Mississippi Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help or official support, visit the state’s program website. Program information verified using official state information.
How does this program work?
The Mississippi Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Program provides state funding to parents for children with special needs to help defray costs to attend private school or other specific allowable expenses to educate their student. This program aims to expand educational options for eligible children that best meet their educational needs.
Why this matters to families in Mississippi:
Some children need a learning environment that provides more personalized support than their assigned public school can offer. The Mississippi Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs program helps families find a school or other educational resources that better meet their child’s individual learning or developmental needs.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
ESA
The student funding amounts for this program are based on the child’s resident school district. The Mississippi Department of Education calculates the base cost annually each spring. The maximum reimbursement under this program can increase or decrease each year. Typical maximum amounts have recently ranged from $7,000 to $7,800. For the current amount, it is best to check the section “Understanding the ESA (Frequently Asked Questions)” by scrolling down the page.
The program awards funds on a first-come, first-served basis. After filling all awards, it places the remaining eligible applications on a waiting list. As funds become available, it awards ESAs in chronological order from the waitlist.
Who is eligible for this program?
To be eligible for the Mississippi Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Program, the student must:
- reside in Mississippi
- have been a K-12 student at a public school in Mississippi for at least one year
- have an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) within three (3) years from the date of application
Under the program, the definition of an active IEP is an IEP developed by the child’s local public school district. The IEP may also outline where the child received special education or related services. The child’s local public school district would need to conduct any reevaluation.
How can families use the funds?
Families can use the scholarship funds to cover tuition and fees at participating private or other approved educational service providers that meet the student’s special educational needs outlined in their IEP. You can review this list of allowable expenses under the Mississippi Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Program for more details.
To receive funds, the parent must submit a reimbursement request with proper documentation of itemized expenses incurred. The parent or the educational service provider (if approved by the parent) will receive funds on a quarterly basis. Parents who pay fees in full at the beginning of the school year will receive even distributions over the four school year quarters.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Students must be residents of Mississippi and have an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) from their local public school district within three (3) years from the date of application.
- Educational Status: Students must have attended a public school in Mississippi in grades K-12 for at least one year prior to the year of enrollment in the program.
- School Requirements: Funds can be used at eligible private schools that meet state standards.
- Other Important Requirements: Please refer to the information contained in “Understanding the ESA (Frequently Asked Questions)” section as there are more important requirements to be reviewed in order to determine eligibility for this program.
- Other Mississippi Education Scholarships: If you receive a scholarship through the Mississippi Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Program, you cannot also participate in the Mississippi Scholarship for Students with Dyslexia or the Mississippi Nate Rogers Speech Language Therapy Scholarship.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your child meets the residency, Mississippi public school and IEP requirements.
- Application Additional Requirements: Visit the Mississippi Department of Education site for more detailed information on how to apply for the program.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including copy of parent/legal guardian’s driver’s license or State issued identification, copy of child’s birth certificate, proof of residency, copy of child’s most recent IEP that was active within the last three (3) years, copy of child’s most recent eligibility and/or evaluation, and original signed “Responsibilities of Parent/Guardians” page with all boxes properly initialed.
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the Mississippi Department of Education site.
- Submit: To receive notification of award acceptance prior to the start of the school year, the best time to submit your application is from December through May (however you can apply throughout the school year). The program awards scholarships based on the availability of funds.
Where can families learn more?
For other Mississippi School Choice Programs: Refer to our Mississippi State Summary.