Online and digital curriculum is one of the fastest-growing categories in homeschooling, and the good news is that most ESA programs fully cover it.

If you have been eyeing a digital curriculum program and wondering whether your ESA funds can cover it, this post is for you.

Why Online Curriculum Has Become So Popular

Let me be honest about why moms love digital and online curriculum:

• No waiting for shipping
• Often more affordable than print
• Easy to access on tablets, laptops, or printers
• Can be used for multiple children
• Takes up no physical storage space

For ESA purposes, online and digital curriculum gets even better: it is almost universally an approved expense category.

How ESA Programs Treat Online Curriculum

Most state ESA programs explicitly list “online educational programs” or “educational software” as approved spending categories alongside physical curriculum. The format of the curriculum (print vs. digital) generally does not matter.

What matters is that:

• The content is educational in nature
• It is used for your child’s homeschool program
• You have documentation of the purchase

A to Z for Moms Like Me offers downloadable PDF curriculum that qualifies in almost every state’s ESA program as educational materials.

Types of Online Curriculum ESA Typically Covers

• Downloadable PDF curriculum (like what we offer at A to Z for Moms Like Me)
• Online course platforms with video lessons
• Digital textbooks and e-books
• Educational subscription platforms
• Language learning apps and software
• Math programs like Khan Academy premium or similar

What About Streaming or Subscription Services?

This is where it gets a little more nuanced. Pure entertainment streaming (even if it has some educational content) is typically not covered. But dedicated educational subscription platforms usually are.

The key question: is the primary purpose of this service to educate, or to entertain? If it is clearly educational and your child uses it as part of their curriculum, it likely qualifies.

Getting Reimbursed for Digital Purchases

When you buy digital curriculum for reimbursement through your ESA:

• Save your order confirmation email as your receipt
• Screenshot the product page showing what the product is
• Download the actual files so you have evidence of what was purchased
• Note which child will use the curriculum in your documentation

If you buy through ClassWallet’s marketplace, the documentation is handled automatically.

Our Digital Curriculum at A to Z for Moms Like Me

Everything in our store is available as a digital download. This means:

• You can purchase today and start tomorrow
• No shipping costs
• Print as many copies as you need for your family
• Store on your device for easy access

Whether you shop through ClassWallet, Odyssey, or purchase directly for reimbursement, our digital curriculum is one of the cleanest uses of ESA funds available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to print digital curriculum for it to count as educational materials?

No. The fact that you purchased and downloaded it is sufficient. Whether you print it or use it on-screen is up to you.

Can I use ESA funds for a tablet or device to use digital curriculum on?

Some states cover devices when they are exclusively or primarily used for education. Others do not. Check your state’s specific approved expense list, as devices are often handled separately from curriculum.

Is there a limit on how many digital curriculum programs I can buy?

ESA programs do not typically limit the number of purchases, only the total spending amount. As long as each purchase is approved and your account has funds, you can buy multiple programs.

Digital Curriculum + ESA Funds Is a Perfect Combination

You get the flexibility and affordability of digital curriculum, funded by your ESA. It does not get much better than that.

Browse our digital curriculum catalog and see what your ESA funds could do for your homeschool this year. Questions about ESA compatibility? Visit our ESA page.