Applying for ESA+ Scholarships?
ESA+ is a North Carolina scholarship program that provides funding for students with qualifying disabilities to access approved educational services outside the traditional public school setting. Families can use ESA+ funds for things like tutoring, academic therapy, and specialized learning support.
Most families find that the challenge with ESA+ isn’t its complexity, but rather how it heavily relies on documents and timelines.
Sometimes, just missing a form, misunderstanding a requirement, or uploading something late can hold things up for everyone involved.
This guide walks you through the ESA+ application process in plain English, explains what to do first, what matters most, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that trip up families.
The One Document That Matters Most
Before you create an account or fill out an application, there’s one thing you need to understand clearly: ESA+ requires an Eligibility Determination from a public school.
An IEP, a 504 plan, a medical diagnosis, or a private evaluation may be important, but ESA+ does not require them for eligibility. ESA+ specifically requires an Eligibility Determination issued by a North Carolina public school (or a Department of Defense school in North Carolina) and dated within the last three years.
The document must clearly identify your child, specify the qualifying disability category, and be issued by the school. If you’re unsure whether what you have qualifies, it’s worth confirming before you apply. This one step can save weeks of frustration later.
Prepare Before Applications Open
Start by creating a simple folder, digital or physical, labeled “ESA+.” Keep your Eligibility Determination, your child’s full legal name, date of birth, and your own name exactly as you’ll enter them in the system, all in one place.
Consistency matters more than people expect. The application system compares names across documents, invoices, and payment systems. Using nicknames, skipping middle initials, or switching formats can cause delays later. Taking ten minutes to organize upfront often prevents hours of back-and-forth later.
Creating Your MyPortal Account (The ESA+ Home Base)
MyPortal is the online system families use to apply for ESA+, upload documents, and track application status. Parents who create accounts early have time to resolve login issues, double-check profile information, and familiarize themselves with the system before deadlines loom.
Once your account is created, you’ll return here throughout the process, so make sure you can access it easily and know how to check messages.
Submitting The ESA+ Application
When the application period starts, you will complete the ESA+ application directly within MyPortal.
Since application dates can vary each year, it’s a good idea to check the current year’s timeline; don’t rely on what a friend or a social media post shared last year. Unfortunately, some families miss out because they thought the window hadn’t opened yet.
Uploading The Eligibility Determination Right Away
Once your application is submitted, upload the Eligibility Determination document.
This is one of the most common points where applications stall. Families tell themselves they’ll upload it later, or they upload a similar-sounding document instead. Either scenario often results in delays, follow-up requests, or a request to re-upload the correct file.
If you’re uncertain whether your document meets ESA+ requirements, pause and verify before uploading. Fixing issues early is far easier than correcting them once an application is already under review.
Checking MyPortal After You Apply
MyPortal serves as your checklist and message hub. If something is missing, unclear, or requires confirmation, you’ll be notified here.
Families may forget to check back, assuming everything is okay, until they notice an unanswered request. Take a moment each week to check MyPortal during the review period. It can make a big difference!
Why Applications Get Delayed
The most significant issue is the submission of an incorrect document in place of the Eligibility Determination. Another prevalent issue is the discrepancy between the names on the papers and the application profile. Additionally, timing is important; delays in uploading required items may create unnecessary obstacles.
None of these mistakes implies fault on the part of a family. They merely indicate that the process emphasizes accuracy and consistent follow-through.
What Happens After You’re Awarded ESA+ Funds
Families are encouraged to complete the required agreements and set up access to the payment platform for ESA+ purchases. This is also a great time for parents to start selecting approved providers and preparing invoices for services such as tutoring or academic support.
Make sure your invoices include all the necessary details and use the same names as in MyPortal. Clear and correct paperwork makes the payment process easier and helps avoid any rejections.
Turning ESA+ Into A Plan That Actually Helps Your Child
ESA+ is an ongoing program. Families must meet annual requirements to remain eligible, including a minimum annual spending requirement. There are also renewal rules and periodic documentation updates to maintain eligibility over time. Progress happens when ESA+ funds are used intentionally.
Tutoring, academic coaching, writing support, reading intervention, and math instruction can all look very different depending on your child’s needs. The families who see the best results start with a clear goal and a plan built specifically around their child.
Please inform us of the areas you wish to enhance, whether it be reading, mathematics, writing, SAT preparation, or executive functioning. We will assist you in outlining appropriate next steps and demonstrate how ESA+ can support your plan.
