Unlock State Funds To Make Homeschooling Affordable!
Listen to the podcast version:
Empowering Families to Choose Homeschooling
Homeschooling has become increasingly popular for parents seeking more flexibility and customization in their children’s education.
Many expenses can come up when you are educating your children at home.
The ability to use an ESA or Education Savings Account or EEA Education Empowerment Account can ease this financial hardship.
Technically, 19 states have some type of ESA or scholarship program, with more states to follow.
I use the word “technically” because, only five of the states seem to be friendly to most homeschoolers and not have specific financial or developmental requirements.
In this article I am going to specifically talk about the Arizona Education Empowerment Account for homeschooling, known as ESA.
However, most of the state funds for homeschooling work similarly.
I will also give you links to many other states that have funding available for homeschooling parents.
What is an Education Empowerment Account (EEA) or Education Savings Account?
This is a state funded program that allows parents to use public education dollars to customize their child’s education.
Depending on the state they can pay for: tuition to private schools, homeschooling supplies, curriculum materials, and educational therapy services.
How does the Education Empowerment Account work?
The money is deposited into a special ESA account.
There are specific vendors who are approved that you can spend these funds on.
Amazon is one of these vendors.
As a homeschooling parent, you have to prove that these are necessary educational expenses.
The money then comes out of the ESA account.
What expenses are included in an ESA or EEA account?
This is a list of what is included in Arizona.
- Transportation Expenses
- Technology and Equipment
- Curriculum & Educational Materials
- Online Courses or Classes
- Tutoring Services
- Educational Therapists
- Standardized Tests
- Extra-Curricular Activities
It is really important you maintain records.
Remember in the article, “3 Reasons to NOT Homeschool” lack of organizational skills or desire to learn these skills is one of these reasons!
How do I apply?
The availability of state funds for homeschooling varies from state to state, so the specific process may differ depending on where you live.
However, I can provide you with a general overview of how you might apply for homeschool state funds.
- Research State Laws:
Familiarize yourself with the homeschooling laws and regulations in your state.
Each state has its own requirements and provisions regarding homeschooling, including any financial assistance programs available. - Determine Eligibility:
Determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for any homeschooling funds or reimbursement programs.
Some states offer financial assistance to homeschoolers based on factors such as income level, curriculum requirements, or special needs. - Contact State Education Department:
Reach out to your state’s education department or homeschooling division to inquire about available funds or financial assistance programs for homeschoolers.
They will provide you with specific information about the application process and eligibility requirements. - Complete Application Forms:
If there are state funds available, you will likely need to complete application forms.
These forms may ask for information about your homeschooling curriculum, student details, and any supporting documentation required.
Follow the instructions provided by your state’s education department and submit the application within the specified timeframe. - Provide Documentation:
You may be asked to provide additional documentation to support your application.
This can include proof of residency, academic records, immunization records (if applicable), and any other documents required by your state. - Attend Interviews or Evaluations:
Some states may require interviews or evaluations to assess your homeschooling program or the progress of your child.
Be prepared to participate in any evaluations or interviews as part of the application process. - Follow Up:
After submitting your application, it’s important to follow up with the relevant authorities if you don’t receive a response within a reasonable timeframe.
Keep copies of all documentation and correspondence for future reference.
Remember, the process and availability of funds for homeschoolers can vary significantly between states.
It’s essential to research and contact your state’s education department or homeschooling division for accurate and up-to-date information specific to your location.
This list may seem daunting, however, as of April 2024 there were 71,520 enrolled in the ESA program in Arizona.
Is there a deadline to apply for Educational Empowerment Funds?
Yes, there is each year.
The date may vary depending on the state and the program.
In Arizona, I believe we have multiple dates throughout the year.
Check with your state department of education for themes up to date information.
In Arizona go to: https://www.azed.gov/esa/
What if I stop homeschooling?
You need to notify the Arizona (or your state) Department of Education within 10 days if you stop homeschooling.
If you do not, you could face penalties or fines.
Once I am approved, am I approved…forever?
Nope.
You actually have to reapply each year.
There is no guarantee that because you were accepted one year you will be again.
The process is similar to the initial application, except you need to provide updated information.
If you application is denied you have 30 days to appeal the decision.
While you are researching state funding options, have your kids do some fun activities!
Which states, besides ARIZONA, have programs that offer financial assistance for homeschool families?
- Florida – Family Empowerment Scholarship: Right now this program provides funding for students with certain disabilities, including those who are homeschooled, however, DeSantis signed a school voucher law in 2023 which placed less limitations on Florida families.
- Utah – Utah Fits All Scholarship: All K-12 students residing in Utah are eligible, regardless of income or ability.
The program is open to public, private, and homeschool students. - Arkansas – Children’s Educational Freedom Account: This account is currently only students with disabilities and those in foster care or who are homeless.
Will expand to all K–12 students, including homeschoolers, by 2025. - Idaho – Empowering Parents Program: K-12 students in Idaho are eligible regardless of whether they attend a public school, private school, or are homeschooled. This program has financial eligibility requirements.
- Iowa – Students First Education Savings Plan: This program covers tuition at accredited nonpublic schools.
There are some online homeschool options that are accredited. - West Virginia – Hope Scholarship Funds:
Please explain to me how this sends hope to homeschoolers at all…
It does not look like hope for homeschoolers, but I am giving the link. - Alabama – Creating Hope and Opportunity for Our Students’ Education Act (CHOOSE) Alabama actually has three programs.
- They all seem to be based on tax credits, whether people are giving them, using their own, or using refundable ones? It was really confusing to me, but I am giving the link regardless.
- Alaska –
- I searched and most resources on the internet will either tell you that Alaska has no program, or they have a lot of little programs you can individually apply for.
- I found IDEA.
- This seems to be unique to Alaska.
- It allocates money to every homeschooling family.
- I saw absolutely no eligibility requirements.
States with programs, but these programs have limitations.
- Indiana – Education Scholarship Account Program: This program is residents of Indiana, aged 5-22, with an active IEP, service plan, or Choice Special Education Plan.
- Georgia – The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act:
This program is a limited eligibility, wide-use education savings account program prioritizing low- and middle- income students in low-performing schools. - Louisiana – There are four school choice programs in Louisiana.
If you are a resident in Louisiana, check them out.
None of them seemed geared specifically to homeschoolers or homeschool without eligibility requirements.
One is a tax credit program. - Mississippi – Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Program : Mississippi students with special needs who have had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) within the last three years.
- Montana – Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account Program: This provides families of students with special needs who meet the federal definition of a “child with disabilities” under the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
- New Hampshire – Education Freedom Account Program: New Hampshire residents whose children are entering grades K-12 who have income at or below 350% of the federal poverty level.
- North Carolina – Education Student Accounts (ESA+):North Carolina provides three different funding options for students with disabilities, or low-income families, who opt for homeschooling or private schooling.
- South Carolina – South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program: This program requires students to have been in public schools the prior year and there are financial requirements listed online.
- Tennessee – Individualized Education Account Program: Students with qualifying disabilities (autism, deaf-blindness, a hearing impairment, an intellectual disability, an orthopedic impairment, a traumatic brain injury, developmental delay, or visual impairment) who have been enrolled in a Tennessee public school for the entire previous school year and have a qualifying Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Tennessee has another Education Savings Account program, however it is for students transitioning from public school to private school who meet financial eligibility.
- Wyoming – Wyoming Education Savings Account Program
This program enables parents to use funds for tuition and fees, online curriculums, therapies and tutoring, educational after school and summer programs, transportation and post-secondary coursework.
However, families must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
I still have questions, where can I get real answers?
Join a homeschooling Facebook group in your area.
I am not enamored with social media.
However, it serves many great purposes.
When people have a common bond or interest they can form a group.
These people then support, encourage, and help each other.
Homeschool Facebook Groups are fabulous for this!
You can ask questions about state funding in your state, other moms who have tried and where they have used their funds, and what experiences they have had.
These groups are also great for the day to day “stuff” that is really important to you, your home classroom, and your family.
If you are struggling to find a writing program for a kinesthetic learner, to establish a classroom type learning when the kids see you as “mom,” how to convert a room to the learning room, whatever your need, these people are there for you.
These people have walked your walk.
And someone is going to pop up on that page needing some encouragement on a topic you are a master in.
You will be able to give that sought after help.
Educational Savings Accounts or Educational Empowerment Accounts provide homeschooling families with valuable opportunities to access quality educational resources and support.
The process of the application may seem daunting at first, but when taken step by step, it can be a smooth and straight forward process.