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The Montana Education Savings Account Program, in simple terms, is a program that helps families set aside money for their child’s educational needs. This program gives funds that can be used for things like tutoring, special education services, or even speech therapy.
How much money will families receive?
Students will receive the following per year based on approval: $6,000 (elementary) $8,000 (high school) Initial Account Value
Who is eligible for the Montana Education Savings Account Program?
To qualify, students must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and be identified as having special needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) definition of a “child with disabilities.” Qualified students must also be Montana state residents between ages five and 19, and must have attended public school in the previous school year, or be newly eligible to attend public school in Montana, or have been enrolled in the previous school year at a school for juvenile corrections or the deaf and blind.
What can families spend the funds on?
Qualifying expenses for education savings accounts include tuition and fees; software; online programs and tutoring; distance learning; curriculum and supplemental materials; educational therapies and services; standardized test fees (plus college entrance); unbundled courses at public school; $50 for consumables (such as paper and pens); transportation; college tuition; books; and fees to education co-op.
Is the Montana Education Saving Account Program limited to those with special needs?
Eligibility for the ESA is limited to students in grades K–12 with a disability.
Here’s a rundown of how this program works. First, it’s funded by the state government and donations. Parents apply by filling out a financial aid form and if accepted, they receive money for their child’s education. The ESA amount is calculated by a combination of several factors under the state’s BASE aid, amounting to an estimated $5,000 to $6,000 for elementary students, and between $6,400 to $8,000 per high school student, or 65 percent of overall public school funding.
To qualify students must have the following:
| Requirements | Description |
|---|---|
| Individualized Education Plan (IEP) | Students must have an individualized education plan. |
| Child with Disabilities | Students must fit the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) definition of a “child with disabilities.” This includes conditions like autism, an intellectual disability, a speech or language impairment, a serious emotional disturbance, an orthopedic impairment, a traumatic brain injury, another health impairment, and/or specific learning disability. |
| Age | Qualified students should be between ages five and 19. |
| Residency | Students must be residents of Montana. |
| Previous Schooling | Students should have attended a public school in the previous school year, be newly eligible to attend public school in Montana, or have previously enrolled in a school for juvenile corrections or the deaf and blind. |
Keep in mind, eligibility requirements can seem overwhelming but understanding details and knowing if your child qualifies brings you one step closer to accessing this beneficial program. Be sure to check out the Montana Office of Public Instruction for up to date information.
