How do families afford private school? You might be surprised!
For more than half of students in grades K-12 in the U.S., families can access thousands of dollars a year in Education Savings Accounts to find the right type of learning for their kids. With an ESA, families in many states can pay for private school, homeschool resources, and even microschools.
Find out if your family can receive funding for flexible, personal learning options.
What's your current school situation?
My child’s in public school
You have options.
We're considering homeschooling
That's exciting!
We recently moved
Let's get you settled.
We're not sure what's next
That’s totally okay.
Every school type is a little different.
Not all schools are funded the same way. View the definitions below to explore your options and learn how ESAs or scholarships might apply.
Public School
Public school is the default option for most families.
It’s free, and funded by local, state, and federal government.
Families usually aren’t eligible for extra funding programs if they attend public school, although some offer specific programs for unique abilities or transportation funds to travel to a public school farther away.
Charter School
Charter schools are publicly funded, but independently run. They often have a focus like STEM, arts, or project-based learning.
Charter schools are free to attend. You usually don’t need an ESA or voucher, although some families use may use specific funding programs to supplement with tutoring or enrichment if they are eligible.
Magnet School
Magets are a type of public school with a specialized focus (like science, performing arts, or language immersion). They are not run by charter systems.
Magnet schools are usually free and open to families within a district or via lottery. No ESA funds needed to attend.
Private School
Private schools are funded by tuition and private sources, not the government.
In states with ESA, voucher, or scholarship programs, families may be able to use those funds to cover some or all of the cost.
Microschool
Microschools are small groups of students learning together with a teacher or guide.
ESA funds can often help cover microschool tuition or support services, depending on your state’s program. Some states only fund accredited private schools, while others allow ESAs or homeschool support for hybrid schools or learning center models.
Microschools can be registered either as private schools or used as part of a homeschool plan, depending on the setup:
If registered as a private school, the microschool becomes the student’s official school of record.
If students are registered as homeschoolers, parents remain the primary educators and choose to use the microschool as part of their learning.
Eligibility for ESA or scholarship funding depends on both the student’s status and how the microschool is registered.
You might be eligible for a scholarship or ESA!
What's an Education Savings Account?
An ESA is a state-funded program that gives families more flexibility in how they spend education dollars for their child’s learning. Some states have similar programs called scholarships or vouchers that also provide funds for education expenses.
What it Covers 📚
How Much You Get 💰
How You Qualify 📋
Browse ESA or scholarship programs by state
Stay Updated on School Choice Programs
School choice laws and programs change regularly. Visit the EdChoice School Choice in America Dashboard for the latest updates on options available in your state. Explore a few examples below.
Arizona
Arizona’s ESA program gives families the ability to customize their child’s education with state-funded scholarships. ESA funds can be used for tuition at private schools, microschools, curriculum, educational therapy, and more.
How It Works
-
Apply through the Arizona Department of Education: All Arizona families qualify!
-
Get Approved & Use ClassWallet: Funds are managed through ClassWallet, which connects to approved education providers.
-
Choose Your School: ESA funds can cover full-time or part-time tuition at participating private schools or microschools.
Many Arizona microschools are experienced in supporting families through the ESA application process.
Florida
Florida offers several options to help families access funding for private schools, microschools, or other education expenses.
Scholarships in Florida for Grades K-12
-
Personalized Education Program (PEP Scholarship):
This scholarship provides funding for families to select from a variety of curriculum and educational services, allowing students to create a customized learning path. -
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA):
Provides funding for students with special learning needs or disabilities to access specialized resources and personalized educational experiences. - Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Options (FES-EO): This scholarship is accepted by approved private schools for full-time tuition.
How It Works
-
Apply for a Scholarship:
Start by submitting an application through an approved scholarship organization like Step Up for Students. Most Florida families qualify under various eligibility categories, including income levels and special needs status. -
Get Approved & Receive Funds:
After your application is approved, you’ll receive funding through an established platform or organization. This funding can be used for tuition at eligible schools, including microschools, and other educational expenses. -
Use Your Scholarship:
Once approved, families can use the scholarship funds at participating schools or educational service providers, depending on the scholarship type. Some scholarships allow for partial tuition or full tuition for private or microschool education.
Many microschools in Florida accept these scholarships, providing families with the opportunity to use their funds to cover tuition and educational services. These microschools often have experience helping families navigate the scholarship process and ensure the best educational fit for each student.
Georgia
The Georgia Promise Scholarship is designed to provide families with an Education Savings Account (ESA) to cover various education expenses. Students with special needs may qualify for the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship.
Scholarships in Georgia for Grades K-12
-
Georgia Promise Scholarship:
This program provides Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for Georgia families to cover tuition and other educational expenses at eligible private schools. If choosing a microschool, the school must be eligible to participate in the program. -
Georgia Special Needs Scholarship:
Designed for students with special learning needs, this scholarship helps families pay for education at private schools, including microschools, to ensure access to specialized services and support.
How It Works
-
Apply for a Scholarship.
-
Get Approved & Receive Funds.
-
Use Your Scholarship!
To participate, microschools must be accredited by a recognized agency and opt into the program. The funds can be used for tuition, books, tutoring, and therapies. Families should check with their chosen school to ensure it meets the program’s requirements and accepts ESA funds.
Tennessee
Tennessee families can use Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to help pay for private school tuition and other eligible educational expenses. To participate in the ESA program, microschools must meet specific requirements, such as accreditation from a recognized agency.
While participation in the ESA program is optional for schools, those that choose to accept ESA funds can use them to cover tuition and other qualified expenses. If the total cost of tuition exceeds the amount provided by the ESA, families will be responsible for paying the difference.
Before using ESA funding, families should confirm that their chosen microschool is eligible to accept ESA funds and is willing to participate in the program.
Texas
In Texas, families now have access to Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to help cover private school tuition and other qualified educational expenses. For microschools to participate in the ESA program, they must meet specific eligibility criteria, including accreditation by a recognized agency.
Before utilizing ESA funds, families should verify that their selected microschool is eligible and willing to accept ESA funding.
