Kentucky Homeschool Funding
Scholarships, private grants, and co-op supports.
KY
Funding guide
State programs
Main program
Program name: No statewide ESA or stipend for independent homeschool
Admin: Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) provides guidance on home education; funding decisions for any district opportunities are local.
Typical award
Amount: N/A for independent homeschool (no state stipend). Private scholarships and co-op grants vary by provider (often $100–$2,000+).
Disbursement: Private scholarship award paid to family or vendor; district options cover services directly (no cash to families).
Who qualifies
- Residency: Student resides in Kentucky.
- Homeschool status: Parent operates a bona fide home/private school under KY law.
- Private aid: Scholarship/grant criteria set by each nonprofit, church, or community funder (often income-based or need-based).
Timeline
- Annual notice: Families typically send a letter of intent to the local district at the start of each school year.
- District/activities: Course/activity sign-ups follow local calendars.
- Private scholarships: Application windows vary by organization (many open late winter–spring).
Overview
Kentucky does not offer a statewide Education Savings Account (ESA), voucher, or reimbursement program for independent homeschoolers. Families fund their own curriculum and expenses. However, homeschoolers can pursue: (1) district options where available (e.g., part-time classes or extracurriculars at the local school if the district allows it), (2) equitable services for students with disabilities through the local district’s federal program allocation (not guaranteed and limited), and (3) private funding via community scholarships, churches, co-ops, and national education-aid nonprofits.
Programs
Independent Home Education (no standing state funds)
- Type: Parent-directed private home school that satisfies compulsory attendance.
- Award: None; families self-fund.
- Uses: Parent chooses curriculum, instruction, and assessment; maintains required records.
- Admin: Guidance from KDE; day-to-day compliance is parent managed.
District Options (local discretion)
- Type: Part-time enrollment for specific classes, extracurriculars, or services when a district/charter allows.
- Award: No cash to families; the district provides courses/activities directly if approved.
- Uses: Access to labs, foreign language, CTE classes, music, clubs, or tests hosted by the district.
- Admin: Local school/district; athletic eligibility subject to KHSAA and district policy.
Equitable Services (Special Education — limited)
- Type: Federally funded equitable services for parentally placed private school students; scope and availability vary.
- Award: Services provided by the district (no cash); not an individual entitlement.
- Uses: Evaluations, some targeted services per district plan (if available).
- Admin: Local education agency (district) using its federal proportionate-share funds.
Private Scholarships, Co-ops & Community Grants
- Type: Nonprofit/church scholarships, community foundations, employer/union aid, and co-op micro-grants.
- Award: Usually $100–$2,000+ per student (varies).
- Uses: Curriculum, tutoring, therapies, online classes, exams, instruments, and other educational needs allowed by the donor.
- Admin: Individual organizations; their rules and deadlines apply.
Public Virtual / Alternative Programs (not “homeschool” in law)
- Type: District-run virtual or alternative programs conducted at home but considered public school enrollment.
- Award: No cash to families; the program supplies coursework and sometimes devices/services.
- Uses: Full-time public schooling from home.
- Admin: Individual districts or public schools of innovation.
Eligibility
- Residency: The student lives in Kentucky.
- Homeschool status: Parent operates a private home school; keeps required records and complies with KY law.
- District options: Availability and criteria set locally (space, prerequisites, deadlines, and athletic policies apply).
- Equitable services: Determined through district consultation; limited and not guaranteed.
- Private aid: Each scholarship or grant sets its own income/need/mission priorities.
How to apply
- Start/renew homeschooling: Send your annual letter of intent to the local district at the start of the school year; set curriculum and recordkeeping.
- Explore district options: Contact your resident school’s counselor/administrator about part-time classes, testing, or activities; complete any local forms.
- Ask about services: If your child has a disability, contact the district special education office regarding evaluations and possible equitable services.
- Apply for private aid: Search community foundations, churches, homeschool co-ops, and national education-aid nonprofits; follow each group’s instructions and deadlines.
Covered expenses
- Curriculum & textbooks
- Online courses & software
- Tutoring / instruction
- Special-needs therapies (if covered by a private grant or district plan)
- Standardized tests & exam fees
- Supplies & hands-on materials
- Instruments & lab materials
- Educational field trips
- Technology & accessories
- Exact coverage depends on the funder or district program rules.
Deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Letter of intent to homeschool | Start of each school year | Send to your local district per KDE guidance |
| District class/activity requests | Before each term/season | Local calendars & KHSAA rules apply |
| Private scholarships | Varies by organization | Many open late winter–spring for the fall |
Docs & forms
Official sources
FAQs
Does Kentucky fund independent homeschool?
No statewide ESA, voucher, or reimbursement program. Families typically use private scholarships/grants or district options where available.
Can homeschoolers take public-school classes or join sports?
Sometimes. Access is determined locally and by KHSAA policies. Contact your district and the school’s activities office early.
Are special-education services available to homeschoolers?
Districts may provide limited equitable services using federal funds after consultation. Availability and scope vary and are not guaranteed.
Contacts
Kentucky Department of Education
education.ky.gov
Use the directory to find district contacts and current homeschool guidance.
Your Local School District
Ask about part-time classes, testing, extracurriculars, and special-education consultations.
Law & regulations
- Compulsory attendance & private/home school provisions — home education satisfies attendance when operated as a bona fide private school under KY law.
- KDE homeschool guidance & FAQs — recordkeeping, notice, and best practices.
- KHSAA bylaws — participation rules for interscholastic activities.