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Can ESA Scholarships Pay for Online Private School? What Parents Need to Know

09/17/2025•14 minute read

Parents today face some tough choices about schooling. Public schools don’t always give every child the attention they need. Private schools are known for strong academics, but the cost can be daunting. And while homeschooling offers flexibility, it isn’t realistic for many families.

That’s where Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) can make a real difference. These programs let parents direct state education dollars toward the options that work best for their child—including accredited online private schools like Crimson Global Academy (CGA).

With ESA support, families can put funds toward tuition, textbooks, tutoring, and even live online classes. For many, it opens the door to a high-quality private education that once felt out of reach.

So what exactly are ESAs, and how could your family benefit? Let’s get into it.

What Is an ESA?

An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a state-run program that provides families with education funds to spend on approved expenses. These often include:

Tuition at private or online schools.
Tutoring, textbooks, and testing fees.
Special education services and extracurricular programs.

Unlike vouchers, which send money directly to a school, ESAs are more flexible. Parents decide how to allocate funds across a variety of educational needs.

Where Are ESAs Available?

Nearly half a million families nationwide now have access to some form of program, and more states are adopting them every year. Some states offer ESA-style programs, while others provide tax credits that reimburse families for educational expenses. Both can make private education more affordable.

Here’s a breakdown of current opportunities for families:

State Program	Funding Amount	Eligibility	Program Details
Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)	Up to $7,000 per student, per year	Broad eligibility	Funds can cover private tuition, online courses, tutoring, and more.
Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit (not an ESA)	$5,000 per student; $7,500 for students with disabilities	100% eligible	Families receive refundable tax credits equal to educational expenses.
West Virginia Hope Scholarship	$4,299 per student (2023–24)	100% eligible by 2026–27	Over 11,000 students participated in 2023–24.
South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund	$6,000 per student, per year	71% eligible by 2026	Accounts can be used for tuition, books, and other approved expenses.

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“We're seeing more US families choose us for a variety of reasons, mostly flexibility. At CGA, school waits for you. If you have to miss a day, there's a recorded class for you to go back to, or you can choose one-to-one learning where you can set up classes for your schedule. CGA meets students where they are and helps them move forward.”

- CGA Principal, Brittanie Bates

Why Families Use These Funds for Online Private School

When parents apply for an ESA, they’re usually looking for more than a tuition discount. They want real educational choices, and the ability to find a school that matches their child’s goals and gives them opportunities they can’t always find nearby.

At Crimson Global Academy (CGA), this means:

Making private education attainable – ESA funding helps bridge the gap between cost and opportunity.
Personalised academic pathways – Students can move ahead in subjects where they excel, whether through Advanced Placement (AP), International A Levels, or the US High School Diploma.
A balanced alternative – Unlike traditional schools with rigid structures—or homeschooling where parents carry the full weight—CGA provides expert teaching, flexibility, and structure in one place.
A global classroom experience – Students learn in live, interactive classes alongside peers from more than 70 countries, gaining skills and perspectives that prepare them for university and beyond.