Can ESA+ Pay for Tutoring?

ESA+ (Education Student Accounts Plus) is a North Carolina scholarship program designed for students with qualifying disabilities. The funds are intended to help families pay for educational services that support a child’s learning needs, including tutoring and academic intervention. ESA+ funds can make a real difference in a child’s day-to-day learning, not just on paper test scores.

ESA+ (Education Student Accounts Plus) is a North Carolina scholarship program designed for students with qualifying disabilities. The funds are intended to help families pay for educational services that support a child’s learning needs, including access to learning centers and academic interventions.

Unlike traditional school funding, ESA+ provides families with greater flexibility. Rather than being limited to what a school can provide, parents can use scholarship funds for approved services that meet their child’s academic needs.

ESA+ awards are typically offered at two funding levels, depending on student eligibility. The funds are renewed annually, but families must reapply and meet program requirements each year.

One important distinction is that ESA+ eligibility is tied to a formal Eligibility Determination issued by a public school. This is different from a 504 plan. An IEP is not required; however, eligibility documentation is.

This guide explains ESA+ tutoring in Charlotte, who qualifies, how to access tutoring, and how to use scholarship funds at Swan Learning Center.

Timing Matters

If you’re thinking about ESA+ for the 2026–27 school year…  plan ahead. Applications usually open in early February, so families should create their online account beforehand to be prepared once the application period starts.

In recent years, ESA+ funding has been fully awarded, which means some eligible families were placed on waitlists or encouraged to reapply the following year. If ESA+ is part of your plan, it’s smart to gather documentation, ask questions, and explore service options before the application opens.

Can ESA+ Funds Be Used for Tutors?

Tutoring is an allowable ESA+ expense, provided it meets program guidelines.

ESA+ tutoring must be live instruction, either in person or online, and it must support a core academic subject such as reading, writing, math, or other approved educational areas. Recorded programs or self-guided apps generally do not qualify.

Another key requirement is that tutoring providers must be approved and enrolled to receive ESA+ payments. This is one reason families are encouraged to confirm provider eligibility before committing funds.

How ESA+ Tutoring Payments Work

Many parents hear “ClassWallet” and immediately feel intimidated. In reality, the process is manageable once you’ve done it once.

ESA+ funds are managed via ClassWallet. When receiving tutoring, the provider issues an invoice, which you submit through ClassWallet. After approval, payment is sent directly to the provider.

Families do not need to front large sums of money or navigate complicated reimbursements when working with an enrolled provider who understands the system.

If your child attends a private school or is homeschooled, ESA+ funds may be used alongside other scholarships, depending on your situation. Any remaining ESA+ funds after tuition and required fees are often applied to allowable services, such as tutoring.

Why Tutoring is a Smart Use of ESA+ Funds

Tutoring is one of the few ESA+-approved services that directly affects your child’s experience week to week.

Unlike curriculum purchases or one-time evaluations, tutoring provides ongoing, personalized instruction. It allows educators to identify skill gaps, adjust strategies in real time, and build confidence alongside academic growth.

For many Charlotte families, ESA+ tutoring serves as the bridge between what schools can provide and what a child needs to succeed.

ESA+ Tutoring in Charlotte at Swan Learning Center

Swan Learning Center is an approved ESA+ provider and works with Charlotte families to use scholarship funds for tutoring and academic support.

Services that typically align with ESA+ include one-on-one tutoring in reading, writing, and math; structured literacy instruction; executive function and academic coaching; and targeted intervention plans built around a child’s learning profile.

Located in the Cotswold area of Charlotte, Swan Learning Center focuses on individualized instruction rather than one-size-fits-all programs. That individualized approach is especially important when using ESA+ funds, since the goal is meaningful progress, not just filling hours.

Let’s Talk Before You Begin

Before using ESA+ funds, it’s important to have a clear plan.

A scholarship-funded consult helps identify where your child is struggling, which skills should be prioritized, and how tutoring can be structured to meet both learning needs and ESA+ guidelines. It also helps families avoid common issues, such as selecting the wrong type of service or underutilizing available funds.

Most importantly, it provides parents with clarity. Instead of guessing whether tutoring is effective, families can monitor progress and adjust as needed. Many challenges families face are not related to eligibility but are due to timing and planning.

A frequent mistake is delaying the start of services, making it hard to meet annual renewal spending requirements. Additionally, using ESA+ funds with providers who aren’t enrolled can delay payment or prevent payment approval. Keep this in mind as you plan your next move.

Ready To Get Started?

Some ESA+ expenditures may be reported for tax purposes. Families are encouraged to keep records and consult a tax professional if they have questions. While this isn’t a reason to avoid the program, it’s helpful to be informed as you plan.

If you’re considering ESA+ tutoring in Charlotte and want a clear, stress-free way to move forward, the next best step is to speak with our team. We can help you understand eligibility, explain how ESA+ funds work for tutoring, and determine whether a scholarship-funded plan makes sense for your child’s needs.

Contact us to learn more and request a scholarship-funded consult. With the right plan in place, ESA+ funds can do more than cover costs; they can help your child build confidence, make real academic progress, and head into 2026 with stronger skills and support.