Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) Explained
Education Savings Accounts—or ESAs—are at the heart of California’s school choice movement. They give parents the power to use public education dollars for their child’s specific learning needs, from private school to tutoring and beyond. This page explains how ESAs work, who qualifies, and how they can transform the future of education in California.
What Is an ESA?
An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a publicly funded account set up for individual K–12 students. Under the proposed California plan, each child who opts into the program would receive an ESA funded with their share of Proposition 98 funds—starting at $14,000 per year.
Unlike traditional public funding, which goes to the school district, ESA funds follow the student. That means parents—not the government—decide how the money is used.
What Can ESA Funds Be Used For?
ESA funds can be spent on a wide variety of qualified educational expenses, including:
- Private school tuition
- Religious school tuition
- Homeschool curriculum and materials
- Tutoring services
- Special education services
- Online courses
- Testing fees (SAT, ACT, AP)
- College savings and dual enrollment programs
- Vocational and career training
Unused funds roll over year to year, and can even be saved for post-secondary education.
Who Qualifies?
Every K–12 student in California is eligible to request an ESA under the proposed program. There are no income requirements, and the program is opt-in—so parents can stay in public school or choose to explore other educational options.
This approach ensures equity, fairness, and freedom across all communities.
How ESA Funding Works
ESA funding comes from the student’s share of Prop 98—California’s education funding law that allocates a set percentage of the state budget to K–14 education.
Instead of funneling all that money into school districts, the ESA model gives each student control over how their portion is used. It’s not a new tax. It’s a smarter way to use the money already being spent.
Why ESAs Matter for California Parents
For decades, California families have been told where their children must go to school. The ESA model changes that. It offers true choice and puts control in the hands of the people who know their child best: the parents.
With an ESA, families can afford options they never thought possible. It opens the door to better schools, better support, and better outcomes.
Ready to join the movement?
FAQs: Education Savings Accounts in California
What is an ESA in education?
An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a publicly funded account that allows parents to spend their child’s education dollars on qualifying expenses, such as private school, tutoring, or homeschool programs.
How much money does each ESA receive?
Under the California proposal, each student would receive $17,500 per year, with funds rolling over if unused.
Can ESA funds be used for religious schools?
Yes. ESA funds can be directed to any accredited private or religious school, as long as the provider meets program standards.
Who is eligible for an ESA in California?
Every K–12 student in the state would be eligible. The program is opt-in, meaning parents choose whether to participate.
Do ESA funds expire?
No. Unused funds carry over from year to year and can be used for future educational expenses—including college or vocational training.
