North Carolina Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Program for Children with Disabilities
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 North Carolina Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Program for Children with Disabilities provides eligible students the option to receive state funds to customize their education. Parents can use these accounts to access approved educational services, therapies, and resources to better meet their child’s individual needs.
Why this matters to families in North Carolina:
Some children need a learning environment that provides more personalized support than their assigned public school can offer. The North Carolina Education Student Accounts (ESA+) program helps families find a school and/or additional educational resources that better meet their child’s individual learning or developmental needs.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
ESA
North Carolina ESA+ program provides approximately $9,000 per eligible student. Students with certain additional designated disabilities received up to a higher award of approximately $17,000 for the year.
Who is eligible for this program?
A child with a disability who is eligible for special education, as documented by a North Carolina public school Individual Education Plan (IEP) Eligibility Determination is eligible to apply for North Carolina’s ESA+ program.
Additional eligibility requirements for the higher award include children who meet the criteria outlined above and have one of the following designated as the primary or secondary disability on the IEP:
- autism
- hearing impairment
- moderate or severe intellectual disability
- orthopedic impairment
- visual impairment
How can families use the funds?
Funds may be used for a variety of learning environments, including private schools, homeschools, or co-enrollment and for expenses such as speech therapy, tutoring services, and educational technology.
What are the program rules and requirements?
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- Residency: Applicants must be residents of North Carolina.
- Educational Status: At least 5 years old by August 31 or at least 4 by April 16 and approved for kindergarten according to State guidelines. Your child must also have not graduated from high school. And, your child has not enrolled in a post-secondary institution for more than 12 or more credit hours in a given semester. Lastly, the student must have a North Carolina public school Individual Education Plan (IEP).
School Requirements: Funds can be used at eligible private schools that meet state standards.
- Other North Carolina Education Scholarship Programs: Families may apply to both the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ programs provided the family and student meet the eligibility requirements.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the student meets residency and IEP requirements.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including proof residency and your child’s IEP from a North Carolina public school.
- Choose an Eligible School: Select a private school that participates in the program.
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the ESA+ site during the open enrollment period. If you miss the time period, you can sign up for a reminder email for the next enrollment period.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation.
Where can families learn more?
For other North Carolina School Choice Programs: Refer to our North Carolina State Summary.