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Yes, North Carolina gives money for homeschool. Thanks to the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), state funding is available for homeschooling families in North Carolina. The NCSEAA is designed to “help North Carolina pay for education.” More importantly, it helps families in North Carolina pay for the right education for their child, supporting educational options from private school to homeschooling.
With two program options, the NCSEAA offers financial aid for students enrolled in private schools as well as those with disabilities. This is good news for the increasing number of North Carolina families who are choosing alternatives to public school for their child’s education.
According to statistics from North Carolinians for Home Education, homeschooling has grown by more than 29% every year since 1988. Today, they estimate that nearly 200,000 North Carolina children are homeschooled, representing more than 10% of the state’s student population. With growing concerns over school bullying and violence, a desire to optimize children’s learning with more intentional, curated academics, and many more reasons, it’s no wonder that so many North Carolina families are bringing education home.
For many of these families, the funding offered by the NCSEAA is invaluable. Below, you will find more information about the program, whether your child is eligible, what educational expenses are allowed, and how you can apply.
Financial Assistance Programs Offered by North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA)
The NCSEAA offers two financial assistance programs for K-12 education in North Carolina: the Opportunity Scholarship Program and the Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Program. Both programs were created to support North Carolina Students. However, the purpose of each program is different—and so are the regulations and eligibility requirements of each.
The Opportunity Scholarship Program
The NCSEAA Opportunity Scholarship Program offers students an income-based scholarship that can be used to pay private school tuition and fees. Scholarship amounts typically range from $3,000 to $7,000 and are determined based on your family’s total household income.
To qualify for an Opportunity Scholarship, your student must:
- Live in North Carolina
- Be at least 5 years old by August 31 (or at least 4 years old by April 16 and approved for Kindergarten enrollment)
- Not be graduated from high school or enrolled in a post-secondary institution full-time
- Be enrolled in or plan to enroll in an eligible non-public school at least part-time for the award year
You might be wondering, “Does North Carolina give money for homeschool through the Opportunity Scholarship?” For homeschooling families, it is important to note that students are not required to be enrolled in private school full-time. Your student may co-enroll in an eligible school, receiving part of their education at home.
The most up-to-date information can be found on the Opportunity Scholarship Program website, including a complete list of eligible private schools for the current school year. These schools are set up to receive scholarship funds directly; no funding will be provided to you or your student to manage.
You can apply for an Opportunity Scholarship between February 1 and March 1 of each year. A separate application should be submitted for each student in the home, as scholarship awards are made by the student, not by the household.
Students who have received the scholarship in the past are prioritized and offered funding first. New qualifying applicants are selected for the scholarship award through a graduated lottery system. Applicants are assigned an “Award Tier” based on their total household income. Award Tier 1 includes students with the lowest household income. Scholarship selections are made by lottery in each tier level, starting with Award Tier 1, until all funds have been exhausted or all applicants awarded, whichever comes first.
Education Student Accounts (ESAs) Program
The NCSEAA Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Program is designed to support the unique educational needs of students with disabilities. The program helps to pay for tuition and fees at eligible private schools as well as for a wide range of education-related expenses, including therapy, curriculum and textbooks, tutoring, standardized testing, and technology.
The typical award amount under the ESA+ Program is $9,000. However, some students may receive additional funding (up to $17,000 total) based on their specific needs.
To qualify for ESA+ funding, your student must:
- Live in North Carolina
- Be at least 5 years old by August 31 (or at least 4 years old by April 16 and approved for Kindergarten enrollment)
- Not be graduated from high school or enrolled in a post-secondary institution full-time
- Have a disability that qualifies them for special education, as documented through an IEP Eligibility Determination by an NC public school.
Your student can request additional funding when one of the following is noted on their IEP Eligibility Determination as their primary or secondary disability:
- Autism
- Hearing Impairment
- Moderate or Severe Intellectual Disability
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Visual Impairment
While the NCSEAA Opportunity Scholarship is limited to students who are enrolled at least part-time in an eligible private school, ESA+ funding is also available to students who homeschool full-time.
As with the Opportunity Scholarship, applications are received between February 1 and March 1 of each year, a separate application should be submitted for each eligible student, and priority is given to students who have received ESA+ funding in the past.
Once awarded, the funds will be placed in an online account accessible through ClassWallet, a digital platform. All purchases, including allowable ESA+ products and services, must be made through that platform online.
The most up-to-date and accurate information about eligibility requirements, deadlines, and approved expenses can be found on the ESA+ program website.
How Much Does it Cost to Homeschool in North Carolina?
The cost to homeschool a child in North Carolina varies significantly. Your child’s educational needs and goals are as unique as they are. Some students (and their families) may thrive with a self-guided education, enrolling in a la carte class offerings (around $300+ per class) as needed.
For other families, a fully-designed grade-level homeschool program may be better suited to help them meet their child’s educational goals.
In either case, the funding available through the NCSEAA and its programs can help. These funds are critical to making homeschooling more accessible to families throughout North Carolina.
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Which Homeschool Programs Are Eligible for the North Carolina Scholarship Program?
NCSEAA funding through the ESA+ program can be used to pay for textbooks and homeschool curriculum, educational software and applications, online classes with live teachers, and even education-related subscriptions. That means that Bridgeway Academy’s full suite of programs and homeschool solutions qualifies for state-sponsored education funding in North Carolina.
Bridgeway Academy provides thoughtfully curated programs for homeschool students of all levels and learning styles. Our advanced learning options cater to students who excel beyond traditional public school offerings, while our specialized plans are designed for children who thrive with more time and a personalized approach. At Bridgeway, every student receives an education tailored to their unique strengths and interests.
Every new Bridgeway student starts with a thoughtful evaluation process, helping us to understand your child’s unique learning style and interests. With both self-paced and online courses, you have the ultimate flexibility in choosing when and how your child learns. Our accredited curriculum options can be curated and customized for students in pre-K, elementary, middle, and high school, and we even have options for dual-enrollment students
With one-on-one academic advisors, your child is never alone in their education, and we offer many opportunities for your child to engage with other students both locally and around the world. We also support you, giving you access to a robust community of like-minded parents and families.
Supporting Homeschoolers Through Financial Aid in North Carolina
With the financial support available through the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, homeschooling is even more affordable for many North Carolina families.
Bridgeway Academy has more than 40 years of experience supporting North Carolina parents in providing the best possible education for their children. In addition to our educational expertise, custom curriculum, and flexible learning options, our team can help you navigate the shift from public or private school to home. We handle credit transfers for a seamless transition and offer tailored onboarding to help keep your children on track.
To learn more about homeschooling in North Carolina and Bridgeway Academy’s programs for homeschooling families, call our Admissions Counselors toll-free at (800) 863-1474. You can also join our next virtual open house.
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