A common argument against school choice is that private schools would leave children with disabilities behind. But groundbreaking new research says the opposite is happening.
A new report published by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) estimates that about 258,844 students with disabilities are now using state-supported private school choice programs, such as scholarships, education savings accounts (ESAs) and tax credit scholarships, to access private schools and other education options. That’s roughly 17.2% of all participants in those programs.
The new data also shows that even at the low end, students with disabilities make up a slightly larger share of school choice participants than of public school students.
This means that families of more than a quarter million families of children with disabilities and learning differences are choosing private school options through these programs.
This guide walks through the major K-12 special education scholarships by state, what they can cover, and how a new federal tax credit will add another source of support starting in 2027.
What Is a Special Education Scholarship?
A special education scholarship helps families pay for a K-12 education that fits a child with a disability or learning difference. These are also called special needs scholarships. At a broad level, these scholarships go toward a specialized school, a traditional private school with added support, tutoring, special education services, or a mix of these.
Most special education scholarships fall into two categories:
- State-funded scholarships and education savings accounts (ESAs). These are set up by state law. Some of these types of programs serve only students with disabilities. Others serve a wider range of students, and students with disabilities often make up a significant share of participants and may receive larger awards.
- Privately funded scholarships. These come from private, nonprofit scholarship organizations and are funded by donors’ gifts.
Every child is different, and you know your child best. The right fit might be a new school, or it might be a tutor, the right learning tools, or added services where your child already is. Learn more about what scholarship funds can be used for.
State-Funded Special Education Scholarships Across the U.S.
Rules and dollar amounts vary, so always check the official program site before you apply. Here is an overview of some of the most robust special education scholarships across the country.
Florida: Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students With Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
Florida runs the largest program of its kind in the country. The recent AEI report counts 140,147 students in the Unique Abilities scholarship. That single program accounts for more than 78% of all students enrolled nationwide in private school choice programs designed only for students with disabilities. In other words, nearly four in five students in disability-specific programs are in Florida.
- Who qualifies: Florida residents ages 3 through 22 (or through 12th grade) with a qualifying diagnosis. The list includes autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, specific learning disabilities, other health impairments and more.
- How it works: It’s an education savings account. Families can use it for private school tuition, curriculum, tutoring, therapies and other approved expenses.
- Amount: Step Up For Students, which administers it, reports an average of about $10,000 per student. Amounts vary by county.
- Searching for the McKay Scholarship? Florida’s former McKay Scholarship has been folded into FES-UA, so FES-UA is where families now apply.
Learn more at Step Up For Students.
Ohio: Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship
The Jon Peterson scholarship serves students ages 3 through 21 who have a current IEP from their home public school district. The award amount depends on the primary disability listed on the student’s evaluation team report, so children who need more support receive more. Families first enroll with a participating provider.
Meet one of the program’s first recipients. The Jon Peterson scholarship exists in part because of families like the Myers. When doctors told Tera and Lew Myers that their son Sam, who has Down syndrome, would be a “burden,” they refused to accept it. Tera spent eight years testifying in Columbus, and the bill was vetoed twice along the way. When Ohio enacted the program in 2011, Sam was one of its first recipients. Today he works two jobs and runs his own card-making business.
Learn more at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Georgia: Georgia Special Needs Scholarship
The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship, created in 2007, generally serves students who have an IEP or 504 plan and attended a Georgia public school the year before. Exceptions apply for children of recently stationed active-duty military families and for children adopted from foster care. EdChoice reports an average award of about $7,358. The award cannot exceed the private school’s tuition and fees.
Learn more at EdChoice’s Georgia page or through your local school district.
Be the First to Know
Get notified when the Education Freedom Tax Credit launches so you don’t miss the opportunity to support K–12 students while benefiting from a federal tax credit.
North Carolina: ESA+
North Carolina’s ESA+ serves K-12 students with disabilities who have an eligibility determination from a North Carolina public school issued within the last three years. An IEP or 504 plan alone does not count. The base award is $9,000 a year, and students with certain designated disabilities can receive $17,000. Applications usually open the first Monday in February.
Learn more at the NC State Education Assistance Authority.
Arizona: Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
Like several other states’ universal programs, Arizona’s ESA is open to every K-12 student, and students with disabilities receive larger awards based on their needs. According to AEI, 21,264 students with disabilities use the program, about 21% of all participants. Arizona also has Lexie’s Law, a tax credit scholarship for students with disabilities.
Learn more at the Arizona Department of Education.
Texas: Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA)
Texas launched TEFA for the 2026-27 school year. Students with a qualifying disability can receive up to $30,000. AEI reports that nearly a quarter of students verified at the program’s launch had a disability.
Learn more at educationfreedom.texas.gov.
Arkansas and Other States
In Arkansas, nearly 36% of students using an Arkansas Education Freedom Account in 2024-25 had a disability, the highest share AEI found among broad programs. Indiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and other states also offer options for students with disabilities, and several have waiting lists because funding is capped.
What Happens to an IEP in Private School?
When a parent chooses to place a child in a private school, the child usually no longer has an individual right to the full set of IEP services from the public school district. Under federal law, the district still owes “equitable services” to students it identifies in private schools, but those services are often more limited than an IEP. Some states keep or transfer certain rights for scholarship students.
For many families, a plan on paper isn’t the same as the right support, and they decide the trade is worth it. The AEI report notes that challenging a district over services can take years and tens of thousands of dollars, a cost many families can’t carry.
Before you leave a public school IEP, talk with a special education advocate, and ask any school you’re considering exactly which supports it provides.
And leaving isn’t the only path. Some state ESAs, and starting in 2027, scholarships funded through the Education Freedom Tax Credit, can help with tutoring, books and special education services while your child stays in public school.
A New Source of Support Starting in 2027: The Education Freedom Tax Credit
Beginning January 1, 2027, a new federal tax credit called the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) will help fund K-12 scholarships, including scholarships for children with disabilities and learning differences, in states that choose to participate.
Here’s how it works for donors: Give to a qualified Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit: up to $1,700 for individuals, or up to $3,400 for married couples filing jointly. You give first; the credit reduces your federal tax bill when you file.
Those amounts are where the credit fully covers your gift, not a limit on what you can give. Many donors will give more, and every additional dollar helps more children. The amount above the credit is treated like any other charitable contribution under the usual tax rules. Consult your tax advisor for your situation.
For families, eligibility is broad. About 90% of American students are expected to qualify. Scholarships can help with private school tuition, tutoring, books, special education services and other qualifying costs.
AFC Scholarship Fund, a qualified SGO and 501(c)(3) nonprofit, created the Special Education Scholarship Fund for K-12 students with a documented disability or learning difference. By law, at least 90% of what an SGO receives must go to scholarships. For a deeper look at how the credit works for these families, read our guide to the Education Freedom Tax Credit for families of children with disabilities. If you’re new to SGOs, start with what a Scholarship Granting Organization is.
The Right Fit Is Out There
When families of children with disabilities have real options, they use them. State scholarships and ESAs open some of those doors today. Beginning in 2027, the EFTC will help open more.
Whether you’re a parent looking for the right fit or someone who wants to help a child find one, start with the AFC Special Education Scholarship Fund.
Yes. Several states offer special education scholarships or education savings accounts, including Florida, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona and Texas. Privately funded scholarships from nonprofit scholarship organizations add another option. Starting in 2027, the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit will expand that support through Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) in participating states.
In many cases, yes. Most state special education scholarships and ESAs allow private school tuition as an expense, including at schools that specialize in serving students with disabilities. Check your state's rules and whether the school participates.
It depends on the program. Ohio's Jon Peterson scholarship requires a current IEP. Georgia accepts an IEP or 504 plan. North Carolina requires a public school eligibility determination. Florida's Unique Abilities scholarship is based on a qualifying diagnosis. AFC's Special Education Scholarship Fund serves K-12 students with a documented disability or learning difference who meet the federal tax credit's general requirements.
Usually not in full. When a parent places a child in private school, the public school district typically owes "equitable services" rather than the full IEP. Some states preserve certain rights for scholarship students. Talk with a special education advocate before making a change.
Not always. It depends on the program. Some state ESAs cover tutoring, therapies and other approved services, not just private school tuition. Starting in 2027, scholarships funded through the Education Freedom Tax Credit can also help with tutoring, books and special education services. For those scholarships, each SGO decides what it covers within federal rules.
Yes. You can choose to direct your gift to AFC Scholarship Fund's Special Education Scholarship Fund. Starting January 1, 2027, gifts to a qualified SGO like AFC Scholarship Fund can also qualify for the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit. Federal law does not allow a gift to be earmarked for a specific student or family. The SGO makes all award decisions.
