What an ESA actually is
An education savings account (ESA) is a state program that puts education funding into an authorized account for an eligible student. Families spend that money on approved educational expenses listed in the state's law or handbook — things like private school tuition, tutoring, instructional materials, educational technology, therapies or other categories the state allows.
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) explains that ESAs are distinct from school vouchers and tax-credit scholarships because they can cover a wider set of costs than tuition alone.
Which states have ESA programs?
NCSL's Education Choice State Policy Scan: Education Savings Accounts (updated July 21, 2025) reports that 18 states have established ESA programs. Two of those states run more than one program (Florida has two; Tennessee has three).
States NCSL lists with at least one ESA program in that scan:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.
That list answers "which states have an ESA program on the books." It does not mean every program pays for a traditional homeschool curriculum subscription. Always open the state's own parent handbook.
Homeschool eligibility is the catch
Three questions matter more than the headline dollar amount:
- Who can apply? Some programs are universal (or will be once fully rolled out). Others limit eligibility by income, disability status, prior public school enrollment or the performance of the local school.
- What can the money buy? Curriculum and printables may be allowed, limited or excluded.
- Does joining the ESA change your legal status? Some programs treat participants as private school choice students and set rules about filing a separate homeschool notice.
Example from a primary state source: Arizona's State Board of Education school choice page says eligible families may use Empowerment Scholarship Accounts for private school or home education expenses such as therapies, tutoring and curriculum, and separately notes that Arizona homeschool families must submit an affidavit of intent to the county school superintendent.
Other states draw different lines. Iowa's Students First ESA, for instance, is often described as requiring enrollment at an accredited nonpublic school — which is why secondary guides warn that it may not fund a stand-alone home education program. Treat every secondary summary as a pointer back to the official handbook.
Other ways families fund curriculum (not just ESAs)
ESAs are only one tool. Depending on where you live, families also use:
| Option | Typical home | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Education savings accounts (ESAs) | States with ESA statutes | Account-based; expenses defined by the state |
| Tax-credit scholarships | Various states | Often tuition-focused; check eligible uses |
| Public independent-study / homeschool charters | Common in California | School spends instructional funds; parents do not receive cash |
| District or co-op reimbursements | Varies locally | Rare; follow the district's written policy |
| Paying out of pocket | Everywhere | Still the default in many states |
If you are in California, start with our deep dive: California charter school homeschool funds. California is not listed as an ESA state in NCSL's July 2025 scan; the charter instructional-fund path is the usual public option there.
How to check your state in 15 minutes
- Open NCSL's ESA scan and find whether your state is listed.
- Search
[your state] education savings account officialand open the .gov handbook or FAQ. - Search the handbook for "curriculum," "instructional materials," "homeschool" and "home education."
- Note application windows, income caps and any rule that forbids combining the ESA with a separate homeschool affidavit.
- If you are in a charter or district program instead, ask the school for its approved vendor process in writing.
Where Homeschool Packets fits
Homeschool Packets are monthly printable PDF packets for grades K–8 (Math, English, Science, History, Spanish, Art, Coding and Life Skills), personalized with your child's first name and interests, with answer keys and a Max & Nib comic on every packet. Plans are $7, $25 or $40 per month in USD — see pricing.
If your ESA, scholarship or charter allows outside curriculum vendors, ask them whether Homeschool Packets can be approved. We do not claim approval in any state or at any school. We will send a product description, standards alignment and whatever paperwork they request.
New to homeschooling altogether? Read how to start homeschooling in any state and homeschool laws by state.
Sources
- National Conference of State Legislatures, Education Choice State Policy Scan: Education Savings Accounts (updated July 21, 2025)
- Arizona State Board of Education, School Choices / ESA overview
- California Department of Education, Independent Study (California public option; not an ESA)
Program rules change. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm eligibility and eligible expenses with your state's official program before you apply or buy.