Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Program
Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Program
Overview
Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, the Disabilities Grant and Education Savings Account (ESA) programs will be combined Into the Education Student Accounts (ESA+) program.
The ESA+ program provides scholarships in the amount of up to $9,000 a year, and to cover expenses related to educating a child with a disability* in a participating nonpublic (private or home) school. ESA+ parents, if your school is not listed, see information here. Students with certain designated disabilities may be eligible to receive $17,000 a year.
- Covers tuition and fees at participating schools
- No out-of-pocket expenses (provides families with an electronic debit account)
- Funds can be used for expenses such as speech or occupational therapy, tutoring services, curriculum, and educational technology
*A student who has an eligibility determination from a North Carolina Individualized Education Program (IEP) dated within the last three years. A current Eligibility Determination form (DEC3 or ECATS) is the form to submit with an application.
Important Dates
- Application opens February 1, 2023. The priority deadline is March 1. The application may remain open after March 1, subject to the availability of funds.
The ESA+ application for the 2022-2023 school year is closed. Please sign up to be notified about any upcoming ESA+ application timelines.
Need More Information?
Resources
Program Eligibility Requirements
List of Participating Nonpublic Schools
Educational Technology Guidelines
Webinars
ESA+ Overview: An Introduction to the Program and the Parent Agreement
ESA+ Students at Schools Not Paid Directly by SEAA
ESA+ and Opportunity Scholarship: Choosing or Changing Your School
ESA+ and Home Schools: Qualified Expenses and Shopping on ClassWallet
ESA+ and Opportunity Scholarship: Dual Enrolled Students
ESA+ for Summer 2023 Expenses: How to Plan Ahead
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Additional Questions?
1-855-330-3955 (K12 Program staff toll-free)
1-855-763-5333 (Login Help toll-free)
Nonpublic Schools and Special Education
Children who are placed in a nonpublic school by their parents do not have a right to receive all of the special education and related services that they would receive if enrolled in the public schools. Likewise, a private school does not have a legal obligation to provide special education and related services to students with disabilities. Parents are encouraged to select a nonpublic school carefully and to establish a plan prior to enrollment which meets their child’s educational needs.
Did you Know?
Parents of children with disabilities may have another option to help save and pay for education expenses at K12 schools through the use of an NC ABLE Account. The NC ABLE Program allows eligible individuals the opportunity to save and fund a variety of qualified disability expenses, including certain education expenses. The NC ABLE Program is overseen by the Department of the State Treasurer and additional information can be found here.