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What is an “education saving account”?
The number of school choice programs over the past ten years has skyrocketed. One of the most common questions I get asked these days is “what is an education savings account, and can I get funding for my homeschooled kiddo?” Like any homeschooling policy, it will depend on your state.
Education savings accounts, or “ESAs” are state-funded savings accounts loaded with a portion of the money that your state government would have used to fund your child attending their public K-12 school. The money is used by homeschool and private school parents to pay for educational expenses; the total amount of funds and extent of approved educational services/products will depend upon where you live and your child’s eligibility.
These accounts are parent-managed, and are one of the most flexible and homeschool-accessible school choice policies.Homeschool Boss accepts ESA payments from a variety of states, learn more and get started here. If you live in Florida, learn more about taking advantage of the Personalized Education Program (PEP) here.
Many states require standardized testing and other reporting to be eligible for an ESA. While this works for many homeschoolers, do what is right for your family. Understanding your state’s specific type of ESA and its requirements can maximize the financial benefits you may be eligible to receive, so keep reading to learn more.
What are different types of educational saving accounts?
Each state has their own name for education saving account programs, and the biggest difference amongst these programs is eligibility, which will vary from state-to-state.
- If you see the term ‘education scholarship account’ don’t worry, it is exactly the same as an education savings account. However, if you see that your state primarily offers scholarships, you may want to make sure that these are actually education scholarship accounts and not scholarship vouchers. Scholarship vouchers are a more restrictive form of funding provided by states that primarily fund students tuition for private schools.
- If your state has a ‘universal ESA program’, this means that all students K-12 are eligible for an ESA, regardless of income or disability status.
- If your state has a ‘targeted ESA program’, this means that your state offers ESAs, but with some restrictions on who is eligible. This is generally based on your child’s disability status, your families income, or if your local public school is a low performer.
- The most important thing to know is that ‘Coverdell ESAs’ are NOT state-funded K-12 savings accounts. Instead, you fund them with your personal savings. You can contribute up to $2000 a year for each student. These accounts are tax advantaged.
How can I use my ESA?
ESA programs empower you to choose to spend money on whatever supports your child’s education the most, with some generally limited restrictions. States will have a list of pre-qualified education expenses defined by state law, however, these lists of approved expenses are typically fairly broad.
Parents can spend ESA funds on a wide variety of services:
- Private or microschool tuition
- Assessment Testing
- Private tutoring
- Education materials (e.g., technology, software, books, curriculum, or classroom supplies)
- Educational therapies (e.g., dyslexia)
You may need to submit receipts in order to receive reimbursement from your account or go through a pre-approved market place depending on your state. ESA rules differ from state-to-state so make sure to review your state’s program guidelines to see which vendors are approved.
School choice programs are rapidly changing and requirements may change from year-to-year, so even if you already are set up with an education savings account it’s best to review requirements at least once a year.
Homeschools, microschools, tutors, and small private schools can access the MAP Reading Fluency test with Homeschool Boss. Learn what to expect when testing with Homeschool Boss.
Does my state have education savings accounts?
School choice programs are rapidly expanding, and more states are expected to roll out educational savings accounts over the next five years. As of February 2026, 18 states have an active education savings account program:
- Florida, Universal
- Texas, Universal
- Arizona, Universal
- Iowa, Universal
- Tennessee, Universal
- West Virginia, Universal
- Alabama, Universal
- Utah, Universal
- Arkansas, Universal
- New Hampshire, Universal
- Louisiana, Universal
- South Carolina, Targeted Program
- Georgia, Targeted Program
- North Carolina, Targeted Program
- Indiana, Targeted Program
- Mississippi, Targeted Program
- Montana, Targeted Program
- Wyoming, Universal
How do I get started?
First, you’ll need to do some research to confirm that your state has an active ESA program, and make sure you understand its specific criteria. It can be helpful to write down important deadlines in your calendar and make note of all documents you need in order to apply. You can learn more about your state’s homeschool policies using our list above.
Next, you will want to compile any documents required by the state. This may include proof of residence, a photo ID, or proof of homeschooling. Make sure you have everything on hand so you can apply in one sitting. Many states will require you to start over if you stop mid-way through their application.
Finally, complete your individual states application within your states application window. Many states will have strict cut-off dates on when you can apply. Make sure you apply early if it’s your first time to give yourself enough time to fix mistakes.
After you are approved, make sure to review your state’s rules around how you can spend your money, so you don’t get stuck with the bill – some may require you to save receipts, while others will require you to use a certain marketplace portal to purchase materials.
Learn More
This is the second article in our blog series “navigating school choice”. Next week, we’ll take a deep dive into tax credits.
The final step in funding your homeschool journey is using your funds. Homeschool Boss offers adaptive, nationally normed, online assessments that provide the data you need to measure and maximize your student’s academic growth. Find the assessments that best fit their needs here.
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