School Choice & ESA Frequently Asked Questions

An Education Savings Account is a state-funded account that allows families to use public education dollars for private school tuition, tutoring, educational therapies, textbooks, curriculum materials, and other approved educational expenses. Parents receive a portion of the state funding that would have been allocated to their child in public school and can use it for qualifying educational expenses.

While both ESAs and vouchers provide public funding for private education, ESAs offer more flexibility. Vouchers are typically restricted to tuition payments at approved private schools. ESAs function like debit cards that can be used for a broader range of educational expenses including tutoring, online courses, educational therapy, curriculum materials, textbooks, and college savings. Parents have more control and customization options with ESAs.

ESA funding amounts vary significantly by state and can range from $3,000 to over $11,000 per student annually. The amount typically depends on factors such as grade level, whether the student has special needs, and family income. Some states provide higher amounts for students with disabilities or those from lower-income families. For specific amounts in your state, check our state-by-state guide.

Eligibility requirements vary by state but commonly include: students currently enrolled in public schools, students entering kindergarten, students with special needs or disabilities, students from military families, students in failing schools, or children of active-duty military personnel. Some states have income requirements while others offer universal eligibility. Many programs prioritize students with disabilities, low-income families, or those in underperforming schools.

The application process varies by state but generally includes: 1) Check your state's eligibility requirements on their official ESA website. 2) Gather required documentation (proof of residency, student birth certificate, previous school records, income verification if applicable). 3) Complete the online application during the designated enrollment period. 4) Submit supporting documents. 5) Wait for approval notification. 6) Once approved, set up your ESA account and begin using funds for approved expenses. Our Concierge Service can assist you through this entire process.

Application timelines vary by state. Some states have year-round enrollment, while others have specific application windows (often in spring for the following school year). Many states operate on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. We recommend applying as early as possible when the application period opens. Check your state's specific deadlines on our state pages or through our Concierge Service.

Common required documents include: proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement), student's birth certificate, previous school records or proof of enrollment, family income verification (tax returns, pay stubs) if income limits apply, special education documentation (IEP or 504 plan) if applicable, and proof of acceptance at a qualifying private school. Specific requirements vary by state. Our Concierge Service can help you prepare a complete application package.

Approval times vary by state and application volume, ranging from 2-8 weeks typically. Some states with newer programs may take longer during their first enrollment cycles. Once approved, account setup and fund distribution can take an additional 1-2 weeks. We recommend applying well before the school year begins to ensure funds are available when needed. Our Concierge Service can help expedite your application by ensuring all documents are complete and properly submitted.

Approved expenses typically include: private school tuition and fees, textbooks and curriculum materials, online learning programs and courses, educational software and apps, tutoring services, educational therapies (speech, occupational, behavioral), standardized testing fees, educational materials and supplies, transportation to school (in some states), college savings (unused funds in some states), and special education services and equipment. Specific approved expenses vary by state. Always check your state's guidelines or consult with your ESA administrator before making purchases.

Most education savings programs provide families with a debit card, online portal, or reimbursement system. You typically submit receipts or invoices for approved educational expenses, and funds are either pre-loaded onto your card or reimbursed to you. Some states require pre-approval for certain large purchases. The account administrator (often a state-approved organization) oversees expenditures to ensure compliance with program rules. You will receive quarterly statements showing your balance and transactions.

Generally, private schools must meet certain requirements to participate in education savings programs, such as: accreditation is important to confirm with your chosen school. Religious schools are typically eligible. Our Marketplace can help you find participating schools in your area.

Policies for unused funds vary by state: Some states allow rollover to the next school year for continued K-12 use. Other states permit saving unused funds for college expenses (similar to a 529 plan). Some states may require returning unused funds if your child leaves the program. A few states allow keeping funds for future educational expenses even after high school graduation. Check your specific state rollover and savings policies. Proper planning can help maximize your education benefits over time.

You can find participating private schools through: your state's official ESA website (usually maintains a list), our School Marketplace directory, direct contact with private schools in your area, local private school associations, education choice organizations in your state, and parent networks and forums. Our Marketplace allows you to filter by location, grade level, curriculum type, religious affiliation, special services, and tuition costs. Our Concierge Service can also provide personalized school recommendations based on your child's needs.

Yes, in virtually all ESA programs, families can use their funds at religious private schools. The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently upheld that school choice programs including ESAs are constitutional even when families choose religious schools, as long as the program is neutral and allows genuine private choice. Religious schools that participate must still meet state health, safety, and educational standards, but they maintain their religious character and instruction.

Yes, many private schools specialize in serving students with specific learning differences, disabilities, or special needs. These include schools for: dyslexia and learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and executive function challenges, speech and language delays, emotional and behavioral support, gifted and talented students, and multiple disabilities. ESA programs often provide higher funding amounts for students with special needs, making these specialized schools more accessible. Our Marketplace can help you identify special needs schools in your area.

Accreditation requirements vary by state ESA program. Some states require full accreditation from recognized agencies, while others only require schools to meet basic health and safety standards. Common accrediting bodies include: AdvancED/Cognia, Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and state-specific accreditation agencies. Even when not required, accreditation demonstrates a school's commitment to educational quality and can be important for college admissions. Check your state's specific requirements.

Key ESA program rules typically include: use funds only for approved educational expenses, maintain receipts and documentation for all purchases, submit quarterly expense reports, ensure your child receives educational services meeting state requirements, keep ESA administrators informed of changes (address, school, etc.), don't use funds for non-educational purposes, comply with testing requirements if applicable, and maintain eligibility requirements throughout the school year. Violating program rules can result in account suspension, requirement to repay misused funds, and potential program expulsion.

You should maintain: receipts for all ESA purchases, invoices from schools and service providers, attendance records, academic progress reports, standardized test results if required, correspondence with ESA administrators, documentation of approved expenses, and proof of services received. Most programs require quarterly or annual reporting. Good record-keeping protects you during audits and helps track your child's educational progress. Many ESA administrators provide online portals that automatically organize your documentation.

Testing requirements vary significantly by state. Some states require annual standardized testing (such as nationally normed tests), others require only periodic assessments, and some have no testing requirements at all. When testing is required, parents usually have flexibility in choosing: the specific test (from an approved list), when during the school year to test, and whether to test at home or at a testing center. Test results are typically submitted to the ESA administrator but may not affect ESA eligibility. Check your specific state requirements.

Yes, ESA accounts can be suspended or terminated for rule violations including: using funds for non-approved expenses, failing to submit required documentation or reports, providing false information on applications or reports, not maintaining eligibility requirements, failure to provide educational services to your child, or repeated non-compliance with program rules. Most programs provide warnings and opportunities to correct issues before termination. Serious violations may require repayment of misused funds. Following program guidelines and maintaining good communication with your ESA administrator helps prevent problems.

Many ESA programs allow funds to be used for homeschooling expenses, though specific rules vary by state. Eligible expenses typically include: curriculum and textbooks, online courses and programs, educational materials and supplies, tutoring and specialized instruction, educational therapy services, and standardized testing. Some states require parents to register as a homeschool, follow certain curriculum guidelines, or submit progress reports. Other states treat homeschooling the same as private school enrollment. ESAs provide significant flexibility for homeschooling families to customize education while receiving state support.

Yes, families can have separate ESA accounts for each eligible child. Each child receives their own funding allocation based on grade level, special needs status, and state funding formulas. Parents manage multiple accounts through the same portal or system. Some states offer sibling priorities in the application process. The funds for each child must be used exclusively for that child's educational expenses and cannot be combined or transferred between siblings. Administrative requirements apply to each account separately.

Many ESA programs provide enhanced funding for students with documented special needs or disabilities. Enhanced amounts can range from 50% to 200% more than base ESA amounts, often reaching $10,000-$15,000 or more per year. Eligibility for enhanced funding typically requires documentation such as: current IEP (Individualized Education Program), 504 Plan, medical diagnosis from qualified professional, or psychological evaluation. Enhanced funding recognizes the higher costs of specialized educational services, therapies, and supports needed by students with disabilities.

Many ESA programs provide benefits or priority for military families including: expedited application processing for families with PCS orders, flexibility for mid-year transfers between states, extended eligibility for children of deployed service members, and priority enrollment in oversubscribed programs. Some states waive certain residency requirements for military families or allow continuation of ESA benefits during temporary relocations. Military children may also qualify for additional support services. Check your state's specific military family provisions or contact our Concierge Service for assistance.