Education funding in Indiana
6 programs in Indiana, 2 open to homeschoolers. Each links to the program’s official sources.
Indiana Education Scholarship Account (INESA)
Homeschoolers can qualify From official sources October 7, 2026 Joining changes homeschool status
Yes. Homeschooled students with a disability that requires special education services (and their siblings) can apply, and home education is a listed option. Once enrolled, the child is no longer considered an independent homeschooler. Up to $20,000 a year for a student with a disability and up to $8,000 for a sibling; the 2026-27 estimate is 90% of per-student state funding for the child's school corporation, plus 100% of special education funding for students who need those services.
Dates and status: The 2026-27 application ran March 1 to September 1, 2026 (priority window March 1 to April 15), so it is now closed; 2027-28 dates are not yet posted. 2026-27 is the first year the Indiana Department of Education runs the program. Funds are paid quarterly in August, October, December and February.
Private School/Homeschool Deduction (unreimbursed education expenses, $1,000)
Homeschoolers can qualify From official sources October 7, 2026
Yes. Families can deduct $1,000 per dependent child who is homeschooled (or in private school) in grades K-12 and has costs such as curricula, textbooks, workbooks, software or school supplies. Instruction at home for a child enrolled in a public school or charter school does not count.
Dates and status: Claimed on the Indiana individual income tax return (Schedule 2). Spouses get one deduction per child.
Career Scholarship Account (CSA)
Program doesn’t say whether homeschoolers qualify From official sources October 7, 2026
This account pays up to $5,000 a year for students in grades 10-12 in approved apprenticeship, work-based learning and credential programs. The official pages do not say whether homeschooled students can take part.
Dates and status: The 2026-27 student application ran March 1 to October 1, 2026 (priority window March 1 to April 15). Funds are paid in four $1,250 disbursements starting September 18.
Federal Tax Credit Scholarship (Indiana opt-in)
Program doesn’t say whether homeschoolers qualify From official sources October 7, 2026 Not open yet
Official federal guidance says scholarships cover expenses "incurred in connection with or required by a K-12 public, private (including religious), or charter school" and does not mention homeschooling. Treasury and the IRS say separate guidance on which expenses qualify is still being written, so whether a homeschooled child can use a scholarship is not settled.
Dates and status: Indiana has made an advance election to participate for 2027 and appears on the IRS list (as of September 14, 2026). Donations can qualify starting January 1, 2027; families will apply to scholarship organizations on Indiana's list.
Indiana Choice Scholarship Program
Not open to homeschoolers From official sources October 7, 2026
No. The scholarship offsets tuition at participating accredited schools that charge tuition, and the school submits the application after the child enrolls, so a homeschooled child would need to enroll in a participating Choice school.
Dates and status: Running for 2026-2027, with a participating school list and estimated awards posted. Families apply through the participating school; first-period applications are full-year awards and second-period applications are half-year awards.
School Scholarship (SGO) Program and School Scholarship Tax Credit
Program doesn’t say whether homeschoolers qualify From official sources October 7, 2026
The official pages list minimum student requirements (Indiana residence, age, and household income up to 400% of the free/reduced-price lunch level) and a list of schools that partner with SGOs, but they do not say whether a homeschooled child can receive a scholarship. Ask the SGO directly.
Dates and status: Donor credits are capped at $18.5 million for the fiscal year July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Families apply to a certified SGO; each SGO sets its own additional rules.