Many families don’t realize that they can use their state Education Savings Account (ESA) to pay for all types of education and learning-related services. From coaching and therapy to kinesthetic learning tools and adaptive equipment, your ESA can help give your child the resources they need to succeed and save you money in the process.

Whether they need to boost their academics or find better ways to manage ADHD and other special needs, being able to support your child shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Every parent wants to give their child access to the best support they can, and ESAs are one way to help you save without compromising on quality.

What are Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)?

Education Savings Accounts, or ESAs, are state-funded accounts that give you control over your child’s education funds. Rather than state education funding going straight to public schools, ESAs allow a portion of these funds to go directly to the student. This creates far more flexibility to tailor each learning journey to a child’s specific needs.

Eligible families with an ESA will receive these funds in a dedicated account, which they can use on approved learning related expenses.

ESAs are part of a wave of education solutions that challenge traditional systems, which don’t work for everyone. They were created to better serve students who have special needs, are homeschooled, or come from low-income households.

Because each ESA program is state-run, they are all different, with their own names, rules, and eligibility requirements. There are ESA-style programs in multiple states, and more are being proposed every year.

Advantages of ESAs

Education Savings Accounts come with several practical benefits that can help you create a more tailored learning experience for your child:

Flexibility: Depending on your state, ESA funds can be used for things like tuition, curriculum, tutoring, online classes, therapies, and learning tools.

Personalised learning: You can use ESAs to create a mix of school, tutoring, coaching, and support services that match your child’s learning style, interests, and needs.

Room to grow: In some states, unused ESA funds can roll over from year to year or follow your child if their educational path changes.

Limitations of ESAs

It’s also important to understand the limits so you can plan realistically:

Non–public school focus: ESAs are usually designed for students who are not enrolled full-time in their local public school. If your child returns, you may lose ESA access.

State-by-state rules: Every program has its own funding amount, eligibility criteria, and list of approved expenses, so what’s allowed in one state might not be allowed in another.

Approved providers: Tutors, therapists, and platforms often need to be approved vendors before you can pay them with ESA funds.

ESA applications, eligibility, and how ClassWallet fits in

Each state that offers ESAs has its own application process. Eligibility might be based on where you live, your income level, your child’s disability status, or whether they previously attended a public school.

Once your family is approved, you’ll typically get access to an online portal or digital wallet where you can see your balance and spend ESA funds on approved services. Many states use platforms like ClassWallet so you can pay providers directly from your ESA account instead of paying out of pocket and waiting for reimbursement.

If your state uses ClassWallet, you’ll be able to log in, search for approved vendors and learning platforms, and track your ESA spending all in one place. Always double-check your state ESA website for up-to-date details on how to apply, renew, and use your funds.

How ESAs can support ADHD and other learning needs

If your child is struggling with focus, organization, or follow-through, ESA funds can sometimes be used to support them. In many states, ESAs can help pay for:

• ADHD or executive function coaching, when it’s classified under tutoring, educational therapy, or support services.

• Therapies that support learning, such as speech, occupational, or behavioral therapy (where allowed).

• Online learning programs and one-to-one support that help with study skills, routine building, and school confidence.

Because every ESA program is different, the best next step is to:

1. Check whether your state offers an ESA program and confirm your eligibility.

2. Look for terms like “tutoring”, “online learning”, “educational therapy”, or “executive function support” on the list of approved expenses.

3. Ask your ESA administrator whether a program can be covered and what documentation they might need.

Even if you can’t get full coverage, your ESA will still help you save costs on the support your child needs.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an official diagnosis for my child to use ESA funds?

It depends on the program. Some ESAs are designed for students with disabilities and require documentation, while others are open to all students and don’t require a diagnosis.

What if my state doesn’t use ClassWallet?

Your state may use a different platform or its own portal. The basics are the same: you’ll either pay providers directly from the account or submit receipts for reimbursement, depending on how your program is set up.

Can I combine ESA funds with other benefits like an HSA or FSA?

Some families use different accounts for different needs. For example, ESAs can cover tutoring, while HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) or FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) can be used for medical expenses. You’ll need to follow the rules for each account separately and check with your benefits providers first.

Final thoughts

Every child learns differently. Rather than having to conform to an education system that wasn’t built for everyone, they deserve personalized support. Education Savings Accounts can help do just that.

To empower parents and uplift children’s learning journeys, Coachbit uses ClassWallet so that your ESA can help you build the best support plan for your child.

Sources

Ronco, E., 2024. State actions on education savings accounts. National Conference of State Legislatures. Available at: https://www.ncsl.org/education/state-actions-on-education-savings-accounts

Berry, W. and Chait, R., 2024. Education savings accounts and accountability: A landscape analysis across states. WestEd. Available at: https://www.wested.org/resource/education-savings-accounts-and-accountability/

Arizona Department of Education, n.d. Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program. Arizona Department of Education. Available at: https://www.azed.gov/esa