How to Use State Scholarship Program Funds for Homeschooling
Homeschooling is an incredibly rewarding journey. And while it is significantly less expensive than private schools, it does come with some expenses. Homeschooling families need to purchase curriculum, materials, online or co-op classes, tutors, field trips, and more.
In recent years, states have begun offering State Scholarship Programs, also known as Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) or Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs), that empower families to use public education dollars for eligible homeschool expenses.
In this guide, we’ll break down what these programs are, how they work for homeschoolers, what they can cover, and answer frequently asked questions – so you can make the most of your educational dollars.
What Are State Scholarship Programs/ESAs?
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are state-sponsored funding programs that allocate public education funds to restricted accounts for families to spend on qualified educational expenses outside traditional public schools. They vary widely by state but generally allow parents to direct funds toward the learning options that best meet their child’s needs.
Types of expenses that may be covered include:
- Curriculum and textbooks
- Online classes and digital materials
- Tutoring or supplemental instruction
- Testing and assessment fees
- Educational therapies (where permitted)
- Learning technology and tools
- Selected extracurriculars (state-dependent)
How Do ESAs Work for Homeschool Families?
Each state that offers ESAs sets its own rules – including eligibility requirements, deadlines, and how funds can be spent. Some key features many programs share include:
- Restricted Funds: You must use the money only for approved educational expenses.
- Documentation: Some states require receipts and reports to confirm how the funds were used.
- State-Specific Processes: Applications, approval timelines, and eligible purchases vary widely.
Which States Offer Homeschool-Friendly ESA Programs?
Not all states offer ESAs, and even among those that do, not all explicitly include homeschoolers or offer the same categories of eligible expenses. States with homeschool-friendly ESA programs include (but are not limited to):
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Each state’s ESA program is unique – for example, some have income limits, others require participants to register as homeschoolers in a specific way, and some offer extra funding for students with special needs.
Support Your Child’s Education with Apologia’s Flexible Curriculum
The best learning experience is one that’s tailored to your child’s unique needs. Apologia provides multiple curriculum formats – including traditional textbooks, live online classes, self-paced courses, and digital resources – so you can select the approach that aligns with your child’s learning style and your family’s schedule. When learning fits naturally into daily life, students are better equipped to stay engaged and thrive.
How to Use State Scholarship Program Funds For Homeschooling FAQs
Can I use ESA funds for ANY homeschool curriculum?
In most states, ESA funds can be used for curriculum materials, but it’s important to confirm your state-specific eligible expense list – especially for digital products or subscriptions. Some states require vendors to be ‘approved’ or may restrict the types of services you can buy with ESA funds.
Are field trips, co-ops, or extracurricular activities eligible?
Some states allow portions of ESA funds to cover enrichment experiences such as field trips, camps, or co-ops, but this varies widely.
Do I need to enroll in a virtual school to qualify?
No. In many states, homeschooling families can qualify directly for ESA funds without enrolling in a virtual or brick-and-mortar school. However, certain administrative steps, like registering as a homeschooler with the state, might be required.
Can funds carry over from year to year?
Some states allow remaining ESA funds to roll over to the next year; others require them to expire at the end of the year. This is determined by state policy – so be sure to do your research and plan accordingly.
What if a curriculum provider isn’t listed as ‘pre-approved’?
Some programs allow reimbursements for qualified educational purchases even if the vendor isn’t pre-approved. In states that use third-party marketplaces, such as ClassWallet, check whether your curriculum can be purchased directly through the portal or reimbursed.
Can ESA funds cover tutoring or therapies for special needs learners?
Yes, many state ESA programs explicitly allow funds to be used for tutoring and research-based intervention services, especially for students with special needs.
