When is the deadline to apply for an ESA?

ESA application deadlines vary by state. Some states like Arizona accept applications year-round, while others like Florida have specific windows (February 1 - September 15). Check the deadline calendar above for your state's specific dates.

What happens if I miss the ESA application deadline?

If you miss the primary application window, some states offer late enrollment periods or waitlists. Contact your state's ESA program office to ask about late applications. For the next school year, apply as early as possible in the enrollment window.

ESA Application Deadlines 2026

BySchool Choice USA Editorial Team·Reviewed February 18, 2026·Editorial Policy

Don't miss your window. Here are the key ESA and school choice application deadlines for every state with an active program for the 2026-2027 school year.

Last updated: February 18, 2026

Pro Tip: Apply as early as possible in the enrollment window. Many programs are first-come, first-served or use lottery systems when demand exceeds funding.

State-by-State Application Deadlines

State	Program	Application Window	Key Deadline	Status	Notes
Arizona	Empowerment Scholarship Account	Year-round	Rolling enrollment	Rolling	Applications accepted continuously. Funds available within 30 days of approval.
Florida	Family Empowerment Scholarship	February 1 – September 15	September 15, 2026	Open	Step Up For Students administers. Apply early for best school selection.
Texas	Education Freedom Account	April 1 – August 31	August 31, 2026	Upcoming	First full year of universal ESA. High demand expected—apply early.
Iowa	Students First ESA	January 1 – June 30	June 30, 2026	Open	Universal eligibility in 2026. Apply through the Iowa Department of Education portal.
North Carolina	Opportunity Scholarship	March 1 – June 1	June 1, 2026	Upcoming	Income-based priority. First-come, first-served after priority deadline.
West Virginia	Hope Scholarship	January 1 – May 15	May 15, 2026	Open	Must have been enrolled in public school the previous year or be entering K/1st grade.
Arkansas	Education Freedom Account	March 1 – July 31	July 31, 2026	Upcoming	Universal eligibility phased in. Priority given to returning families.
Utah	Utah Fits All Scholarship	February 1 – April 30	April 30, 2026	Open	Lottery-based selection if applications exceed funding. Apply in the first week.
Indiana	Choice Scholarship	Year-round	Rolling enrollment	Rolling	Apply through participating private schools. Income verification required.
Louisiana	Education Savings Account	April 1 – June 30	June 30, 2026	Upcoming	New universal program. Check Louisiana Department of Education for updates.
Alabama	CHOOSE Act ESA	March 1 – August 1	August 1, 2026	Upcoming	First full year of the CHOOSE Act. Priority given to low-income families.
Oklahoma	Parental Choice Tax Credit	Tax filing season	April 15, 2027 (for 2026 expenses)	Rolling	Claim as a refundable tax credit on your state tax return. No pre-approval needed.

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