ClassWallet is a digital wallet platform that manages education funding for state ESA and scholarship programs, allowing families to purchase approved educational materials and services from a marketplace of pre-vetted vendors.
What is ClassWallet?
ClassWallet is the nation's leading digital wallet platform for managing education funding, having delivered over $5.4 billion in public funds across 37 states. Founded in 2014, the platform serves as the payment system for numerous state ESA (Education Savings Account) and scholarship programs. When families qualify for state education funding, ClassWallet provides the interface for browsing approved vendors, making purchases, submitting reimbursement requests, and tracking remaining balances. The platform eliminates paper processing, reduces administrative costs for state agencies, and gives families real-time visibility into their education spending.
Key Takeaways
- Powers ESA programs in Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and other states
- Offers an integrated marketplace of pre-approved educational vendors
- Supports direct vendor payments and reimbursement requests
- Provides real-time tracking of fund balances and spending
- Charges vendors a 2.5% service fee (not charged to families)
State Programs Using ClassWallet
Multiple state ESA and scholarship programs rely on ClassWallet for fund management. Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account, one of the largest ESA programs nationally, uses ClassWallet for all transactions. Alabama's CHOOSE Act program processes funds through the platform, providing $7,000 for private school students and $2,000 for homeschoolers. Arkansas Education Freedom Accounts, New Hampshire's EFA program, North Carolina's ESA, and South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund all operate through ClassWallet. Additional states have used the platform for emergency assistance and short-term education funding programs.
How Families Use the Platform
ClassWallet offers three primary purchasing methods. The integrated marketplace allows families to browse pre-approved vendors, add items to a cart, and check out seamlessly—similar to standard online shopping. For vendors not in the marketplace but registered with ClassWallet, families can use the "Pay Vendor" feature by uploading an invoice or documentation. When families pay out of pocket for qualifying expenses, they can submit receipts for reimbursement after linking a bank account. All three methods require documentation—receipts or invoices in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format—to verify purchases meet program guidelines.
Approved Expense Categories
While specifics vary by state, ESA funds through ClassWallet typically cover tuition, curriculum and educational materials, tutoring services, educational therapy, online learning subscriptions, standardized testing fees, and approved technology. Each state program publishes specific "Spending Categories" and allowable use guidelines. Being listed as an approved vendor doesn't guarantee every item from that vendor qualifies—individual items must meet state eligibility requirements. Families should review their state's guidelines carefully before purchasing and verify vendor availability, as not all marketplace vendors operate in every state.
Tips for Using ClassWallet
Study your state's spending guidelines thoroughly before shopping—understanding eligible categories prevents reimbursement denials. Check vendor availability in your state, as the national marketplace includes vendors who may not serve all programs. When in doubt about an item's eligibility, contact ClassWallet support or your state program office before purchasing. Keep documentation organized for all transactions, even marketplace purchases. Link your bank account early if you plan to use the reimbursement option. Track your budget using ClassWallet's real-time balance features to avoid overspending available funds.
The Bottom Line
ClassWallet simplifies the complex task of managing state education funds for homeschooling families. The platform's integrated marketplace makes finding and purchasing approved materials straightforward, while reimbursement options provide flexibility for purchases outside the marketplace. Success with ClassWallet depends on understanding your specific state program's guidelines—eligible expenses, approved vendors, and documentation requirements all vary by program. Families new to ESA funding should invest time learning their state's rules before shopping to ensure smooth transactions and avoid denied purchases.
