ESA for Families
Your Guide to Education Savings Accounts
What they are, what you can spend them on, and how to use them for your family.
What is an ESA?
Despite the name, an Education Savings Account isn't a savings account you fund yourself. Your state funds it. You spend it.
Here's how it works: instead of your state's education dollars going to a school district, they go into an account with your name on it. You use that account to pay for your child's learning — curriculum, tutoring, educational software, textbooks, and in many states, private school tuition.
Think of it like a debit card for education. Your state deposits funds — typically between $6,000 and $10,000 per child, per year — and you decide where that money goes.
ESAs aren't loans. They're not taxed. And in most states, unused funds roll over year to year as long as your child stays enrolled in the program. You're not borrowing anything. You're redirecting the education funding your state already sets aside for your child.
What can you spend ESA funds on?
Curriculum and learning materials
Textbooks, workbooks, educational software, online learning platforms, and subscription-based curriculum tools. If you homeschool, this is probably the category you'll use most.
Private school tuition and fees
Full or partial tuition at approved private schools, including registration fees and required materials.
Tutoring
One-on-one or small group tutoring from approved providers.
Educational technology
Computers, tablets, and software. Most states cap tech purchases at 10% of your annual ESA amount.
Educational therapies
Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other services for students with learning differences.
Standardized testing and college prep
SAT/ACT fees, AP exam fees, and college admission testing.
Transportation
Some states allow a portion of ESA funds for transportation to approved educational services.
What you can't use ESA funds for
General household expenses, non-educational entertainment, paying family members for instruction (in most states), or public school tuition — since the funds represent dollars redirected from the public system in the first place.
How does the spending process work?
You don't receive cash. Most ESA programs use a managed marketplace platform — basically an online store where you can only buy from vendors your state has approved.
Step 1
Apply and get accepted
Each state has its own application window and eligibility requirements. Applications are usually submitted online through the state's ESA portal or administrator.
Step 2
Funds land in your account
Once accepted, your state deposits funds into a managed account — usually in quarterly installments, not a lump sum.
Step 3
Shop from approved vendors
Your state uses a platform where you search for approved vendors and purchase directly. It works like an online store, except your ESA funds are the payment method.
Step 4
Save your receipts
Even though purchases go through an approved platform, keep all documentation. Some states run random audits.
Step 5
Submit any required assessments
Many states require annual standardized testing to confirm your child is making academic progress.
ClassWallet
A marketplace where approved vendors list their products. You browse, add to cart, and check out using your ESA funds. Multiple states use ClassWallet.
Odyssey
Works the same way — a managed marketplace with approved vendors, direct purchasing, and fund tracking. Your state page will tell you which platform your program uses.
For homeschool families
ESA funds can cover a significant chunk of your curriculum costs.
Amounts may vary
Some states provide different funding levels depending on whether your child attends private school or is homeschooled. Your state page has the specific numbers.
You can mix and match
Most states let you combine expenses from a single ESA account — an online math curriculum, a writing tutor, science equipment, and an educational software subscription can all come from the same account.
Subscriptions qualify
Monthly or annual subscriptions to educational platforms typically count as approved curriculum expenses, as long as the platform is listed on your state's marketplace.
Notice of intent
Most states require homeschool families to file a notice of intent to homeschool with their local school district or state education department before ESA funds are released.
Annual testing
Most ESA programs require homeschool students to take a standardized assessment each year. This is separate from any testing your co-op or curriculum includes.
Wizkoo and ESA funding
$50/month or $499/year. One line item in your ESA budget.
To put it in perspective: a family with a typical ESA could fund Wizkoo for the year, plus a math tutor, testing fees, a tablet, and science supplies, and still have money left over. Wizkoo runs about $500 to $600 a year depending on your plan. That's less than 10% of most state ESA allocations.
Wizkoo is not yet listed on ESA marketplace platforms. We're in the approval process and will update each state's page as approvals land. In the meantime, families in states that allow direct reimbursement for educational software may be able to use ESA funds by submitting a receipt.
Before purchasing with ESA funds, check with your state's ESA program administrator to confirm that educational software subscriptions are an approved expense category.
Find your state
Every state handles education funding differently. Tap yours to see what's available.
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Don't see what you need? Email us at hello@wizkoo.com — we're happy to help you figure out your state's options.
FAQ
It's a state-funded account that lets you use public education dollars for approved private educational expenses — curriculum, tutoring, educational software, and in many states, private school tuition. Despite the name, you don't fund it. Your state does.
It depends on your state and whether your child attends private school or is homeschooled. Amounts range from about $2,000 to $11,000 per year per child. Students with disabilities may receive significantly more. Find your state's page above for exact numbers.
As of 2026, 18 states have active programs and several more have legislation pending. Tap your state in the grid above to see what's available.
Yes, in most states. Curriculum materials, educational software, and learning platforms are generally approved expenses. Some states require the vendor to be listed on their approved marketplace.
In most states, yes. Unused funds roll over as long as your child stays enrolled in the program. Rules vary by state for what happens to remaining funds after your child graduates or leaves.
Each child who's accepted gets their own ESA account with their own funding. Three kids accepted means three separate accounts.
Not yet. We're in the approval process. Check your state's page for the latest status.
Many states have opened their programs to all families regardless of income. Others have income requirements. Your state's page has the specific eligibility criteria.
Your ESA funds. Your family's week.
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This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. ESA program details, funding amounts, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Always verify current information directly with your state's ESA program administrator. Last updated April 2026.