surprises, keep your spending on track, and adapt when your learner’s needs evolve.
- Start with a plan: Outline your goals and match purchases accordingly.
- Join a virtual orientation: Learn what’s eligible and how to navigate ClassWallet confidently.
- Track everything: Use a spreadsheet, app, or digital folder system. Snap photos of receipts and label them by category.
- Check in monthly: Set calendar reminders to assess what’s working and where to pivot.
- Connect with other parents: Sharing tools, ideas, and support can make all the difference.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
You're taking an exciting step in creating a personalized learning journey for your child. Let's explore some common questions about using ESA funds to build an enriching homeschool experience that works for your family.
Who can use ESA funds in South Carolina?
Your family may qualify if your child previously attended public school or is ready to start kindergarten. ESA funds are available to families within specific income guidelines each school year, making personalized education more accessible to South Carolina families.
What learning experiences can we create with ESA funds?
Your ESA opens up a world of possibilities! You can mix and match learning formats like live online classes, one-on-one tutoring, hands-on projects, and creative courses. Many families use their funds to engage in math and science courses, creative writing workshops, art classes, and even specialty subjects like coding or world languages.
How do we keep track of our educational spending?
You don’t need to track purchases manually—South Carolina’s ESTF program uses ClassWallet, a secure online platform that handles your spending. Every educational purchase must be made through ClassWallet, either by shopping in the marketplace or uploading an invoice for approved services.
Because everything flows through the platform, your spending is automatically tracked in real time. You can log in anytime to view your balance, review past transactions, and manage payments.
What if we're unsure about an educational expense?
Before purchasing, check the approved expense list or contact the ESA support team with questions. This simple step helps you shop confidently for educational resources matching your child's interests and learning style.
How can we support unique learning needs?
Your ESA funds can help create a truly personalized learning environment. From adaptive learning tools to specialized instruction, you can choose resources that celebrate your child's learning style. Many families combine traditional materials with interactive online learning to keep their children engaged and excited about learning.
Empowering your homeschool journey with ESA
South Carolina’s ESTF program puts real educational choice in your hands, with up to $6,000 per eligible learner. These funds help you build a flexible learning plan about what makes your learner unique.
With ESA funds, you’re not just supporting education but creating it: one lesson, one class, one spark of curiosity at a time. Browse ESA-eligible classes on Outschool and discover how joyful, personalized learning can look for your learner.
More resources for South Carolina homeschoolers
Want to learn more about programs and options in the state? These guides are a good place to start:
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