114: ESAs 101: How Education Savings Accounts Can Support Your Homeschool Journey

written by: Elan Page

Homeschooling is beautiful and empowering. It gives us freedom to design an education that actually fits the specific needs of our children (and of our families).

But despite all its benefits, it’s not cheap.

Curriculum. Co-ops. Online classes. Field trips. Subscriptions. Printer ink. The laptop your child uses every single day. 

And if you’re raising a child who needs speech therapy, specialized tutoring, or educational support…the numbers can add up fast.

So if you’ve ever looked at your homeschool budget and thought, “I want to do all of this… but how are we going to afford it?” — then this is for you.

Because in some states across the U.S., there are funds specifically set aside for homeschool families like ours.

They’re called Education Savings Accounts, or ESAs, and they could potentially be a game changer for your family’s homeschool budget.

What Is an Education Savings Account (ESA)?

At its core, an ESA is a state-run program that provides eligible families with funds for approved educational expenses like:

• Curriculum
• Online classes
• Tutoring
• Educational therapy
• Testing
• Approved educational services

As of early 2026, around 18 states offer some form of ESA program, but each one varies:

• Different eligibility rules.
• Different award amounts.
• Different guidelines for what’s covered.

In order to see whether or not your family has access to ESA funds, the first step is always this: know what’s available in your state.

📌 Here’s my full at-a-glance ESA Resource Guide

And while this is a good place to start, I also want to make this practical. 

So let’s walk through what ESAs could actually mean for your family’s homeschool journey.

1) Financial Relief That Shifts Your Mindset

Let’s start with this simple exercise:

Grab a sheet of paper and write down every homeschool-related cost your family has (or likely will have)...every single one you can think of.

Of course, there are the more obvious ones: curriculum, textbooks, co-op dues, etc.

But now I want you to think about the less obvious ones…the ones you likely use day-to-day without even thinking about it: the printer ink, daily school supplies like paper and pencils, the devices your kids use for their work (and probably for gaming and other fun stuff too).

And just think about how it all adds up.

Now I want you to imagine living in a state where an ESA could potentially provide several thousand dollars per child, per year, that you could use toward those education costs.

And suddenly the internal question shifts from: “Can we afford this?”

to “Is this something my child could benefit from right now?”

That shift is powerful.

Because now you’re making decisions based on vision, not fear of going over budget.

One of the first things I teach inside my START framework is setting a clear homeschool vision. When you know where you're headed, money becomes a tool to accomplish the goals that you’ve set for your family — not an obstacle.

And ESAs can create breathing room for accomplishing those goals because breathing room allows you to invest with intention.

2) Personalization Over Replication

We are not homeschooling to simply recreate traditional school at home.

We’re embarking on this mission to design and education better suited to our children.

And ESAs can expand what’s possible.

For example, let’s say your child loves art. Not just casually, but deeply.

Instead of treating it like an afterthought or a side project your child only gets to do when there’s extra time, ESA funds might allow you to:

• Enroll them in a weekly virtual art class
• Purchase high-quality materials
• Register them for in-person workshops at a local studio

That’s education personalization.

Or maybe your child has ADHD, dyslexia, or sensory processing challenges, and the curriculum you chose just isn’t working.

But instead of feeling stuck, ESA funds might allow you to:

• Switch to a reading program better aligned to their needs
• Pay for occupational therapy
• Hire a specialized tutor to work with them one-on-one

That’s not indulgent. That’s being responsive to your child’s needs. And frankly, it’s a wise use of funds.

Personalization shouldn’t be thought of as a luxury. It’s a necessary element of your child’s education. 

3) Sustainability for Working Homeschool Moms

Now let’s talk about something we don’t shine enough light on…

Burnout is real.

Many of us are not just homeschooling…we’re doing multiple things: we’re working a full-time job or running a business. We’re managing our household. We’re giving back to our community.

So for most of us, the hardest part about homeschooling isn’t just lesson planning. It’s sustaining the energy to keep it all going.

And this is where ESAs can quietly become a game changer.

Imagine using ESA funds to:

• Enroll your child in a live virtual math class to lessen the burden on you.
• Register for in-person science labs that give your child real, hands-on experience.
• Join a co-op that provides structured enrichment and deeper engagement with peers.

The goal isn’t to outsource everything “just because”.

The goal here is strategic delegation so that your child gets:

• Quality instruction, even when your time and capacity are limited.
• And consistent peer interaction so that they don’t feel isolated.

In turn, you get margin and space that allow you to maintain excellence in your career and your homeschool without running yourself into the ground.

It’s what will help sustain you for the long haul.

Because when moms burn out, families quit homeschooling — not because it wasn’t right for them, but because they didn’t have enough support.

So if ESAs allow you to build a team around your child and around yourself, that’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.

What Might Change for You?

When you think about ESAs, I want you to think about three things:

1. Financial breathing room
2. Personalized education
3. Sustainability as a working homeschool mom

And if financial support were attached to your homeschool, what would change? What would you finally invest in? What would feel lighter? What could become possible for your family?

In states where they’re available, ESAs can be a powerful tool: one that, when aligned with your vision, can strengthen your homeschool foundation.

So don’t be afraid to dream a little. Homeschooling is already an act of courage.

And adding financial support to that courage could be a wise move that changes things significantly for your family.

🔎 ESA State-by-State Guide

Looking for detailed information about Education Savings Accounts in your state? This state-by-state ESA guide breaks down eligibility requirements, funding amounts, approved expenses, and official application links so you can clearly understand your homeschool funding options. Start here to see what ESA programs are available where you live.

💻 ESA Information Hub

Curious how Education Savings Accounts can be used for online homeschool classes? This Outschool ESA resource explains how ESA funds work on their platform, what types of classes qualify, and how families use ESA funding for live, interest-led learning. It’s a helpful next step if you’re exploring flexible, approved online class options.