South Carolina’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) is helping families across the state take charge of their children’s education. Whether supporting a learner with specific needs, exploring alternatives to traditional school, or building a home education plan, this program allows you to craft a custom educational experience with state-backed support.
What is an Education Savings Account (ESA)?
An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a flexible education fund that families can use for approved learning expenses, such as tutoring, curriculum, therapies, or online programs. Each state’s ESA program is unique—South Carolina’s version is called the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), which offers families direct control over how education funds are used for their child’s learning needs.
What ESA options are available in South Carolina?
Launched in 2024, South Carolina’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program (ESTF) is the state’s version of an Education Savings Account (ESA). It provides eligible families up to $6,000 per student for approved educational expenses, including tutoring, curriculum, therapies, and more. Funding amounts may vary based on the student's grade level and needs.
Note: The funds allocated to each student are set to increase to $7,500 for the 2026-2027 school year, as per the new Senate bill passed this year.
The ESTF is designed for families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level (for the 2025-2026 school year) and may expand to reach more households. It reflects a broader movement toward educational choice and customization.
Note: Income eligibility guidelines have been updated for 2026-2027 and the subsequent school years, not to exceed 500% of the federal poverty level.
Funds are distributed and managed through ClassWallet, a secure digital platform that simplifies payments to approved providers and tracks eligible purchases.
South Carolina’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program (ESTF)
Eligibility
- Residency: The student must be a legal resident of South Carolina.
- Grade Level: Eligible for students entering kindergarten through 12th grade. Kindergarteners must be age 5 by September 1.
- Income: Household income must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty level (500% of FPL in 2026-2027 and after), or the student must be Medicaid-eligible.
- Public School Restriction: Students cannot be enrolled in their local public school while receiving funds.
- Priority: Families with a household income limit below 300% of the FPL, siblings of current ESTF participants, children of active-duty military, and students who have attended a public school the previous school year. Please note that these changes will take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
Use of Funds
Families can use ESTF dollars for:
- Tutoring and academic instruction
- Curriculum and instructional materials
- Specialized educational therapies (speech, OT, PT, behavior intervention)
- Technology and devices for learning
- Transportation (up to $750/year)
- Testing and certification fees (e.g., SAT, ACT, industry credentials)
Example: Families might use ESTF funds to register for a four-week online math class, join a writing workshop, schedule one-on-one tutoring, or purchase a new laptop for home-based learning.
Please note that tuition and fees for nonpublic schools are not currently eligible under the ESTF. This makes the scholarship especially valuable for families pursuing homeschooling, virtual learning, or enrichment through approved educational providers.
For full guidelines, review the ESTF Participant Handbook (PDF).
Rules & Restrictions
- Families must apply through ClassWallet.
- Funds are distributed quarterly.
- Purchases must be made from state-approved vendors only.
- Students remain eligible until they graduate, re-enroll in public school, or leave the program.
- Students cannot receive both ESTF and any other state-administered scholarship program.
Eligibility details are confirmed annually. For current criteria, visit the SC Department of Education page.
How to use ESTF on Outschool
Outschool is a state-approved provider under South Carolina’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), allowing families to use scholarship dollars for various eligible educational classes, tutoring, and more.
Outschool supports various educational goals, from homeschool planning and academic support to enrichment in creative or interest-based subjects. With flexible formats, such as live group classes, one-on-one tutoring, and self-paced courses, families can choose the structure and topics that best align with their learners' needs.
Families commonly apply ESTF funds toward:
- Interactive, live classes taught by qualified instructors
- One-on-one tutoring for targeted academic support
- Structured homeschool programs and curriculum bundles
- Enrichment activities like art, coding, or music
- Flexible scheduling options, including self-paced learning formats
Common questions about South Carolina’s Education Scholarship Trust Fund
There are important details to understand about South Carolina’s ESTF program before applying. Below are some of the most common areas families want clarity on, from eligibility to fund usage.
How to apply for the ESTF?
South Carolina makes it easy for families to access the ESTF through a clear and transparent application process. Follow these five simple steps:
- Check qualification requirements: Confirm residency, income, and public school enrollment. Your child must be entering K–12 or starting kindergarten (age 5 by Sept. 1).
- Prepare documentation: Proof of residency, income verification, and prior school enrollment, if applicable.
- Apply online: Submit through ClassWallet within the timeframe provided.
- Set up a ClassWallet account: This platform lets you pay approved providers directly.
- Start planning: Explore providers and schedule learning services that meet your child’s academic and personal goals.
What are the approved providers and educational tools for ESTF?
To ensure the integrity and quality of services, the state has established a list of pre-approved vendors and service providers. Approved categories include:
- Tutors and Educators: Providers must have relevant credentials and experience.
- Therapists and Specialists: Must hold licensure in their respective fields.
- Curriculum Providers: Must align with state academic standards.
- Technology Vendors: Must demonstrate that devices or tools serve educational purposes.
Can I use this for homeschooling?
Yes. The ESTF was designed to allow families to educate their children at home or through nontraditional means. Funds can be used for curriculum, learning tools, academic services, and assessments that support homeschooling.
How do I get started using ESTF on Outschool?
Once you're approved for the ESTF, here are the steps to begin using your funds with Outschool:
- Step 1: Confirm eligibility: South Carolina families must verify their residency, income level, and previous public school enrollment (or kindergarten eligibility).
- Step 2: Access Outschool through ClassWallet: Create your ClassWallet account after approval. Log in to the marketplace, search for Outschool, and link your ESTF account to make approved purchases.
- Step 3: Start learning: Browse Outschool’s catalog of thousands of ESA-eligible classes, including core academics, enrichment, and niche topics. The platform supports live, one-on-one, and self-paced formats that are eligible for ESTF coverage.
Is this a renewable scholarship?
Yes. Students may continue to receive the scholarship each year if they remain eligible and funds are available. Reapplication may be required annually. You can confirm renewal policies on the SCDE program website.
Can I combine ESTF with other state scholarships?
No. Students receiving ESTF may not concurrently receive funding from any other state-administered scholarship or education grant programs.
What happens if my child returns to public school?
If your child re-enrolls in their district-assigned public school during the funded year, they will lose eligibility for the ESTF, and any unused funds will be revoked.
Supporting personalized education in South Carolina
South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund is about more than just money—it's about freedom and flexibility. It gives parents the tools to shape learning around their child’s needs, interests, and goals. From advanced learners to students with special needs, the ESTF offers families real choices.
Many South Carolina families use their scholarship to mix academic support with enrichment: math tutorials in the morning, art or coding in the afternoon. With live, self-paced, and one-on-one class options, platforms like Outschool help families design a schedule that fits their lifestyle and learning goals.
To learn more, apply, or explore approved services, visit the official ClassWallet South Carolina ESTF site.
More resources for South Carolina homeschoolers
Looking for more details on programs and benefits available in South Carolina? Start with these guides:
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