Can I buy a laptop or tablet with Education Student Accounts (ESA+)?
Yes. Educational Technology is a core product category (vision/hearing/speech/learning aids, computers, tablets), subject to per-item caps and a 3-year purchase limit.
What you can buy with Education Student Accounts (ESA+)
16 kinds of expenses, each checked against the program's published rules as PencilGo read them on 2026-09-25. Pick one to see its vendors, or type an item to check it.
Is it covered by Education Student Accounts (ESA+)?
Type what you want to buy, for example a product name, a class or a service. We check it against the program's published expense rules and show the rule.
- Try:
Every category, with the North Carolina rule
Covered: usually coveredDepends: covered with conditionsNot covered: usually not coveredNot stated: not stated by the program
- Covered
Private school tuition & fees
Tuition counts toward ESA+'s Academic Spending Requirement (Direct Pay Schools); Opportunity Scholarship pays only tuition/required fees..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
Online school & virtual courses
ESA+'s 3 product + 3 service categories (curriculum, ed-tech, testing/textbooks, therapy, tutoring, transportation) don't list online-school tuition..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Curriculum, textbooks & workbooks
Curriculum is a core product category but must support math, science, ELA, social studies, or foreign language (foreign language now excluded from spending requirement)..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Reading books & e-books
Textbooks allowed only if required by the home/private school and tied to a core subject; standalone chapter books excluded; audiobooks Marketplace-only..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
School supplies & consumables
Paper, notebooks, markers, pens, pencils, and printer paper are explicitly excluded 'Other Excluded Products & Services'..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Computers, tablets, software & internet
Educational Technology is a core product category (vision/hearing/speech/learning aids, computers, tablets), subject to per-item caps and a 3-year purchase limit..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Tutoring
Tutoring/Supplemental Teaching Services is a core service category, split into Core Academic Subjects and Other (art/music/foreign language)..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Classes, co-ops & camps
Art/music lessons, classes and camps via enrolled providers are covered starting 2026-27; homeschool co-op memberships and parent classes are excluded..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Music, art & sports lessons
Visual/performing arts and music lessons are covered; martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading, acrobatics and similar sports lessons are explicitly not allowed..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Educational therapies
Educational Therapy is a core service category (ABA, OT, PT, speech, art/music therapy, equine therapy, etc.) from a credentialed provider; chiropractic excluded..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Testing, exams & evaluations
Fees for nationally standardized norm-referenced tests, AP tests, or college entrance exams are an allowable product category..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
College courses, dual enrollment & CTE
Not among ESA+'s 3 product + 3 service categories in the 2026-27 guide; not addressed..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Transportation
Transportation is a core service category, but requires a signed contract with an SEAA-enrolled transportation provider..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
School uniforms
Not addressed anywhere in the 2026-27 Parent Guide's product/service categories or exclusion lists..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
Field trips, museums & educational travel
Field trips and tickets to events are explicitly listed under 'Other Excluded Products & Services'..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Desks, instruments & learning equipment
General furnishings (desk/chair) are excluded; science equipment (e.g. scientific microscopes) is allowed only inside an approved curriculum kit..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25.
Education Student Accounts (ESA+) explicitly excludes: field trips & event tickets; furniture (desks, chairs, shelves); household items/appliances; internet or cell phone service; gift cards; school lunches; classes for parents; homeschool co-op memberships; loose paper/pens/markers/printer supplies unless bundled with a device.
Questions North Carolina families ask
Can I buy curriculum, workbooks and printable worksheets with Education Student Accounts (ESA+)?
Yes. Curriculum is a core product category but must support math, science, ELA, social studies, or foreign language (foreign language now excluded from spending requirement).
Does Education Student Accounts (ESA+) pay for music, art or sports lessons?
With conditions. Visual/performing arts and music lessons are covered; martial arts, gymnastics, cheerleading, acrobatics and similar sports lessons are explicitly not allowed.
Does Education Student Accounts (ESA+) pay for tutoring?
Yes. Tutoring/Supplemental Teaching Services is a core service category, split into Core Academic Subjects and Other (art/music/foreign language).
Next
Before using ESA funds. Provider approval or a marketplace listing does not approve every product or confirm that a funded purchase can be made. Check Education Student Accounts (ESA+)'s current rules and payment route before buying; a direct card purchase does not guarantee reimbursement. This hub is educational information, not legal, tax or eligibility advice. PencilGo is independent of state agencies.