If your child has a disability and is struggling with reading, writing, or spelling, North Carolina has one of the most generous support programs in the country. The Education Student Accounts (ESA+) program provides substantial annual funding that can be used for expert tutoring services — and Education Interventions is an approved ESA+ vendor.
Here's everything North Carolina families need to know about using ESA+ funds for certified virtual literacy tutoring.
What Is North Carolina's ESA+ Program?
North Carolina's Education Student Accounts Plus (ESA+) program is designed specifically for students with disabilities. Administered by the NC State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), it provides annual scholarship funding that families can use for a wide range of educational expenses including tutoring, therapy, curriculum, and technology.
Unlike many other state ESA programs, the NC ESA+ has no enrollment cap — meaning every eligible student who applies and qualifies can receive funding. Applications are submitted through MyPortal, the NCSEAA's online platform.
Who Qualifies for NC ESA+?
To qualify for the NC ESA+ program, your child must meet the following criteria:
1. Have a qualifying disability — Your child must have an Eligibility Determination issued by a North Carolina public school confirming they have a disability and are eligible for special education or related services. This document is required and is the only form of disability documentation accepted.
2. Be a North Carolina resident — Your child must live in North Carolina on the day your school begins for the current school year.
3. Be enrolled in grades K–12 — Preschool or pre-K students are not eligible.
What Can ESA+ Funds Be Used For?
NC ESA+ funds can be used for a wide range of educational expenses, including tutoring services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, curriculum and instructional materials, educational technology, standardized testing fees, and private school tuition and fees.
Tutoring is explicitly listed as an approved expense. All purchases must be made through ClassWallet, the NC ESA+ vendor marketplace. Direct reimbursements to parents are not permitted — payments go from ClassWallet directly to the vendor.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Obtain Your Child's Eligibility Determination
Contact your child's North Carolina public school and request an Eligibility Determination. This document confirms your child's disability and eligibility for special education services. It must have been issued within the last 3 years.
Create a MyPortal Account
Starting in December each year, create your account at the NCSEAA's MyPortal platform. This is where you'll apply, track your application status, and manage your scholarship.
Submit Your Application
The priority application window for new students typically opens in February and closes in early March. Applications submitted during this window are entered into a lottery if demand exceeds available funding.
Receive Award Notification
Award notifications are sent in April. If awarded, you must accept or decline your scholarship offer through MyPortal within the specified deadline.
Access Your ClassWallet Funds
Once awarded and accepted, your ESA+ funds are managed through ClassWallet. You'll use this platform to select approved vendors and authorize payments.
Select Education Interventions
Education Interventions is an approved NC ESA+ vendor. Contact us and we'll walk you through the ClassWallet payment process. Your child can start virtual sessions as soon as the vendor payment is confirmed.
Why ESA+ Tutoring Matters for Students With Disabilities
Students with learning disabilities — including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and language processing disorders — often need more than what a general classroom can provide. One-on-one instruction from a certified literacy specialist, using research-based methods like Orton-Gillingham, can make a profound difference in reading and writing outcomes.
Education Interventions specializes in exactly this kind of targeted, intensive literacy intervention. Every tutor holds a teaching certification and brings real experience working with students with learning differences. We use structured, systematic approaches proven to work — and we provide regular progress reports so you always know how your child is growing.
✅ Certified teachers with learning disability expertise
✅ Orton-Gillingham inspired structured literacy methods
✅ 100% virtual — sessions from anywhere in North Carolina
✅ Regular progress reports for every family
Frequently Asked Questions
My child has a 504 plan but not an IEP. Do they qualify?
Possibly — but you must have an official Eligibility Determination from a North Carolina public school. A 504 plan alone is not always sufficient. Contact your school's special education office to determine if your child's documentation meets the program requirements, or reach out to ECAC for free guidance.
What if there are more applications than funding available?
Applications submitted during the priority window (typically February 1 – March 1) are entered into a lottery if demand exceeds available funds. In recent years, demand has exceeded supply and some families were placed on waitlists. Apply as early as possible to maximize your chances.
Can ESA+ funds be used alongside other scholarships?
It depends on the situation. If your child attends a private school, ESA+ funds first cover tuition and fees, with remaining funds available for approved services like tutoring. For homeschool families, the full scholarship amount can go toward approved expenses including tutoring.
Does the scholarship renew each year?
Yes — annual renewal is available if your child meets testing requirements and remains eligible. Families who do not submit required test results cannot renew their scholarship.
Ready to Use Your NC ESA+ for Tutoring?
Education Interventions is an approved North Carolina ESA+ vendor. Contact us today and we'll walk you through exactly how to use your ClassWallet funds for expert virtual literacy tutoring.
Contact Us Today →Sources: NC State Education Assistance Authority (k12.ncseaa.edu/the-education-student-accounts); EdChoice — NC ESA+ Profile (2026); School Choice USA — NC ESA Guide. ESA program details change annually — always verify current information at k12.ncseaa.edu.