What Are ESA Funds? Top 4 Questions Answered for Parents Looking to Personalize Learning
What Are ESA Funds?
ESA stands for Education Savings Account. It’s a program that lets families use public education dollars in new and flexible ways. Instead of only using those funds for public school, families with ESAs can spend them on private school tuition, homeschool resources, virtual tutoring, therapy services, and even enrichment programs like music or STEM.
Think of it like a special education wallet for your child, where you get to choose what learning tools or services your child needs most.
How Can Parents Use ESA Funds?
Every ESA program is a little different, but most let you use funds for things like:
- 1:1 tutoring (virtual or in-person)
- Curriculum and textbooks
- Online courses and learning apps
- Private school tuition
- Homeschool supplies
- Special education services (like speech therapy)
- Learning materials (like manipulatives, science kits, or subscriptions)
Some programs even allow you to roll over unused funds or save for future college expenses.
Is It the Right Fit for Your Child?
Even if an online tutoring program looks great on paper, what matters most is how your child responds. Try a session and look for signs they’re engaged: Are they asking questions? Smiling? Talking about what they learned?
Good programs also let you switch tutors if the first one isn’t quite right. That’s not a failure, it’s part of finding the best match. Connection builds confidence.
Where Are ESA Funds Available?
As of now, ESA programs are active in several states, including:
- Florida (PEP and Family Empowerment Scholarship)
- Arizona (the first and most expansive program)
- North Carolina
- West Virginia
- Missouri
- Utah
- Iowa
And more states are working on it. States like Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee have introduced or expanded ESA-like programs and may soon roll out broader options.
To check if your state has an ESA program, or is planning one, visit the EdChoice ESA Tracker.
How Are ESA Funds Changing Education?
ESAs are helping families customize learning in a way that works best for their kids. That means:
- More support for kids who need extra help
- Flexible options for homeschoolers and microschools
- Freedom to explore interests and learning styles
- Help for students with special needs to get targeted services
Instead of a one-size-fits-all education system, ESA programs let families build an education path that fits their child’s strengths and needs.
What Parents Should Keep in Mind
Before using ESA funds, here are a few things to remember:
- Understand your state’s rules. Each ESA program is different, some require approval for purchases, others give you more control.
- Keep track of your spending. You’ll likely need to submit receipts or log how funds are used.
- Choose high-quality providers. Not all resources are the same. Look for programs with good reviews, free trial sessions, or a strong track record (like PRACTICE’s virtual tutoring!).
Final Thoughts
ESA programs are opening new doors for families, and giving parents more say in how and where their kids learn. Whether you’re homeschooling, exploring private school, or just looking for extra support, ESA funds can help you build an education experience that works for your child.
If you have questions about how to use ESA funds for tutoring, enrichment, or learning support, the PRACTICE team is always happy to help. Reach out to our team at any time!
Let’s make education work for every child, starting with yours.
Have questions about using your ESA funds to support your child’s learning? We’re here to help you explore your options and find what fits best.
Let’s work together to make sure your child gets the resources they need to thrive, reach out to our team anytime!
Why Families Choose PRACTICE
Since 2010, we’ve helped thousands of students grow in reading, math, science, and more. Our tutors are real educators who understand how to work with each child’s unique needs, building their skills and boosting their confidence.
Now, we’re proud to support families and students with on-demand virtual tutoring, available when you need it. It’s the perfect way to support learning without adding stress to your day.
In 2024–2025, Students Made Progress and Parents Saw the Difference.
Why Students Thrive & Parents Keep Coming Back.
The PRACTICE Difference
PRACTICE partners with Title I K-12 schools to close learning gaps, boost math and reading proficiency, and increase graduation rates. Since 2010, we’ve empowered over 100,000 low-income students through evidence-based tutoring, program support, and user-friendly gradebook software. PRACTICE is committed to enriching urban education by tailoring solutions to meet each school’s needs, supporting both students and teachers along the way. We’re more than just educators; we’re dedicated champions for every child’s success.