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Indiana Homeschool Funding

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Last updated: October 8, 2025

Indiana Homeschool Funding

Choice programs, eligibility, and steps.

IN
Funding guide
State programs

Main program

Program name: Indiana Education Scholarship Account (INESA)

Admin: Office of the Indiana Treasurer of State (INESA Program)

Typical award

Amount: Varies by the student’s state funding & special-education category; often in the ~$5,000–$15,000+ range and set annually.

Disbursement: State-managed ESA account (families pay approved providers through the portal; no debit cards or cash reimbursements).

Who qualifies

  • Residency: Indiana resident; K–12 age-eligible.
  • Primary path: Student with a qualifying disability and an IEP/ISP meeting INESA criteria.
  • Sibling path: Siblings of an INESA awardee may qualify if household income ≤ 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
  • Setting: Funds are for education outside a full-time public-school placement (e.g., home education with approved providers or a participating private school). Certain options exclude virtual/digital/online schools or online courses.

Timeline

  • Application: Annually before the school year; additional windows may open.
  • Funding: ESA accounts are funded on a state schedule; purchases are submitted/approved in the portal.
  • Renewal: Families reverify eligibility each year.

Overview

Indiana’s most relevant option for families educating at home is the Indiana Education Scholarship Account (INESA), a special-needs ESA that deposits state funds into an online account to purchase approved educational goods and services (e.g., curriculum, tutoring, therapies, assessments, and more). You can also choose a participating private school with INESA (with program rules about online/virtual schools).

Separately, Indiana offers private-school tuition programs: the Choice Scholarship (voucher) and tax-credit scholarships via certified Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Those two pay participating private schools directly and do not fund independent homeschool purchases.

Programs

Indiana Education Scholarship Account (INESA)

  • Type: Education Savings Account (state-funded).
  • Award: Tied to the student’s state tuition support and special-education funding category (set annually).
  • Uses: Curriculum/materials, approved tutoring or courses, special-education therapies (SLP/OT/PT/ABA), assessments, certain devices/accessories, and other qualified services listed by the program.
  • Notes: Families pay approved vendors through the state portal. Some options specifically exclude virtual/digital/online schools and distant/online courses.
  • Admin: Indiana Treasurer of State (INESA Program).

INESA — Families overview  |  INESA — Schools & options

Indiana Choice Scholarship (Voucher)

  • Type: Voucher applied to participating private schools.
  • Award: Based on the student’s resident public-school district formula; paid to the private school.
  • Uses: Tuition and required fees at participating private schools (not a homeschool ESA).
  • Admin: Indiana Department of Education (IDOE).

Choice Scholarship Parent Handbook (2024–25)  |  Participating schools & calculator

Tax-Credit Scholarships (SGO)

  • Type: Donor tax credit funds scholarships via state-certified SGOs.
  • Award: Set by SGOs; applied to private-school tuition/fees.
  • Uses: Private-school tuition (not homeschool purchases).
  • Admin: IDOE oversight & state-certified SGOs.

Annual Choice Program Report (SGO overview & data)

Eligibility

  • INESA: Indiana resident; K–12 age-eligible; qualifying disability with IEP/ISP or sibling of an INESA awardee (if income ≤ 400% FPL); accepts program terms. Funds support education outside full-time public school; certain online/virtual options are excluded.
  • Choice Scholarship: Indiana resident; meets IDOE criteria (pathway rules, deadlines, etc.); funds go to participating private schools.
  • Tax-Credit Scholarships (SGO): Eligibility set by law and SGO policies; awards paid to participating private schools.

How to apply

  1. Create an account: Start an INESA family account from the program’s Families page and verify parent identity and residency.
  2. Submit documentation: Upload IEP/ISP (and, if applying via sibling pathway, any income documents required by the program).
  3. Approval & funding: Once approved, the ESA account funds per the state schedule.
  4. Make purchases: Use the portal to select approved providers/vendors; submit pre-approval or purchase requests and keep records.

Go to INESA for Families

Covered expenses

  • Curriculum & textbooks
  • Tutoring / instruction (approved providers)
  • Special-education therapies (SLP, OT, PT, ABA, etc.)
  • Tests & assessments (incl. college entrance)
  • Educational software & approved courses
  • Devices & accessories as allowed
  • Paraprofessional/aide services (approved)
  • Transportation in limited cases (see rules)
  • Other items listed as “qualified expenses”
  • Check current INESA guidance before purchasing; some online/virtual options are excluded.

Deadlines

MilestoneDateNotes
INESA application window opens Annually (pre-school-year) Check INESA “Families” page for current dates
INESA application deadline Varies by year Later applicants may be waitlisted
Funding disbursement On state schedule Purchases flow through ESA portal

Docs & forms

Official sources

FAQs

Can INESA funds be used for homeschooling?
Yes. Families can educate at home and purchase approved educational goods/services through the ESA portal. INESA is a state program and distinct from traditional home education under other statutes.
Can I combine INESA with other aid?
INESA funds may be used with qualifying options listed by the program. If you also pursue other aid (e.g., private-school aid), confirm with the program office/school how it affects your student’s eligibility and billing.
How are purchases paid?
Families submit purchases through the state portal to approved providers (no debit cards or cash reimbursements).

Contacts

INESA Program (Treasurer of State)

INESA for Families

Indiana Department of Education (IDOE)

IDOE website

Law & regulations