Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account
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 Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account (ESA) provides education savings accounts to eligible students with special needs. These accounts allow families to customize their child’s education by accessing approved private services, therapies, and educational resources using state funds.
Why this matters to families in Montana:
Some students require specialized services or therapies that are easier to access in a private school environment or through additional educational resources. The Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account program helps families choose a school or additional resources that can better support their child’s health and well-being.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
ESA
Montana calculates the funding amount for each student’s education savings account annually using the BASE aid formula. It is estimated to be around $6,000 for elementary students and $8,000 for high school students.
Who is eligible for this program?
To qualify for the Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity ESA, a student must possess an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and meet the IDEA definition of having special needs. Eligible students must also be Montana residents between the ages of 5 and 19. Also, the student must have attended a public school or been newly eligible to attend public school in the previous year.
How can families use the funds?
Families can use the Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account funds for a variety of eligible educational expenses, including:
- private school tuition
- curriculum materials
- textbooks
- educational therapies and services
- standardized test fees
- tutoring
- transportation costs
- approved technology devices
Refer to the Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Account program’s FAQ PDF for more information on eligible expenses.
Parents can request reimbursements monthly by submitting eligible expense receipts. Once submitted, the program reimburses the funds to the parents.
On your child’s 24th birthday, the student’s account is closed and any remaining funds in the student’s account are returned to the program.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Students must be residents of Montana.
- Educational Status: Students must be between the ages of 5 and 19 on September 10 of the ESA program year. The student must also have previously enrolled in a public school or are starting school in Montana. Lastly, the student has an active Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- School Requirements: Families can use funds at eligible private schools.
- Parent Agreement: Parents must sign an agreement to use funds for approved expenses, release the public school district from educational obligations, submit receipts, and comply with program rules.
How do families apply?
- Review the Program Details: Review the Parent Handbook which has important information.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the student meets residency requirements, has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and has been identified as having special needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) definition.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including IEP and other associated documentation.
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the Montana Office of Public Instruction site. Applications are open twice a year from May 1st to June 1st, and November 1st to December 1st. The application periods are open for one month.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation.
- Approval: Once approved, the Office of Public Instruction will establish an education savings account for your child and provide information on accessing and using the funds.
Where can families learn more?
For other Montana School Choice Programs: Refer to our Montana State Summary.