Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are transforming the way families homeschool. Instead of squeezing every dollar, parents in ESA‑supported states can use state‑allocated funds to purchase high‑quality curriculum — including ShillerLearning’s Montessori‑inspired math and language arts kits.
But ESA programs vary widely. Some states use ClassWallet, others use Odyssey, and each has its own rules, approved vendors, and application process.
This guide gives you a clear, parent‑friendly overview so you can confidently navigate your state’s program.
Important: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Always check with your ESA program or a qualified professional before taking action.
⭐ What ESAs Are — and Why Homeschoolers Love Them
An ESA is essentially a state‑funded education account that lets families choose the curriculum and services that best fit their child. Think of it as a customizable education budget you control.
Depending on the state, ESA funds can often be used for:
- Curriculum (including ShillerLearning kits)
- Instructional materials
- Educational software
- Tutoring or therapy
- Assessments
- Some enrichment programs
The key is that purchases must be instructional, not general household or school supplies.
⭐ ESA Platforms: ClassWallet and Odyssey
Most ESA states use one of two platforms to manage funds:
ClassWallet
ClassWallet acts like a secure purchasing hub. Families can shop approved vendors directly or submit receipts for reimbursement.
States using ClassWallet for ESA programs include:
| State | Program Name | Application Link |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) | https://www.azed.gov/esa |
| Florida | Family Empowerment Scholarship – Unique Abilities | https://www.stepupforstudents.org |
| Indiana | Education Scholarship Account |
https://www.in.gov/doe/students/indiana-education-scholarship-account-program (in.gov in Bing)
|
| Mississippi | ESA Program | https://www.mdek12.org/OSE/ESA |
| New Hampshire | Education Freedom Accounts |
https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/learner-support-division-bureaus/education-freedom-accounts (education.nh.gov in Bing)
|
| North Carolina | Personal Education Student Accounts (PESA) |
https://www.ncseaa.edu/k12/personal-education-student-accounts-for-children-with-disabilities (ncseaa.edu in Bing)
|
| Tennessee | ESA Program | https://www.tn.gov/education/esa.html |
| West Virginia | Hope Scholarship | https://www.hopescholarshipwv.com |
Note: Some states use ClassWallet only for reimbursements; others use it for direct purchasing. ShillerLearning is both a Direct Pay and Marketplace vendor in most states.
Odyssey
Odyssey is a newer ESA marketplace platform where families shop from approved vendors inside a curated catalog.
States using Odyssey include:
| State | Program Name | Application Link |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | Students First ESA |
https://educateiowa.gov/pk-12/students-first-education-savings-accounts (educateiowa.gov in Bing)
|
| Kansas | Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP) | https://www.keep.ks.gov |
| Ohio | ACE (Afterschool Child Enrichment) | https://education.ohio.gov/OhioACE |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit (Odyssey marketplace used for some vendors) |
https://www.ok.gov/tax/individuals/parental-choice-tax-credit.html (ok.gov in Bing)
|
| Utah | Utah Fits All Scholarship | https://ufascholarship.com |
Odyssey programs vary — some are full ESAs, others are enrichment‑only. ShillerLearning is an Odyssey vendor.
⭐ Using ESA Funds for ShillerLearning Curriculum
Most ESA programs allow families to purchase:
✔ Complete Curriculum Kits
ShillerLearning Math and Language Arts Kits are typically approved because they are:
- Instructional
- Standards‑aligned
- Hands‑on
- Comprehensive
✔ Individual Components
Families often use ESA funds for:
- Replacement manipulatives
- Lesson books
- Digital add‑ons
- Consumable workbooks
✔ Required Hands‑On Materials
If your ShillerLearning lesson calls for a specific manipulative — number tiles, fraction circles, rhythm instruments — ESA programs usually consider these “instructional materials.”
Analogy:
If curriculum is the recipe, manipulatives are the ingredients. ESAs help you buy both.
⭐ Real‑World ESA Homeschool Examples
The Montessori‑Inspired Family
A family in Arizona purchases:
- ShillerLearning Math Kit I
- Replacement manipulatives
- A supplemental online math program
All approved through ClassWallet.
The Neurodiverse Learner
A Florida family uses ESA funds for:
- ShillerLearning Language Arts
- A dyslexia‑focused reading tutor
- A handwriting program
All tied to the child’s learning plan.
The STEM‑Focused Middle Schooler
A Utah Fits All student buys:
- A science lab kit
- A microscope
- ShillerLearning’s geometry manipulatives
All purchased through Odyssey.
⭐ Tips for Using ESA Funds Smoothly
- Check your state’s approved vendor list before purchasing.
- Keep receipts and curriculum descriptions — they help with reimbursements.
- Buy durable, reusable materials to stretch your ESA dollars.
- Plan your year so you know when to request funds or submit receipts.
⭐ Final Thoughts
ESAs give homeschool families the freedom to choose high‑quality, hands‑on curriculum that truly supports their child’s learning. Whether your state uses ClassWallet or Odyssey, the goal is the same: empowering parents to build the education their children deserve.
