Can I Pay for an Online Program With ESA or EFA Funds?
Learning Success is an approved vendor in the ClassWallet marketplaces for Arizona, Arkansas and Indiana. This page explains the rules, whichever provider you choose.
Rules differ by state. Under Arizona's current ESA Parent Handbook, an online program for one child is allowed. It must fit the contract year, July 1 to June 30. A monthly plan fits. A yearly plan fits only if it ends by June 30. Arkansas's rule, as changed on June 29, 2026, names subscriptions for course-specific programs.
TL;DR
- An online program can qualify in both states. The rules differ by state. We checked these rules in October 2026.
- Under Arizona's current ESA Parent Handbook, an online program for one child is allowed. A family plan is not allowed, unless the receipt lists each ESA student's share.
- Under Arizona's current ESA Parent Handbook, pay only for this contract year. That year runs July 1 to June 30. A monthly plan fits. A yearly plan fits only if it ends by June 30.
- Arkansas's rule, as changed on June 29, 2026, names subscriptions for course-specific programs. We found no contract-year limit in what we read. Ask the Arkansas EFA office before you pay for a full year.
- Nothing here promises that a purchase will be approved. Each program decides what it pays for.
The short answer
An online program can qualify in both states. The rules differ by state.
Arizona's program is the Empowerment Scholarship Account, or ESA. The Arizona Department of Education runs it.
Arkansas's program is the Education Freedom Account, or EFA. Some parents call it an ESA too. The Arkansas Department of Education runs it.
Both programs use ClassWallet. ClassWallet is the online platform where families spend the funds.
Arizona: one child, one contract year
Under Arizona's current ESA Parent Handbook, an online program for one child is allowed. A family plan is not allowed, unless the receipt lists each ESA student's share. You can only pay for the current contract year. That year runs July 1 to June 30. A monthly plan fits. A yearly plan fits only if it ends by June 30. You cannot pay ahead into the next contract year.
The handbook lists items that need no curriculum document. That list covers July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. It includes educational software and apps. We could not confirm that list for 2026–27.
The handbook also lists purchases that are not allowed. Two are a family plan and a plan that runs past June 30. Buying before your child's contract starts is on the list too. So is paying for a brother or sister from one child's ESA.
Monthly or yearly in Arizona
For example, say you buy a 12-month plan in September. It would end the next September, past June 30. So under Arizona's current handbook, it would not fit.
A monthly plan paid inside the contract year does fit. A yearly plan fits only if it ends by June 30.
Arkansas: what the rule names
Arkansas's rule, as changed on June 29, 2026, names subscriptions for course-specific programs. The rule lists them as materials a course of study needs. It also names educational software and learning apps.
The rule also tests each cost. One part of the test is that the cost helps your child's learning directly. Another part is that the cost is needed for a documented learning goal. The test has other parts too.
Arkansas changed its EFA rule on June 29, 2026. The newest Family Handbook we could find is for 2025–26. It came out before that change. Where the two differ, the June 2026 rule is the one in force.
The 2025–26 Family Handbook lists some things the funds do not pay for. They include apps or subscriptions that are not for learning. They also include streaming services and video games.
Paying for a full year in Arkansas
We found no contract-year limit in Arkansas's June 2026 rule or 2025–26 Family Handbook. Arizona's current handbook does set one. We cannot say whether Arkansas has a limit. Ask the Arkansas EFA office before you pay for a full year.
Paying for it
Arizona's current ESA Parent Handbook gives four ways to pay. They are the marketplace, Pay Vendor, a debit card and reimbursement. Our page on ClassWallet explains each one.
The Arkansas texts we read describe two ways to pay. They are the ClassWallet marketplace and reimbursement.
Under Arkansas's rule as changed on June 29, 2026, some reimbursements need approval first. Core educational expenses is the rule's term for things like textbooks and workbooks. To be paid back for any other cost, get approval before buying. Check pre-approval in ClassWallet before you pay out of pocket.
Before you buy
Nothing here promises that a purchase will be approved. Each program decides what it pays for.
We checked these rules in October 2026. Rules can change, so check with the program before you buy.
Common questions from parents
Can I buy one subscription for two of my children in Arizona?
Under Arizona's current ESA Parent Handbook, an online program for one child is allowed. A family plan is not allowed, unless the receipt lists each ESA student's share. Paying for a brother or sister from one child's ESA is not allowed.
Can I pay for a whole year up front?
In Arizona, the current ESA Parent Handbook sets the rule. A yearly plan fits only if it ends by June 30. That is the end of the contract year. You cannot pay ahead into the next contract year. We found no contract-year limit in Arkansas's June 2026 rule or 2025–26 Family Handbook. Ask the Arkansas EFA office before you pay for a full year.
Does the subscription need a curriculum in Arizona?
Arizona's current ESA Parent Handbook lists items that need no curriculum document. That list covers July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. It includes educational software and apps. We could not confirm that list for 2026–27. Ask the ESA program whether it still holds for 2026–27.