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From the list of state programs below, you can choose up to three programs to compare. The results will show you a comprehensive overview of the particular policy features included in the design of the program.

With this tool, you can compare state programs, analyze program features, and make informed decisions.

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TENNESSEE: Education Savings Account Program

ESA comparison by state Hits: 87
  • State: TENNESSEE
  • PROGRAM OVERVIEW: PROGRAM OVERVIEW
  • Program Name:
    • Option name: Education Savings Account Pilot Program, Option type: Link, Option description:

      The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program is established to provide children of families in this state which have limited financial resources with educational options to achieve success in their education.

      , Option link: https://casetext.com/statute/tennessee-code/title-49-education/chapter-6-elementary-and-secondary-education/part-26-tennessee-education-savings-account-pilot-program
  • Year Launched: 2019
  • Fund Administrator:
    • Option name: Department of Education, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (A) There is established a school improvement fund to be administered by the department that, for the first three (3) fiscal years in which the program enrolls participating students and subject to appropriation, shall disburse an annual grant to each LEA to be used for school improvement in an amount equal to the ESA amount for participating students under the program who:
  • Funding Mechanism:
    • Option name: Direct, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (A) There is established a school improvement fund to be administered by the department that, for the first three (3) fiscal years in which the program enrolls participating students and subject to appropriation, shall disburse an annual grant to each LEA to be used for school improvement in an amount equal to the ESA amount for participating students under the program who:
  • Program Administrator (Gov't):
    • Option name: Department of Education, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (g) The department shall adopt policies or procedures necessary for the administration of the program, including, but not limited to, procedures for establishing, or contracting for the establishment of, an anonymous online fraud reporting service and telephone hotline, for reporting fraudulent activity related to ESAs, and for conducting or contracting for random, quarterly, or annual review of accounts.
  • Third Party Administrator: Student First Technologies
  • Role of DOE:
    • Option name: Program Administrator, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (g) The department shall adopt policies or procedures necessary for the administration of the program, including, but not limited to, procedures for establishing, or contracting for the establishment of, an anonymous online fraud reporting service and telephone hotline, for reporting fraudulent activity related to ESAs, and for conducting or contracting for random, quarterly, or annual review of accounts.
  • Application Window/Dates:
    • Option name: February 3 – July 1, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (B) An application process that provides a timeline, before the start of the school year for which an application is being submitted, when a parent of a student, or a student who has reached eighteen (18) years of age, as applicable, must submit an application to participate in the program. If the application is approved, then the student may participate in the program beginning with the school year identified in the application. If a participating student exits the program, then the student's parent, or the student, as applicable, may reapply to participate in the program in accordance with the application process and timeline established by the department under this subdivision (a)(2)(B);
  • Fund Disbursement Frequency:
    • Option name: Quarterly, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (1) For the purpose of funding calculations, each participating student must be counted in the enrollment figures for the LEA in which the participating student resides. The ESA funds for participating students must be subtracted from the state TISA funds otherwise payable to the LEA. The department shall remit funds to a participating student's ESA on at least a quarterly basis. Any funds awarded under this part are the entitlement of the participating student or legacy student, under the supervision of the participating student's or legacy student's parent if the participating student or legacy student is seventeen (17) years of age or younger.
  • Average Per-Pupil Funding:
    • Option name: $9,423.58 for Shelby and Davidson Counties and $9,346.05 for Hamilton County (2024-2025), Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (a) The maximum annual amount to which a participating student is entitled under the program must be equal to the amount representing the per pupil state and local funds generated and required through the TISA for the LEA in which the participating student resides, but must not exceed the combined statewide average of required state and local TISA allocations per pupil. The state board of education may promulgate rules to annually calculate and determine the combined statewide average of required state and local TISA allocations per pupil.
  • ELIGIBILITY: ELIGIBILITY
  • Income Limit:
    • Option name: ≤200% x FRL, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (D) Is a member of a household with an annual income for the previous year that does not exceed twice the federal income eligibility guidelines for free lunch;
  • Prior Year Public School Requirement:
    • Option name: Yes, with exceptions, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (3) "Eligible student" means a resident of this state who:
      (A)
      (i) Was previously enrolled in and attended a Tennessee public school for the one (1) full school year immediately preceding the school year for which the student receives an education savings account;
      (ii) Is eligible for the first time to enroll in a Tennessee school; or
      (iii) Received an education savings account in the previous school year;
      (iv) Was enrolled in and attended a Tennessee public school for one (1) full school year in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year; or
      (v) Was eligible for the first time to enroll in a Tennessee public school in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;
      (B) Is a student in any of the grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12);
      (C)
      (i) Is zoned to attend a school in an LEA, excluding the achievement school district (ASD), with five (5) or more schools:
      a Identified as priority schools in 2015, as defined by the state's accountability system pursuant to§ 49-1-602;
      b Among the bottom ten percent (10%) of schools, as identified by the department in 2017 in accordance with§ 49-1-602(b)(3);
      c Identified as priority schools in 2018, as defined by the state's accountability system pursuant to § 49-1-602; and
      d Identified as priority schools in 2021, as defined by the state's accountability system pursuant to § 49-1-602; or
      (ii) Is zoned to attend a school that is in the ASD on May 24, 2019; and
      (D) Is a member of a household with an annual income for the previous year that does not exceed twice the federal income eligibility guidelines for free lunch;
  • Geographic Limit:
    • Option name: Davidson, Hamilton, and Shelby Counties and schools in the Achievement School District, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (3) "Eligible student" means a resident of this state who:
      (A)
      (i) Was previously enrolled in and attended a Tennessee public school for the one (1) full school year immediately preceding the school year for which the student receives an education savings account;
      (ii) Is eligible for the first time to enroll in a Tennessee school; or
      (iii) Received an education savings account in the previous school year;
      (iv) Was enrolled in and attended a Tennessee public school for one (1) full school year in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year; or
      (v) Was eligible for the first time to enroll in a Tennessee public school in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;
      (B) Is a student in any of the grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12);
      (C)
      (i) Is zoned to attend a school in an LEA, excluding the achievement school district (ASD), with five (5) or more schools:
      a Identified as priority schools in 2015, as defined by the state's accountability system pursuant to§ 49-1-602;
      b Among the bottom ten percent (10%) of schools, as identified by the department in 2017 in accordance with§ 49-1-602(b)(3);
      c Identified as priority schools in 2018, as defined by the state's accountability system pursuant to § 49-1-602; and
      d Identified as priority schools in 2021, as defined by the state's accountability system pursuant to § 49-1-602; or
      (ii) Is zoned to attend a school that is in the ASD on May 24, 2019; and
      (D) Is a member of a household with an annual income for the previous year that does not exceed twice the federal income eligibility guidelines for free lunch;
  • Additional Eligibility Check:
    • Option name: Must enroll in private school, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (3) "Eligible student" means a resident of this state who:
      (A)
      (i) Was previously enrolled in and attended a Tennessee public school for the one (1) full school year immediately preceding the school year for which the student receives an education savings account;
      (ii) Is eligible for the first time to enroll in a Tennessee school; or
      (iii) Received an education savings account in the previous school year;
      (iv) Was enrolled in and attended a Tennessee public school for one (1) full school year in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year; or
      (v) Was eligible for the first time to enroll in a Tennessee public school in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;
      (B) Is a student in any of the grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12);
      (C)
      (i) Is zoned to attend a school in an LEA, excluding the achievement school district (ASD), with five (5) or more schools:
      a Identified as priority schools in 2015, as defined by the state's accountability system pursuant to§ 49-1-602;
      b Among the bottom ten percent (10%) of schools, as identified by the department in 2017 in accordance with§ 49-1-602(b)(3);
      c Identified as priority schools in 2018, as defined by the state's accountability system pursuant to § 49-1-602; and
      d Identified as priority schools in 2021, as defined by the state's accountability system pursuant to § 49-1-602; or
      (ii) Is zoned to attend a school that is in the ASD on May 24, 2019; and
      (D) Is a member of a household with an annual income for the previous year that does not exceed twice the federal income eligibility guidelines for free lunch;
  • Homeschool Compatible:
    • Option name: No, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (1) Ensure the provision of an education for the participating student that satisfies the compulsory school attendance requirement provided in § 49-6-3001(c)(1) through enrollment in a private school, as defined in § 49-6-3001(c)(3)(A)(iii), that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board for a Category I, II, or III private school;
  • Enrollment Cap:
    • Option name: 15,000 for 2025-2026 , Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (1) For the first school year of operation, five thousand (5,000) students;
      (2) For the second school year of operation, seven thousand five hundred (7,500) students;
      (3) For the third school year of operation, ten thousand (10,000) students;
      (4) For the fourth school year of operation, twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) students; and
      (5) For the fifth school year of operation, and for each school year thereafter, fifteen thousand (15,000) students.
  • Lottery:
    • Option name: Waitlist, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (e) If, in the application period for a school year, the number of program applications received by the department exceeds the maximum number of students that may participate in the program for that school year under subsection (c), then the department shall select students for participation in the program through an enrollment lottery process. Students who participated in the program in the previous school year receive enrollment preference and, as a result, are excluded from entering into an enrollment lottery. If an enrollment lottery is conducted, then enrollment preference must be granted in the following order:
  • Testing:
    • Option name: State, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (1) As a condition of participating in the program, participating students in grades three through eleven (3-11) must be annually administered the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests for math and English language arts, or successor tests authorized by the state board of education for math and English language arts.
      (2) For participating students enrolled full-time in a participating school, the participating school shall annually administer the tests required in subdivision (a)(1) to participating students.
      (3) For participating students seventeen (17) years of age or younger who are not enrolled full-time in a participating school, the participating student's parent must ensure that the participating student is annually administered the tests required in subdivision (a)(1). A participating student who has reached the age of eighteen (18) and who is not enrolled full-time in a participating school must ensure that the participating student is annually administered the tests required in subdivision (a)(1).
  • COSTS COVERED INCLUDE: COSTS COVERED INCLUDE:
  • Private School Tuition:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (4) Only use the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA for one (1) or more of the following expenses of the student:
      (A) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (B) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (C) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board;
      (D) Fees for transportation to and from a participating school or educational provider paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (E) Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission;
      (F) Computer hardware, technological devices, or other technology fees approved by the department, if the computer hardware, technological device, or technology fee is used for the student's educational needs and is purchased through a participating school, private school, or provider;
      (G) School uniforms, if required by a participating school;
      (H) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, as approved by the department, which do not include afterschool childcare;
      (I) Tuition and fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (J) Textbooks required by an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (K) Educational therapy services provided by therapists that meet the requirements established by the department and the state board; or
      (L) Fees for the management of the ESA by a private or nonprofit financial management organization, as approved by the department. The fees must not exceed two percent (2%) of the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA in a fiscal year; and
  • Uniforms:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (4) Only use the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA for one (1) or more of the following expenses of the student:
      (A) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (B) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (C) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board;
      (D) Fees for transportation to and from a participating school or educational provider paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (E) Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission;
      (F) Computer hardware, technological devices, or other technology fees approved by the department, if the computer hardware, technological device, or technology fee is used for the student's educational needs and is purchased through a participating school, private school, or provider;
      (G) School uniforms, if required by a participating school;
      (H) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, as approved by the department, which do not include afterschool childcare;
      (I) Tuition and fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (J) Textbooks required by an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (K) Educational therapy services provided by therapists that meet the requirements established by the department and the state board; or
      (L) Fees for the management of the ESA by a private or nonprofit financial management organization, as approved by the department. The fees must not exceed two percent (2%) of the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA in a fiscal year; and
  • Online Education:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
      (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
      (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
      (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
      (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
      (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
      (f) fees for approved:
      (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
      (2) industry certification exams; or
      (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
      (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
      (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
      (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
      (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
      (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
      (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
  • Education Therapies:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (4) Only use the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA for one (1) or more of the following expenses of the student:
      (A) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (B) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (C) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board;
      (D) Fees for transportation to and from a participating school or educational provider paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (E) Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission;
      (F) Computer hardware, technological devices, or other technology fees approved by the department, if the computer hardware, technological device, or technology fee is used for the student's educational needs and is purchased through a participating school, private school, or provider;
      (G) School uniforms, if required by a participating school;
      (H) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, as approved by the department, which do not include afterschool childcare;
      (I) Tuition and fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (J) Textbooks required by an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (K) Educational therapy services provided by therapists that meet the requirements established by the department and the state board; or
      (L) Fees for the management of the ESA by a private or nonprofit financial management organization, as approved by the department. The fees must not exceed two percent (2%) of the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA in a fiscal year; and
  • Private Tutoring:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (4) Only use the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA for one (1) or more of the following expenses of the student:
      (A) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (B) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (C) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board;
      (D) Fees for transportation to and from a participating school or educational provider paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (E) Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission;
      (F) Computer hardware, technological devices, or other technology fees approved by the department, if the computer hardware, technological device, or technology fee is used for the student's educational needs and is purchased through a participating school, private school, or provider;
      (G) School uniforms, if required by a participating school;
      (H) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, as approved by the department, which do not include afterschool childcare;
      (I) Tuition and fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (J) Textbooks required by an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (K) Educational therapy services provided by therapists that meet the requirements established by the department and the state board; or
      (L) Fees for the management of the ESA by a private or nonprofit financial management organization, as approved by the department. The fees must not exceed two percent (2%) of the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA in a fiscal year; and
  • Public School Services (Classes and/or Extracurricular):
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
      (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
      (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
      (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
      (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
      (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
      (f) fees for approved:
      (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
      (2) industry certification exams; or
      (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
      (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
      (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
      (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
      (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
      (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
      (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
  • Transportation:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (4) Only use the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA for one (1) or more of the following expenses of the student:
      (A) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (B) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (C) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board;
      (D) Fees for transportation to and from a participating school or educational provider paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (E) Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission;
      (F) Computer hardware, technological devices, or other technology fees approved by the department, if the computer hardware, technological device, or technology fee is used for the student's educational needs and is purchased through a participating school, private school, or provider;
      (G) School uniforms, if required by a participating school;
      (H) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, as approved by the department, which do not include afterschool childcare;
      (I) Tuition and fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (J) Textbooks required by an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (K) Educational therapy services provided by therapists that meet the requirements established by the department and the state board; or
      (L) Fees for the management of the ESA by a private or nonprofit financial management organization, as approved by the department. The fees must not exceed two percent (2%) of the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA in a fiscal year; and
  • ESA Management Fees:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (4) Only use the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA for one (1) or more of the following expenses of the student:
      (A) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (B) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (C) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board;
      (D) Fees for transportation to and from a participating school or educational provider paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (E) Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission;
      (F) Computer hardware, technological devices, or other technology fees approved by the department, if the computer hardware, technological device, or technology fee is used for the student's educational needs and is purchased through a participating school, private school, or provider;
      (G) School uniforms, if required by a participating school;
      (H) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, as approved by the department, which do not include afterschool childcare;
      (I) Tuition and fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (J) Textbooks required by an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (K) Educational therapy services provided by therapists that meet the requirements established by the department and the state board; or
      (L) Fees for the management of the ESA by a private or nonprofit financial management organization, as approved by the department. The fees must not exceed two percent (2%) of the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA in a fiscal year; and
  • Fees for Choice Navigator:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (b) Program funds awarded to a student with a disability determined eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) may be used for the following purposes:
      1. Instructional materials, including digital devices, digital periphery devices, and assistive technology devices that allow a student to access instruction or instructional content and training on the use of and maintenance agreements for these devices.
      2. Curriculum as defined in subsection (2).
      3. Specialized services by approved providers or by a hospital in this state which are selected by the parent. These specialized services may include, but are not limited to:
      a. Applied behavior analysis services as provided in ss. 627.6686 and 641.31098.
      b. Services provided by speech-language pathologists as defined in s. 468.1125(8).
      c. Occupational therapy as defined in s. 468.203.
      d. Services provided by physical therapists as defined in s. 486.021(8).
      e. Services provided by listening and spoken language specialists and an appropriate acoustical environment for a child who has a hearing impairment, including deafness, and who has received an implant or assistive hearing device.
      4. Tuition and fees associated with full-time or part-time enrollment in a home education program; an eligible private school; an eligible postsecondary educational institution or a program offered by the postsecondary educational institution, unless the program is subject to s. 1009.25 or reimbursed pursuant to s. 1009.30; an approved preapprenticeship program as defined in s. 446.021(5) which is not subject to s. 1009.25 and complies with all applicable requirements of the department pursuant to chapter 1005; a private tutoring program authorized under s. 1002.43; a virtual program offered by a department-approved private online provider that meets the provider qualifications specified in s. 1002.45(2)(a); the Florida Virtual School as a private paying student; or an approved online course offered pursuant to s. 1003.499 or s. 1004.0961.
      5. Fees for nationally standardized, norm-referenced achievement tests, Advanced Placement Examinations, industry certification examinations, assessments related to postsecondary education, or other assessments.
      6. Contributions to the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program pursuant to s. 1009.98 or the Florida College Savings Program pursuant to s. 1009.981 for the benefit of the eligible student.
      7. Contracted services provided by a public school or school district, including classes. A student who receives services under a contract under this paragraph is not considered enrolled in a public school for eligibility purposes as specified in subsection (6) but rather attending a public school on a part-time basis as authorized under s. 1002.44.
      8. Tuition and fees for part-time tutoring services or fees for services provided by a choice navigator. Such services must be provided by a person who holds a valid Florida educator’s certificate pursuant to s. 1012.56, a person who holds an adjunct teaching certificate pursuant to s. 1012.57, a person who has a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in the subject area in which instruction is given, a person who has demonstrated a mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to s. 1012.56(5), or a person certified by a nationally or internationally recognized research-based training program as approved by the department. As used in this subparagraph, the term “part-time tutoring services” does not qualify as regular school attendance as defined in s. 1003.01(16)(e).
      9. Fees for specialized summer education programs.
      10. Fees for specialized after-school education programs.
      11. Transition services provided by job coaches.
      12. Fees for an annual evaluation of educational progress by a state-certified teacher under s. 1002.41(1)(f), if this option is chosen for a home education student.
      13. Tuition and fees associated with programs offered by Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program providers approved pursuant to s. 1002.55 and school readiness providers approved pursuant to s. 1002.88.
      14. Fees for services provided at a center that is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.
      15. Fees for services provided by a therapist who is certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or credentialed by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc.
  • Textbooks:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (4) Only use the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA for one (1) or more of the following expenses of the student:
      (A) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (B) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (C) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board;
      (D) Fees for transportation to and from a participating school or educational provider paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (E) Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission;
      (F) Computer hardware, technological devices, or other technology fees approved by the department, if the computer hardware, technological device, or technology fee is used for the student's educational needs and is purchased through a participating school, private school, or provider;
      (G) School uniforms, if required by a participating school;
      (H) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, as approved by the department, which do not include afterschool childcare;
      (I) Tuition and fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (J) Textbooks required by an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (K) Educational therapy services provided by therapists that meet the requirements established by the department and the state board; or
      (L) Fees for the management of the ESA by a private or nonprofit financial management organization, as approved by the department. The fees must not exceed two percent (2%) of the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA in a fiscal year; and
  • Curricula and Supplementary Materials:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
      (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
      (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
      (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
      (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
      (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
      (f) fees for approved:
      (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
      (2) industry certification exams; or
      (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
      (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
      (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
      (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
      (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
      (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
      (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.
  • Computers/Technology:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (4) Only use the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA for one (1) or more of the following expenses of the student:
      (A) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (B) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (C) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board;
      (D) Fees for transportation to and from a participating school or educational provider paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (E) Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission;
      (F) Computer hardware, technological devices, or other technology fees approved by the department, if the computer hardware, technological device, or technology fee is used for the student's educational needs and is purchased through a participating school, private school, or provider;
      (G) School uniforms, if required by a participating school;
      (H) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, as approved by the department, which do not include afterschool childcare;
      (I) Tuition and fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (J) Textbooks required by an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (K) Educational therapy services provided by therapists that meet the requirements established by the department and the state board; or
      (L) Fees for the management of the ESA by a private or nonprofit financial management organization, as approved by the department. The fees must not exceed two percent (2%) of the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA in a fiscal year; and
  • Testing Fees:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (4) Only use the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA for one (1) or more of the following expenses of the student:
      (A) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (B) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (C) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board;
      (D) Fees for transportation to and from a participating school or educational provider paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (E) Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission;
      (F) Computer hardware, technological devices, or other technology fees approved by the department, if the computer hardware, technological device, or technology fee is used for the student's educational needs and is purchased through a participating school, private school, or provider;
      (G) School uniforms, if required by a participating school;
      (H) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, as approved by the department, which do not include afterschool childcare;
      (I) Tuition and fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (J) Textbooks required by an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (K) Educational therapy services provided by therapists that meet the requirements established by the department and the state board; or
      (L) Fees for the management of the ESA by a private or nonprofit financial management organization, as approved by the department. The fees must not exceed two percent (2%) of the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA in a fiscal year; and
  • Summer/Afterschool learning (not daycare):
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (4) Only use the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA for one (1) or more of the following expenses of the student:
      (A) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (B) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (C) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board;
      (D) Fees for transportation to and from a participating school or educational provider paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (E) Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission;
      (F) Computer hardware, technological devices, or other technology fees approved by the department, if the computer hardware, technological device, or technology fee is used for the student's educational needs and is purchased through a participating school, private school, or provider;
      (G) School uniforms, if required by a participating school;
      (H) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, as approved by the department, which do not include afterschool childcare;
      (I) Tuition and fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (J) Textbooks required by an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (K) Educational therapy services provided by therapists that meet the requirements established by the department and the state board; or
      (L) Fees for the management of the ESA by a private or nonprofit financial management organization, as approved by the department. The fees must not exceed two percent (2%) of the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA in a fiscal year; and
  • College Savings Plan:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (b) Program funds awarded to a student with a disability determined eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) may be used for the following purposes:
      1. Instructional materials, including digital devices, digital periphery devices, and assistive technology devices that allow a student to access instruction or instructional content and training on the use of and maintenance agreements for these devices.
      2. Curriculum as defined in subsection (2).
      3. Specialized services by approved providers or by a hospital in this state which are selected by the parent. These specialized services may include, but are not limited to:
      a. Applied behavior analysis services as provided in ss. 627.6686 and 641.31098.
      b. Services provided by speech-language pathologists as defined in s. 468.1125(8).
      c. Occupational therapy as defined in s. 468.203.
      d. Services provided by physical therapists as defined in s. 486.021(8).
      e. Services provided by listening and spoken language specialists and an appropriate acoustical environment for a child who has a hearing impairment, including deafness, and who has received an implant or assistive hearing device.
      4. Tuition and fees associated with full-time or part-time enrollment in a home education program; an eligible private school; an eligible postsecondary educational institution or a program offered by the postsecondary educational institution, unless the program is subject to s. 1009.25 or reimbursed pursuant to s. 1009.30; an approved preapprenticeship program as defined in s. 446.021(5) which is not subject to s. 1009.25 and complies with all applicable requirements of the department pursuant to chapter 1005; a private tutoring program authorized under s. 1002.43; a virtual program offered by a department-approved private online provider that meets the provider qualifications specified in s. 1002.45(2)(a); the Florida Virtual School as a private paying student; or an approved online course offered pursuant to s. 1003.499 or s. 1004.0961.
      5. Fees for nationally standardized, norm-referenced achievement tests, Advanced Placement Examinations, industry certification examinations, assessments related to postsecondary education, or other assessments.
      6. Contributions to the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program pursuant to s. 1009.98 or the Florida College Savings Program pursuant to s. 1009.981 for the benefit of the eligible student.
      7. Contracted services provided by a public school or school district, including classes. A student who receives services under a contract under this paragraph is not considered enrolled in a public school for eligibility purposes as specified in subsection (6) but rather attending a public school on a part-time basis as authorized under s. 1002.44.
      8. Tuition and fees for part-time tutoring services or fees for services provided by a choice navigator. Such services must be provided by a person who holds a valid Florida educator’s certificate pursuant to s. 1012.56, a person who holds an adjunct teaching certificate pursuant to s. 1012.57, a person who has a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in the subject area in which instruction is given, a person who has demonstrated a mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to s. 1012.56(5), or a person certified by a nationally or internationally recognized research-based training program as approved by the department. As used in this subparagraph, the term “part-time tutoring services” does not qualify as regular school attendance as defined in s. 1003.01(16)(e).
      9. Fees for specialized summer education programs.
      10. Fees for specialized after-school education programs.
      11. Transition services provided by job coaches.
      12. Fees for an annual evaluation of educational progress by a state-certified teacher under s. 1002.41(1)(f), if this option is chosen for a home education student.
      13. Tuition and fees associated with programs offered by Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program providers approved pursuant to s. 1002.55 and school readiness providers approved pursuant to s. 1002.88.
      14. Fees for services provided at a center that is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.
      15. Fees for services provided by a therapist who is certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or credentialed by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc.
  • College Tuition/Fees:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (4) Only use the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA for one (1) or more of the following expenses of the student:
      (A) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (B) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (C) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board;
      (D) Fees for transportation to and from a participating school or educational provider paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (E) Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission;
      (F) Computer hardware, technological devices, or other technology fees approved by the department, if the computer hardware, technological device, or technology fee is used for the student's educational needs and is purchased through a participating school, private school, or provider;
      (G) School uniforms, if required by a participating school;
      (H) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, as approved by the department, which do not include afterschool childcare;
      (I) Tuition and fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (J) Textbooks required by an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (K) Educational therapy services provided by therapists that meet the requirements established by the department and the state board; or
      (L) Fees for the management of the ESA by a private or nonprofit financial management organization, as approved by the department. The fees must not exceed two percent (2%) of the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA in a fiscal year; and
  • College Textbooks:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (4) Only use the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA for one (1) or more of the following expenses of the student:
      (A) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (B) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (C) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements established by the department and the state board;
      (D) Fees for transportation to and from a participating school or educational provider paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (E) Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses and examinations required for college admission;
      (F) Computer hardware, technological devices, or other technology fees approved by the department, if the computer hardware, technological device, or technology fee is used for the student's educational needs and is purchased through a participating school, private school, or provider;
      (G) School uniforms, if required by a participating school;
      (H) Tuition and fees for summer education programs and specialized afterschool education programs, as approved by the department, which do not include afterschool childcare;
      (I) Tuition and fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (J) Textbooks required by an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (K) Educational therapy services provided by therapists that meet the requirements established by the department and the state board; or
      (L) Fees for the management of the ESA by a private or nonprofit financial management organization, as approved by the department. The fees must not exceed two percent (2%) of the funds deposited in a participating student's ESA in a fiscal year; and
  • CTE / Industry Credentials:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (b) Program funds awarded to a student with a disability determined eligible pursuant to paragraph (3)(b) may be used for the following purposes:
      1. Instructional materials, including digital devices, digital periphery devices, and assistive technology devices that allow a student to access instruction or instructional content and training on the use of and maintenance agreements for these devices.
      2. Curriculum as defined in subsection (2).
      3. Specialized services by approved providers or by a hospital in this state which are selected by the parent. These specialized services may include, but are not limited to:
      a. Applied behavior analysis services as provided in ss. 627.6686 and 641.31098.
      b. Services provided by speech-language pathologists as defined in s. 468.1125(8).
      c. Occupational therapy as defined in s. 468.203.
      d. Services provided by physical therapists as defined in s. 486.021(8).
      e. Services provided by listening and spoken language specialists and an appropriate acoustical environment for a child who has a hearing impairment, including deafness, and who has received an implant or assistive hearing device.
      4. Tuition and fees associated with full-time or part-time enrollment in a home education program; an eligible private school; an eligible postsecondary educational institution or a program offered by the postsecondary educational institution, unless the program is subject to s. 1009.25 or reimbursed pursuant to s. 1009.30; an approved preapprenticeship program as defined in s. 446.021(5) which is not subject to s. 1009.25 and complies with all applicable requirements of the department pursuant to chapter 1005; a private tutoring program authorized under s. 1002.43; a virtual program offered by a department-approved private online provider that meets the provider qualifications specified in s. 1002.45(2)(a); the Florida Virtual School as a private paying student; or an approved online course offered pursuant to s. 1003.499 or s. 1004.0961.
      5. Fees for nationally standardized, norm-referenced achievement tests, Advanced Placement Examinations, industry certification examinations, assessments related to postsecondary education, or other assessments.
      6. Contributions to the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program pursuant to s. 1009.98 or the Florida College Savings Program pursuant to s. 1009.981 for the benefit of the eligible student.
      7. Contracted services provided by a public school or school district, including classes. A student who receives services under a contract under this paragraph is not considered enrolled in a public school for eligibility purposes as specified in subsection (6) but rather attending a public school on a part-time basis as authorized under s. 1002.44.
      8. Tuition and fees for part-time tutoring services or fees for services provided by a choice navigator. Such services must be provided by a person who holds a valid Florida educator’s certificate pursuant to s. 1012.56, a person who holds an adjunct teaching certificate pursuant to s. 1012.57, a person who has a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree in the subject area in which instruction is given, a person who has demonstrated a mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to s. 1012.56(5), or a person certified by a nationally or internationally recognized research-based training program as approved by the department. As used in this subparagraph, the term “part-time tutoring services” does not qualify as regular school attendance as defined in s. 1003.01(16)(e).
      9. Fees for specialized summer education programs.
      10. Fees for specialized after-school education programs.
      11. Transition services provided by job coaches.
      12. Fees for an annual evaluation of educational progress by a state-certified teacher under s. 1002.41(1)(f), if this option is chosen for a home education student.
      13. Tuition and fees associated with programs offered by Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program providers approved pursuant to s. 1002.55 and school readiness providers approved pursuant to s. 1002.88.
      14. Fees for services provided at a center that is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.
      15. Fees for services provided by a therapist who is certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists or credentialed by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc.
  • Insurance Premiums / Surety Bonds:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (3) Use the scholarship funds deposited into a personal education student account only for the following qualifying education expenses of the eligible student: 
      a. Tuition and fees for a G.S. 115C-562.5 compliant school, disbursed as provided in subdivision (1) of subsection (a1) of this section. 
      b. Textbooks required by a nonpublic school. 
      c. Tutoring and teaching services provided by an individual or facility accredited by a State, regional, or national accrediting organization. 
      d. Curricula. 
      e. Fees for nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement tests, advanced placement tests, or nationally recognized college entrance exams. 
      f. Fees charged to the account holder for the management of the PESA. 
      g. Fees for services provided by a public school, including individual classes and extracurricular programs. 
      h. Premiums charged to the account holder for any insurance or surety bonds required by the Authority. 
      i. Educational therapies from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider. 
      j. Educational technology defined by the Authority as approved for use pursuant to G.S. 115C-591(2a). 
      k. Student transportation, pursuant to a contract with an entity that regularly provides student transportation, to and from (i) a provider of education or related services or (ii) an education activity. 
      l. Transaction or merchant fees charged to the account holder, not to exceed two and one-half percent (2.5%) of the cost of the item or service. 
      (3a) Use of scholarship funds for reimbursement of tuition. - Notwithstanding sub-subdivision a. of subdivision (3) of this subsection, a parent of an eligible student may pay tuition to Part 1 or 2 nonpublic schools that are not G.S. 115C-562.5compliant schools with funds other than funds available in the personal education student account and then request reimbursement from the Authority from scholarship funds if the parent complies with the provisions of subdivision (2) of subsection (a1) of this section. 
      (4) Not use scholarship funds for any of the following purposes: 
      a. Computer hardware or other technological devices not defined by the Authority as educational technology approved for use pursuant to G.S. 115C-591(2a). 
      b. Consumable educational supplies, including paper, pen, or markers. 
      c. Tuition and fees at an institution of higher education, as defined in G.S. 116-143.1, or a private postsecondary institution. 
      d. Tuition and fees for a nonpublic school that meets the requirements of Part 3 of Article 39 of this Chapter. 
  • Other Approved by Admin:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (13) "Qualifying expense" means:
      (a) tuition and fees of an education service provider;
      (b) textbooks, curriculum, or other instructional materials including, but not limited to, any supplemental materials or associated online instruction required by either a curriculum or an education service provider;
      (c) tutoring services approved by the department;
      (d) computer hardware or other technological devices that are used primarily for a scholarship student's educational needs and approved by the department or a licensed physician;
      (e) tuition and fees for an approved nonpublic online education service provider or course;
      (f) fees for approved:
      (1) national norm-referenced examinations, advanced placement examinations, or similar assessments;
      (2) industry certification exams; or
      (3) examinations related to college or university admission;
      (g) educational services for pupils with disabilities from a licensed or accredited practitioner or provider including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, and speech-language therapies;
      (h) approved contracted services from a public school district, including individual classes, after school tutoring services, transportation, or fees or costs associated with participation in extracurricular activities;
      (i) contracted teaching services and education classes approved by the department;
      (j) fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the scholarship student to travel to and from an eligible provider as defined in this section, but not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars for each school year;
      (k) fees for ESTF account management by private financial management firms approved by the department; or
      (l) any other educational expense approved by the department.