North Carolina · Special Education Grant

NC Education Student Accounts Plus (ESA+): how to apply and use for tutoring

ESA+ is a DISTINCT program from the NC Opportunity Scholarship — both administered by NCSEAA. Originally created as Personal Education Student Accounts (2017), rebranded ESA+ on consolidation with prior Disabilities Grant. HB 823 (2024) added recurring funding and cleared the waitlist.

Disbursement platform
ClassWallet
Amount
Two tiers: Base $9,000/year; Enhanced $17,000/year for designated disabilities (autism, hearing/vision impairment, orthopedic, multi-handicapped, traumatic brain injury — NCSEAA-maintained list).
Eligibility
Student must have a documented disability verified through an eligibility determination issued in the last three years by a NC public school. Formal IEP not required; the eligibility-determination document suffices. A 504 plan alone is NOT sufficient. NC residency required.
Program since
2017

How to apply

  1. Step 1
    Verify eligibility

    Check the current requirements on the official North Carolina state portal and confirm your child and family qualify for NC Education Student Accounts Plus (ESA+) for this school year. Rules can change from year to year.

  2. Step 2
    Gather documents

    Prepare proof of residency, birth certificate, academic records, and any program-specific documentation.

  3. Step 3
    Apply yourself and book with KOTY

    The parent or guardian submits the application via the NC Education Student Accounts Plus (ESA+) state portal. KOTY provides the provider-side documentation (invoices, service descriptions, credentials) the program may request as part of your enrollment or reimbursement.

Talk to us about NC Education Student Accounts Plus (ESA+)

Tell us about your child's needs in North Carolina. We'll reply with next steps and the documentation the program may request.

The application to NC Education Student Accounts Plus (ESA+) is submitted by the parent or guardian. KOTY provides the provider documentation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use NC Education Student Accounts Plus (ESA+) for online tutoring?

Yes. NC Education Student Accounts Plus (ESA+) funds cover online tutoring with certified providers. Kids on the Yard meets the program requirements and gives you the documentation you need for your application.

Does KOTY accept this program in North Carolina?

Yes. Kids on the Yard accepts all state education funding programs. We provide you with every document the program or the state may request (invoices, service descriptions, attendance records, provider credentials). The application and enrollment with the program are always submitted by the parent or guardian — talk to our educational team if you'd like more details on what documentation we provide.

When are the application deadlines?

Priority window for new students 2026-27: February 2 - March 2, 2026 at 5pm. MyPortal account creation begins December. Deadlines change frequently — always verify the latest dates on the official North Carolina state portal or the program's official site before submitting.

What subjects does the program cover?

Each program sets its own approved categories. KOTY rates are always priced within the NC Education Student Accounts Plus (ESA+) allowed range.

Can I stack this program with others?

Some states allow stacking programs (e.g., ESA + additional scholarships). Stacking rules are state-specific and change over time — verify with the official portal before enrolling.

How does KOTY invoice families using NC Education Student Accounts Plus (ESA+)?

We know state-program approval and reimbursement can be complex. That's why we issue invoices in the cycles programs accept most smoothly — monthly, every two months, or quarterly — depending on what best fits your approval window. Each invoice includes the service description, hours, tutor credential, and the information programs typically require. If your program asks for a specific format, we adapt to it so your approval doesn't get delayed.

Do KOTY tutors meet the program's qualification requirements?

Yes. On request we provide the tutor's credentials, background-check confirmation, provider-of-record information, and any other documentation the program needs to validate the provider. If your program requires a specific certification, we confirm it up front so your enrollment goes through cleanly.

What happens if my program reimbursement is delayed?

Your child's sessions continue as scheduled. We work with many families on state programs and we know reimbursements sometimes lag — that's between you and the program, not between you and KOTY. If you need extra documentation or a different invoice format to speed up review, just ask and we'll generate it.

Can my child change subjects or frequency mid-year?

Yes. We adjust subjects, frequency, and hours across the school year. Updated invoices reflect the change so program review stays clean. Approval of any change that affects the program-funded amount is always granted by the program itself, not by KOTY.

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