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WEST VIRGINIA: Hope Scholarship Program

ESA comparison by state Hits: 92
  • State: WEST VIRGINIA
  • PROGRAM OVERVIEW: PROGRAM OVERVIEW
  • Program Name:
    • Option name: Hope Scholarship 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://code.wvlegislature.gov/18-31/
  • Year Launched: 2022
  • Fund Administrator:
    • Option name: State Treasurer, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (a) There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special revenue fund designated and known as the West Virginia Hope Scholarship Program Fund. The fund shall be administered by the Treasurer and shall consist of funds transferred by the Department of Education in accordance with §18-9A-25 of this code. All interest and other returns derived from the deposit and investment of moneys in the Hope Scholarship Fund shall be credited to the fund. Any balance, including accrued interest and other returns, remaining in the fund at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the General Revenue Fund but shall remain in the fund and be expended as provided by this section.
  • Funding Mechanism:
    • Option name: Direct, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (e) Funds deposited in a student’s Hope Scholarship account, other than those funds expended on transportation services pursuant to §18-31-7(11) of this code, do not constitute taxable income to the parent or the Hope Scholarship student.
      (f) The board shall continue to make deposits into an eligible recipient’s Hope Scholarship account in accordance with the provisions of this section unless any of the following conditions have occurred:
  • Program Administrator (Gov't):
    • Option name: Hope Scholarship Board, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (a) The West Virginia Hope Scholarship Program shall be administered by the West Virginia Hope Scholarship Board.
  • Third Party Administrator: Student First Technologies
  • Role of DOE:
    • Option name: Rulemaking and data / enrollment tracking, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (e) The board, in consultation with the Department of Education, may adopt rules and policies to provide the least disruptive process for Hope Scholarship students who desire to stop receiving Hope Scholarship payments and return full-time to a public school.
      (f) The board, in consultation with the Department of Education, may adopt rules and policies for Hope Scholarship students who want to continue to receive services provided by a public school or district, including individual classes and extracurricular programs, in combination with an individualized instructional program. The board, in consultation with the Department of Education, shall ensure that any public school or school district providing such services receives the appropriate pro rata share of a student’s Hope Scholarship funds based on the percentage of total instruction provided to the student by the public school or school district. County boards shall charge tuition to Hope Scholarship students who enroll for services in a public school within the county. Hope Scholarship students who enroll for services part-time in public school shall not be included in net enrollment for state aid funding purposes under §18-9A-2 of this code. Nothing in this subsection prohibits a Hope Scholarship student from using the funds deposited in his or her account on both services provided by a public school or district and other qualifying expenses as provided for in §18-31-7 of this code.
  • Application Window/Dates:
    • Option name: Year-round, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      The Hope Scholarship Board will accept applications year-round, but the timing of submission of the original application for the program will determine the amount of the Hope Scholarship received for the student’s initial year of participation in the program.
  • Fund Disbursement Frequency:
    • Option name: Biannually on August 15 and January 15, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (d) The first deposit of Hope Scholarship funds into an eligible recipient account shall be subject to the execution of the parental agreement required by §18-31-5 of this code. Upon execution of the required parental agreement, and subject to the provisions of §18-31-9(e) of this code, one half of the total annually required deposit shall be made no later than August 15 of every year into an eligible recipient’s Hope Scholarship account, and one half of the total annually required deposit shall be made no later than January 15 of every year. Any funds remaining in a Hope Scholarship account at the end of the fiscal year may be carried over to the next fiscal year upon successful renewal of the account.
  • Average Per-Pupil Funding:
    • Option name: $4,299 , Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (b) The amount of Hope Scholarship funds made available to an eligible recipient on a yearly basis shall be equal to 100 percent of the prior year’s statewide average net state aid share allotted per pupil based on net enrollment adjusted for state aid purposes, subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section: Provided, That the amount of the funding to an eligible recipient who is awarded a Hope Scholarship account for less than a full fiscal year shall be prorated based on the portion of the fiscal year the eligible recipient is awarded the Hope Scholarship account. On or prior to the submission of the Department of Education’s budget request each year, the board shall notify the Department of Education of the total number of eligible Hope Scholarship applications received by the board, for purposes of facilitating the necessary transfer of moneys pursuant to §18-9A-25 of this code.
  • ELIGIBILITY: ELIGIBILITY
  • Income Limit:
    • Option name: None, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (5) “Eligible recipient” means a child who:
      (A) Is a resident of this state; and
      (B) Is enrolled full-time and attending a public elementary or secondary school program in this state for at least 45 calendar days during an instructional term at the time of application and until an award letter is issued by the board under §18-31-5(c) of this code, or enrolled full-time in a public elementary or secondary school program in this state for the entire instructional term the previous year, or is eligible at the time of application to enroll in a kindergarten program in this state pursuant to §18-8-1a of this code, except that if on July 1, 2024, the participation rate of the combined number of students in the Hope Scholarship Program and students eligible who have applied to participate in the Hope Scholarship program during the previous school year is less than five percent of net public school enrollment adjusted for state aid purposes for the previous school year, then, effective July 1, 2026, a child is considered to meet the requirements of this paragraph if he or she is enrolled, eligible to be enrolled, or required to be enrolled in a kindergarten program or public elementary or secondary school program in this state at the time of application;
  • Prior Year Public School Requirement:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (B) Is enrolled full-time and attending a public elementary or secondary school program in this state for at least 45 calendar days during an instructional term at the time of application and until an award letter is issued by the board under §18-31-5(c) of this code, or enrolled full-time in a public elementary or secondary school program in this state for the entire instructional term the previous year, or is eligible at the time of application to enroll in a kindergarten program in this state pursuant to §18-8-1a of this code, except that if on July 1, 2024, the participation rate of the combined number of students in the Hope Scholarship Program and students eligible who have applied to participate in the Hope Scholarship program during the previous school year is less than five percent of net public school enrollment adjusted for state aid purposes for the previous school year, then, effective July 1, 2026, a child is considered to meet the requirements of this paragraph if he or she is enrolled, eligible to be enrolled, or required to be enrolled in a kindergarten program or public elementary or secondary school program in this state at the time of application;
  • Geographic Limit:
    • Option name: Statewide, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (5) “Eligible recipient” means a child who:
      (A) Is a resident of this state; and
      (B) Is enrolled full-time and attending a public elementary or secondary school program in this state for at least 45 calendar days during an instructional term at the time of application and until an award letter is issued by the board under §18-31-5(c) of this code, or enrolled full-time in a public elementary or secondary school program in this state for the entire instructional term the previous year, or is eligible at the time of application to enroll in a kindergarten program in this state pursuant to §18-8-1a of this code, except that if on July 1, 2024, the participation rate of the combined number of students in the Hope Scholarship Program and students eligible who have applied to participate in the Hope Scholarship program during the previous school year is less than five percent of net public school enrollment adjusted for state aid purposes for the previous school year, then, effective July 1, 2026, a child is considered to meet the requirements of this paragraph if he or she is enrolled, eligible to be enrolled, or required to be enrolled in a kindergarten program or public elementary or secondary school program in this state at the time of application;
  • Additional Eligibility Check:
    • Option name: None, Option type: None, Option description:

      Section 49-10-1405 - Administration of IEA program by department
      (a) In administering the IEA program, the department shall:
      (1) Remit funds to a participating student's IEA account on at least a quarterly basis. Any funds awarded under this part shall be the entitlement of only the eligible student under the supervision of the student's parent. The maximum annual amount to which an eligible student is entitled under this part shall be equal to the amount representing the total funding allocation that the student generates under the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA). For the purpose of funding calculations, each eligible student who participates in the program shall be counted in the enrollment figures for the LEA in which the student resides and is zoned to attend. The IEA funds shall be subtracted from the state funds otherwise payable to the LEA;
      -2
      (A) Create a standard form that a parent of a student may submit to establish the student's eligibility for an IEA. The department shall make the application readily available to interested families through various sources, including the internet; and
      (B) In accordance with state board of education rules promulgated in consultation with the department of education and the department of health, create an application and approval process for nonpublic schools to become participating schools;
      (3) Establish application and participation timelines that shall maximize student and school participation;
      (4) Provide parents of participating students with a written explanation of the allowable uses of IEAs, the responsibilities of parents, and the duties of the department;
      (5) Develop and implement a process to notify parents of their child's potential eligibility to participate in the program and notify the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives on the process that the department develops pursuant to this subdivision (a)(5);
      (6) Adopt policies necessary for the administration of the IEA program, including:
      (A) Policies for conducting or contracting for random, quarterly, or annual reviews of accounts;
      (B) Policies for establishing or contracting for the establishment of an online anonymous fraud reporting service; and
      (C) Policies for establishing an anonymous telephone hotline for reporting fraud; and
      (7) Post on its website a list of participating schools for each school year, the grades taught in the school and other information that the department determines shall assist parents in selecting participating schools for their children.
      (b) The department may deduct an amount up to six percent (6%) from appropriations used to fund IEAs to cover the costs of overseeing the funds and administering the program.
      (c) In compliance with all state and federal student privacy laws, an LEA shall provide a participating school that has admitted an eligible student under this part with a complete copy of the student's school records in the possession of the LEA.
      T.C.A. § 49-10-1405
  • Homeschool Compatible:
    • Option name: Individualized Instruction Plan for home-based education, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (5) “Eligible recipient” means a child who:
      (A) Is a resident of this state; and
      (B) Is enrolled full-time and attending a public elementary or secondary school program in this state for at least 45 calendar days during an instructional term at the time of application and until an award letter is issued by the board under §18-31-5(c) of this code, or enrolled full-time in a public elementary or secondary school program in this state for the entire instructional term the previous year, or is eligible at the time of application to enroll in a kindergarten program in this state pursuant to §18-8-1a of this code, except that if on July 1, 2024, the participation rate of the combined number of students in the Hope Scholarship Program and students eligible who have applied to participate in the Hope Scholarship program during the previous school year is less than five percent of net public school enrollment adjusted for state aid purposes for the previous school year, then, effective July 1, 2026, a child is considered to meet the requirements of this paragraph if he or she is enrolled, eligible to be enrolled, or required to be enrolled in a kindergarten program or public elementary or secondary school program in this state at the time of application;
  • Enrollment Cap:
    • Option name: None, Option type: None, Option description:

      (a) To administer the program, the program manager may use up to the lesser of 5% or $2,500,000 of the funds the Legislature appropriates for the program.
  • Lottery:
    • Option name: None, Option type: None, Option description:

      (k) maintaining a protected internal waitlist of all eligible students who have applied to the program and are not yet scholarship students, including any student who removed the student's application from the waitlist; and
      (l) providing aggregate data regarding the number of scholarship students and the number of eligible students on the waitlist described in Subsection (1)(k).
  • Testing:
    • Option name: National (individualized instruction plan students only), Option type: Popup, Option description:

      (A) (i) He or she has annually taken a nationally normed standardized achievement test of academic achievement;

      (ii) Individualized instructional program (homeschool) students can have a certified teacher certify they made academic progress.
  • COSTS COVERED INCLUDE: COSTS COVERED INCLUDE:
  • Private School Tuition:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • Uniforms:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • Online Education:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • Education Therapies:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • Private Tutoring:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • Public School Services (Classes and/or Extracurricular):
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • Transportation:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • ESA Management Fees:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (a) A parent of an eligible student shall qualify to participate in the program if the parent signs an agreement promising:
      (1) To provide an education for the participating student in at least the subjects of English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science; and
      (2) Not to enroll the parent's eligible student in a public school during participation in the IEA program and to release the LEA in which the student resides and is zoned to attend from all obligations to educate the student. Participation in the program shall have the same effect as a parental refusal to consent to the receipt of services under 20 U.S.C. § 1414 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
      (b) Parents shall agree to use the funds deposited in a participating student's IEA for any, or any combination, of the following expenses of the participating student:
      (1) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (2) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements set by the department and the state board of education;
      (4) Payment for purchase of curriculum, including any supplemental materials required by the curriculum;
      (5) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (6) Tuition or fees for a nonpublic online learning program or course that meets the requirements set by the department and the state board of education;
      (7) Fees for nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement tests, Advanced Placement examinations, or any examinations related to college or university admission;
      (8) Contributions to a Coverdell education savings account established under 26 U.S.C. § 530 for the benefit of the participating student, except that funds used for elementary or secondary education expenses shall be for expenses otherwise allowed under this section;
      (9) Educational therapies or services provided by therapists that meet the requirements set by the department and the state board of education;
      (10) Services provided under a contract with a public school, including individual classes and extracurricular programs;
      (11) Tuition or fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (12) Textbooks required for courses at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (13) Fees for the management of the IEA by private financial management firms;
      (14) Computer hardware or other technological devices approved by the department or a licensed treating physician, if the computer hardware or other technological device is used for the student's educational needs; or
      (15) Contributions to an achieving a better life experience account in accordance with the ABLE Act, compiled in title 71, chapter 4, part 8, and the rules promulgated pursuant thereto, for the benefit of a participating student; provided, that the funds are used only for the student's education expenses subject to the rules established by the achieving a better life experience program and that the student meets the qualifications to participate in the achieving a better life experience program pursuant to the ABLE Act, and § 529A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. § 529A), as amended, and all rules, regulations, notices, and interpretations released by the United States department of treasury, including the internal revenue service.
      (c) Parents may make payments for the costs of educational programs and services not covered by the funds in their IEA.
      (d) A participating school shall notify the department whether the school provides inclusive educational settings. The department shall indicate those schools that provide inclusive educational settings in its posting of participating schools on its website under § 49-10-1405(a)(7).
      (e) For participating students in grades three through eight (3-8), a parent shall ensure that the student is annually administered either a nationally norm-referenced test identified by the department or the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests or any future replacements of the TCAP tests. The tests should, at a minimum, measure learning in mathematics and English language arts. Results of the testing shall be reported to the parent. Students with disabilities who would have participated in the alternate assessment, as determined on the student's IEP, are exempt from this requirement.
      (f) For purposes of continuity of educational attainment, a student who enrolls in the program shall remain eligible until the participating student returns to a public school, graduates from high school, or reaches twenty-two (22) years of age by August 15 for the next school year, whichever occurs first.
      (g) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(2), a participating student may return to the student's LEA at any time after enrolling in the program. Upon a participating student's return to the student's LEA, the student's IEA shall be closed, and any remaining funds shall be returned to the state treasurer to be placed in the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA) account of the education trust fund of 1992 under §§ 49-3-357 and 49-3-358.
      (h) Any funds remaining in a student's IEA upon graduation from high school may be used to attend or take courses from an eligible postsecondary institution, with qualifying expenses subject to the applicable conditions of subsection (b).
      (i) A participating student's IEA shall be closed, and any remaining funds shall be returned to the state treasurer to be placed in the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA) account of the education trust fund of 1992 under §§ 49-3-357 and 49-3-358, if a participating student graduates from a postsecondary institution, after a period of four (4) consecutive years after a student enrolls in a postsecondary institution, or after any period of four (4) consecutive years after high school graduation in which the student is not enrolled in an eligible postsecondary institution, whichever occurs first.
      (j) Funds received pursuant to this part do not constitute income taxable to the parent of the participating student or to the student under title 67, chapter 2. All contributions or distributions made to, or on behalf of, participating students pursuant to any IEA authorized by this part are exempt from all state and local taxation under title 67 or other state law.
  • 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: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • Curricula and Supplementary Materials:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • Computers/Technology:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • Testing Fees:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • Summer/Afterschool learning (not daycare):
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • College Savings Plan:
    • Option name: No, Option type: None, Option description:

      (a) A parent of an eligible student shall qualify to participate in the program if the parent signs an agreement promising:
      (1) To provide an education for the participating student in at least the subjects of English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science; and
      (2) Not to enroll the parent's eligible student in a public school during participation in the IEA program and to release the LEA in which the student resides and is zoned to attend from all obligations to educate the student. Participation in the program shall have the same effect as a parental refusal to consent to the receipt of services under 20 U.S.C. § 1414 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
      (b) Parents shall agree to use the funds deposited in a participating student's IEA for any, or any combination, of the following expenses of the participating student:
      (1) Tuition or fees at a participating school;
      (2) Textbooks required by a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility that meets the requirements set by the department and the state board of education;
      (4) Payment for purchase of curriculum, including any supplemental materials required by the curriculum;
      (5) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider;
      (6) Tuition or fees for a nonpublic online learning program or course that meets the requirements set by the department and the state board of education;
      (7) Fees for nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement tests, Advanced Placement examinations, or any examinations related to college or university admission;
      (8) Contributions to a Coverdell education savings account established under 26 U.S.C. § 530 for the benefit of the participating student, except that funds used for elementary or secondary education expenses shall be for expenses otherwise allowed under this section;
      (9) Educational therapies or services provided by therapists that meet the requirements set by the department and the state board of education;
      (10) Services provided under a contract with a public school, including individual classes and extracurricular programs;
      (11) Tuition or fees at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (12) Textbooks required for courses at an eligible postsecondary institution;
      (13) Fees for the management of the IEA by private financial management firms;
      (14) Computer hardware or other technological devices approved by the department or a licensed treating physician, if the computer hardware or other technological device is used for the student's educational needs; or
      (15) Contributions to an achieving a better life experience account in accordance with the ABLE Act, compiled in title 71, chapter 4, part 8, and the rules promulgated pursuant thereto, for the benefit of a participating student; provided, that the funds are used only for the student's education expenses subject to the rules established by the achieving a better life experience program and that the student meets the qualifications to participate in the achieving a better life experience program pursuant to the ABLE Act, and § 529A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. § 529A), as amended, and all rules, regulations, notices, and interpretations released by the United States department of treasury, including the internal revenue service.
      (c) Parents may make payments for the costs of educational programs and services not covered by the funds in their IEA.
      (d) A participating school shall notify the department whether the school provides inclusive educational settings. The department shall indicate those schools that provide inclusive educational settings in its posting of participating schools on its website under § 49-10-1405(a)(7).
      (e) For participating students in grades three through eight (3-8), a parent shall ensure that the student is annually administered either a nationally norm-referenced test identified by the department or the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP) tests or any future replacements of the TCAP tests. The tests should, at a minimum, measure learning in mathematics and English language arts. Results of the testing shall be reported to the parent. Students with disabilities who would have participated in the alternate assessment, as determined on the student's IEP, are exempt from this requirement.
      (f) For purposes of continuity of educational attainment, a student who enrolls in the program shall remain eligible until the participating student returns to a public school, graduates from high school, or reaches twenty-two (22) years of age by August 15 for the next school year, whichever occurs first.
      (g) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(2), a participating student may return to the student's LEA at any time after enrolling in the program. Upon a participating student's return to the student's LEA, the student's IEA shall be closed, and any remaining funds shall be returned to the state treasurer to be placed in the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA) account of the education trust fund of 1992 under §§ 49-3-357 and 49-3-358.
      (h) Any funds remaining in a student's IEA upon graduation from high school may be used to attend or take courses from an eligible postsecondary institution, with qualifying expenses subject to the applicable conditions of subsection (b).
      (i) A participating student's IEA shall be closed, and any remaining funds shall be returned to the state treasurer to be placed in the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA) account of the education trust fund of 1992 under §§ 49-3-357 and 49-3-358, if a participating student graduates from a postsecondary institution, after a period of four (4) consecutive years after a student enrolls in a postsecondary institution, or after any period of four (4) consecutive years after high school graduation in which the student is not enrolled in an eligible postsecondary institution, whichever occurs first.
      (j) Funds received pursuant to this part do not constitute income taxable to the parent of the participating student or to the student under title 67, chapter 2. All contributions or distributions made to, or on behalf of, participating students pursuant to any IEA authorized by this part are exempt from all state and local taxation under title 67 or other state law.
  • College Tuition/Fees:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • College Textbooks:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • CTE / Industry Credentials:
    • Option name: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.
  • 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: Yes, Option type: Popup, Option description:

      §18-31-7. Qualifying expenses for Hope Scholarship accounts.
      (a) Parents of a Hope Scholarship student shall agree to use the funds deposited in their student’s Hope Scholarship account only for the following qualifying expenses to educate the student:
      (1) Ongoing services provided by a public school district pursuant to §18-31-8(f) of this code, including without limitation, individual classes and extracurricular activities and programs;
      (2) Tuition and fees at a participating school;
      (3) Tutoring services provided by an individual or a tutoring facility: Provided, That such tutoring services are not provided by a member of the Hope Scholarship student’s immediate family;
      (4) Fees for nationally standardized assessments, advanced placement examinations, any examinations related to college or university admission, and tuition and/or fees for preparatory courses for the aforementioned exams;
      (5) Tuition and fees for programs of study or the curriculum of courses that lead to an industry-recognized credential that satisfies a workforce need;
      (6) Tuition and fees for nonpublic online learning programs;
      (7) Tuition and fees for alternative education programs;
      (8) Fees for after-school or summer education programs;
      (9) Educational services and therapies, including, but not limited to, occupational, behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology therapies;
      (10) Curriculum as defined in §18-31-2 of this code;
      (11) Fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider for the student to travel to and from an education service provider; and
      (12) Any other qualified expenses as approved by the board established pursuant to §18-31-3 of this code.
      (b) Hope Scholarship funds may only be used for educational purposes in accordance with subsection (a) of this section. Nothing in this section requires that a Hope Scholarship student be enrolled, full- or part-time, in either a private school or nonpublic online school.
      (c) Hope Scholarship funds may not be refunded, rebated, or shared with a parent or student in any manner. Any refund or rebate for goods or services purchased with Hope Scholarship funds shall be credited directly to a student’s Hope Scholarship account.
      (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the parents of a Hope Scholarship student from making payments for the costs of educational goods and services not covered by the funds in their student’s Hope Scholarship account. However, personal deposits into a Hope Scholarship account are not permitted.