Go back to articles

Education Savings Accounts - the key to affordable private schooling

For decades, private school felt out of reach for most families. That’s finally starting to change.

Across the United States, a quiet revolution is reshaping how families fund their children’s education. In more than 15 states, families now have access to Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) or school voucher programs—many of which can be used toward private or alternative schooling. In 2025 alone, four new states launched ESA programs, and at least a dozen others are currently considering or debating school choice legislation.

This growing wave of education reform is making it easier for parents to customize their child’s education in a way that fits both their learning needs and their family’s values.

What are ESAs and School Vouchers?

While they differ in structure, ESAs and vouchers share the same goal: giving families control over how their child is educated.

Both programs are designed to empower parents seeking alternatives to the traditional public school system.

How did these Programs start and where are they now?

The first ESA program was launched in Arizona in 2011, initially aimed at students with special needs. Since then, the concept has expanded rapidly.

As of 2025:

Some programs are universal (available to all K–12 students), while others focus on specific groups like students with special educational needs, military families, or low-income households.

States like Arizona and Utah have led the way with some of the most inclusive and well-funded programs in the country.

Here are a few ESA programs with links to more information on applying:

What can these Grants be used for?

That’s where ESAs stand out. Unlike school vouchers, which are typically limited to tuition, ESA funds can be used on a wide range of educational services and tools:

This level of flexibility gives families the power to build a learning path that suits their child’s needs, whether that’s at a private school, through a hybrid model, or with supplemental services.

What about Online Private Schools?

A common question from parents is: Can I use ESA or voucher funds for an online private school?

The answer is increasingly: yes.

States including West Virginia, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Georgia already allow ESA funding to be used at online schools that meet the state’s provider requirements. Many more are in various stages of expanding eligibility to virtual learning options.

The result? Families can now access high-quality, flexible education, without being tied to a brick-and-mortar building.

Importantly, American Infinite Academy’s pricing model was built with state scholarships in mind. In many participating states, 70–100% of tuition costs can be covered by ESA or voucher funding, depending on the student’s eligibility.


Steps to get started

If you’re wondering whether you qualify, here’s a quick roadmap:

  1. Explore Your State’s Program
    Visit your Department of Education website or check a national dashboard like EdChoice.org to see what’s offered in your state.
  2. Understand the Eligibility Requirements
    Some programs are open to all students, while others are limited to certain zip codes, income levels, or educational needs.
  3. Gather Documentation
    Be prepared to submit proof of residency, income, or your child’s previous school history, depending on your state.
  4. Apply and Get Approved
    Submit your application during your state’s open enrollment period. Some offer rolling admissions, others have annual deadlines.
  5. Use Your Funds
    Once approved, you’ll be guided on how to allocate the funds—either through direct payments to schools or through an online portal.

A national shift worth watching

In a country where the cost of private education has historically been a barrier, the growth of ESA and voucher programs represents a major shift. For many families, it’s not just about money—it’s about choice, autonomy, and creating the right environment for their child to thrive.

As more states adopt these policies, the question for many parents is no longer “Can I afford private school?” but rather “Which school is the right fit for my child?”

If you’re looking to close the knowledge gap on educational funding, now is the time to explore what your state has to offer. Because where your child learns should be your decision, not just a default.

Have questions about ESA programs or how to apply them toward AIA tuition?We’re happy to help—just email us at admissions@americaninfiniteacademy.school, and our team will guide you through the next steps.

Enrollment for August is open.
Discover the high school that fits around your child’s life.

Personalized, flexible, affordable and designed to support every student’s journey—wherever it takes them.
Talk To Us