Education Savings Accounts are transforming the way families homeschool. 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. 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.
What ESAs Are and Why Homeschoolers Value Them
An ESA is a state-funded education account that lets families choose the curriculum and services that best fit their child. It functions as a customizable education budget that parents control directly.
Depending on the state, ESA funds can typically be used for:
- Curriculum, including ShillerLearning kits
- Instructional materials
- Educational software
- Tutoring or therapy
- Assessments
- Some enrichment programs
The key requirement 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 as 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) | azed.gov/esa |
| Florida | Family Empowerment Scholarship | stepupforstudents.org |
| Indiana | Education Scholarship Account | in.gov/doe/students |
| Mississippi | ESA Program | mdek12.org/OSE/ESA |
| New Hampshire | Education Freedom Accounts | education.nh.gov |
| North Carolina | Personal Education Student Accounts (PESA) | ncseaa.edu/k12 |
| Tennessee | ESA Program | tn.gov/education/esa |
| West Virginia | Hope Scholarship | hopescholarshipwv.com |
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 | educateiowa.gov |
| Kansas | Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP) | keep.ks.gov |
| Ohio | ACE (Afterschool Child Enrichment) | education.ohio.gov/OhioACE |
| Oklahoma | Parental Choice Tax Credit | ok.gov/tax |
| Utah | Utah Fits All Scholarship | 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, individual components, and required hands-on materials.
ShillerLearning Math and Language Arts Kits are typically approved because they are instructional, standards-aligned, hands-on, and comprehensive. Families also commonly use ESA funds for replacement manipulatives, lesson books, digital add-ons, and consumable workbooks.
When a ShillerLearning lesson calls for a specific manipulative such as number tiles, fraction circles, or rhythm instruments, ESA programs generally consider these instructional materials. Think of the curriculum as the recipe and the manipulatives as the ingredients: ESA funds help you purchase both.
Real-World ESA Homeschool Examples
The Montessori-Inspired Family (Arizona, ClassWallet)
- ShillerLearning Math Kit I
- Replacement manipulatives
- A supplemental online math program
The Neurodiverse Learner (Florida, ClassWallet)
- ShillerLearning Language Arts Kit
- A dyslexia-focused reading tutor
- A handwriting program
The STEM-Focused Middle Schooler (Utah, Odyssey)
- A science lab kit
- A microscope
- ShillerLearning geometry manipulatives
Tips for Using ESA Funds Smoothly
- Check your state's approved vendor list before purchasing.
- Keep receipts and curriculum descriptions on file; they are essential for reimbursements.
- Buy durable, reusable materials to stretch your ESA dollars further.
- Plan your year in advance so you know when to request funds or submit receipts.
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.
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