Student Financial Aid for Reading Programs

Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are dedicated accounts that are offered in some states that allow parents to use public funds to pay for educational costs outside their school system.  The goal is to give families the power to choose what works best for their child’s education, including private schools, homeschooling, tutoring, and other educational services. ESAs are especially helpful for families seeking special education services or other educational resources.

Use Your ESA

How can I use the funds?

ESA funds must be used for approved educational expenses according to the rules of each state’s program. These expenses must be directly related to the student’s education, including special education programs. (See EdChoice’s interactive map to learn the rules for your state.)

What counts as a qualified expense?

Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) typically cover several types of education-related costs:

  • Tuition and fees: Payments for accredited private schools are the most common qualified expense.
  • Required educational materials: This includes textbooks, supplies, and equipment needed for schoolwork.
  • Tutoring services: Many states allow ESA funds to be used for private tutoring to support a student’s learning.
  • Online education programs: Costs for virtual learning platforms and online courses are often approved.
  • Special needs services: Therapies and specialized services for students with disabilities are usually qualified expenses. These services are important for students in special education programs.

Is Lexercise a qualified expense?

Lexercise’s online therapy programs may qualify for funding through an Education Savings Account (ESA), depending on the criteria:

  • Educational purpose: Lexercise offers structured literacy intervention based on the Orton-Gillingham approach. This helps students with reading and spelling difficulties, including dyslexia, especially those needing special education services.
  • Qualifying expenses: Lexercise programs include interactive lessons, educational games, and resources for parents. Many ESA programs allow funds to be used for:
    • Tutoring services
    • Online learning programs
    • Educational services for students with special needs
    • Curriculum and instructional materials
  • Special needs services: ESAs often cover services for students with learning disabilities. Dyslexia is classified as a specific learning disability (SLD) under federal law, and Lexercise specializes in dyslexia treatment.
  • Personalized instruction: Lexercise offers personalized instruction and flexible pacing, which matches the ESA goal of providing tailored educational options.
  • Qualified providers: ESA programs usually require educational services to be provided by qualified professionals. Lexercise works with expert therapists and uses a curriculum developed by certified speech-language pathologists, ensuring that students in special education get the best support.

How do I apply for an ESA?

Not all states offer ESAs and the eligibility requirements and amount of funding vary by state. To see what is available in your state, EdChoice has created an interactive map with links to each application website.

Each application is different, but parents usually follow these steps:

  • Check eligibility: Parents first need to determine if their child is eligible based on the state’s ESA program requirements. This is important for families seeking special education funding.
  • Submit an application: Applications are usually sent to the state’s Department of Education or a designated program administrator.
  • Provide required documentation: This might include proof of residency, income verification (if needed), disability documentation (if needed), and student information.
  • Meet deadlines: Most states have specific application periods and deadlines.
  • Agree to program terms: Parents usually must agree in writing to follow the program’s rules, like using funds only for qualified educational expenses, which might include special education services.

What support does Lexercise provide in terms of receipts/financial reporting?

To make sure funds are used correctly, states often review how they are spent. Parents are usually required to keep records of their spending to ensure they follow the program’s rules. In the Lexercise parent portal, you can easily find an itemized list of sessions and payment amounts. This makes it easy for parents to print or email any receipts needed for financial reporting, especially when funds are used for special education services.

Can I connect with a qualified provider at Lexercise?

Yes! We currently have ESA and other student financial aid providers in the following states:

  • Arkansas – The Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program
  • Arizona – Empowerment Scholarship Account
  • California – Self-Determination Fund
  • Florida – Family Empowerment Scholarship
  • Idaho – Empowering Parents
  • Indiana – Education Scholarship Account Program
  • New Hampshire – Education Freedom Account
  • North Carolina – Education Student Account for Children with Disabilities
  • South Carolina – South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program
  • Texas – Supplemental Services Texas
  • Utah – Fits All Scholarship Program
  • West Virginia – Hope Scholarship Program

 

Note: It may still be possible to qualify for student financial aid in your state if we don’t yet have a qualified provider. Each state has different requirements. If you have questions, we would be happy to help as best we can!

Lexercise has helped hundreds of families take advantage of these benefits!

Complete this form to connect to a provider who is authorized to serve you in your state.

Talk With a Qualified Provider

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