Homeschool Just Got a Whole Lot Easier (and Funded!)

How ESAs Work for Parents to Fund Generation Genius:

1. Application & Approval: Parents apply to their state’s ESA program, providing required documentation such as proof of residency and the student’s birth certificate. Eligibility varies by state, with some moving towards universal eligibility for all K-12 students.

2. Accessing Funds via Digital Platforms (like ClassWallet): Many states, including Arizona and Alabama, require parents to access and manage their ESA funds through third-party digital platforms like ClassWallet or Odyssey.

   • Once your ESA application is approved, funds are deposited into your virtual account on the platform.
   • Payments to approved vendors like Generation Genius are typically made directly from this virtual platform. This means you can use your ESA funds without necessarily paying out-of-pocket first and waiting for reimbursement.
   • The platform aims to minimize out-of-pocket expenses for parents by facilitating direct payments to providers.


Generation Genius is working to become a “Marketplace vendor” on ClassWallet, meaning parents will be directed from ClassWallet to the Generation Genius website to select a product, then return to ClassWallet to complete the purchase using ESA funds.

Familiarize Yourself with the Reimbursement Process:

Each state handles ESA payments differently. Some use direct payment systems, while others require you to pay first and request reimbursement.


Common payment methods:

• Debit cards: Pre-loaded cards specifically for ESA purchases
• Direct vendor payments: The ESA program pays approved vendors directly
• Reimbursement: You pay upfront and submit receipts for repayment
• Third-party platforms: Systems like ClassWallet that manage transactions.


If your state uses a reimbursement model, understand exactly what documentation is required. 



Typically, you’ll need:

• Original receipts
• Proof of payment
• Description of educational purpose
• Completed reimbursement forms

What Eligible Expenses Can Generation Genius Cover?

While specific eligible expenses vary by state, Generation Genius products and services generally align with common approved categories for ESA funds, which may include:


• Online learning courses and programs
• Curriculum and instructional materials
• Technology (e.g., software) used for educational needs
• Tutoring (online or in-person)
• Supplemental educational services

For example, Alabama’s CHOOSE Act, starting in 2025, provides up to $2,000 per homeschooled student (capped at $4,000 per family) for expenses such as curriculum, instructional materials, computer hardware/software (with limits), online learning programs, educational software, and private tutoring.

Benefits of Using ESAs with Generation Genius:

• Customized Learning: ESAs empower parents to customize their child’s education to meet individual needs and learning styles, allowing them to choose resources like Generation Genius.
• Financial Support: ESAs provide public funds to ease the financial burden of homeschooling or private education expenses.
• Flexibility: Funds can be used for a wide array of approved educational goods and services, beyond just tuition.
• Parental Control: Parents, rather than the state or school districts, have significant control over how per-pupil funds are spent.

Important Considerations:

• Accountability: While ESAs offer flexibility, states implement accountability measures such as requiring documentation (receipts) for purchases. Some programs may require students to take standardized or norm-referenced tests, or parents to submit portfolios of academic progress, though many states opt for more flexible testing requirements or portfolio reviews.
• Eligibility Requirements: Each state program has unique guidelines regarding student eligibility, which may include residency, income restrictions, or prior public school attendance, though a trend towards universal eligibility is increasing.
• No Reimbursement (in some states): For Alabama’s CHOOSE Act, all payments must be made through ClassWallet, and no reimbursements are provided directly to families. Other states may still offer reimbursement options for some expenses.
• Contact Support: If you encounter issues or have questions, contact your state’s ESA program administrator or the digital platform’s customer support (e.g., ClassWallet, Odyssey).