Indiana Homeschool Funding Guide (2026)

If you're searching for Indiana homeschool funding, here's the direct answer: Indiana does not offer state funding for homeschooling. The state's Choice Scholarship Program provides approximately $6,264 per student—but only for private school tuition, not homeschool expenses^[1].

This may change in the future, as school choice momentum continues nationwide. But for 2026, Indiana homeschoolers need to look to federal programs and other alternatives. This guide explains what exists, why homeschool isn't covered, and what options are actually available.

What Funding Exists in Indiana?

Indiana's Choice Scholarship Program (often called the "voucher program") is one of the longest-running school choice programs in the country, established in 2011. The program provides public funding—averaging around $6,264 per student—for families to use at participating private schools.

The key limitation: Funds can only be used for private school tuition. Homeschool curriculum, tutoring, or other educational expenses are explicitly not covered.

Starting with the 2026-27 school year, the program becomes universal—removing previous income restrictions. But "universal" refers to who can access private school vouchers, not an expansion to include homeschooling.

Indiana Choice Scholarship Eligibility

Why Homeschool Is Excluded

Indiana's voucher program was designed specifically as a private school tuition program, not a general education savings account. The distinction matters:

Voucher Programs: Redirect public funds to pay tuition at approved private schools. Schools must meet state accreditation standards and accept state oversight.

ESA Programs: Provide flexible funding families can use for various educational expenses, including homeschool curriculum. These require different legislative frameworks.

Indiana chose the voucher model, which inherently limits usage to institutional education settings. States like Arizona and Florida offer ESAs that include homeschool; Indiana does not.

There's ongoing advocacy to expand Indiana's program to include homeschool options, but no legislation has advanced as of 2026.

Alternative Funding Options

Without state support, Indiana homeschoolers should focus on federal programs and other alternatives:

Federal Funding Options

• Coverdell ESA — Contribute up to $2,000 per year per child to a tax-advantaged savings account. Growth and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Covers curriculum, tutoring, computers, and more.
• 529 Plan — Indiana offers state tax deductions for contributions. Federal law allows up to $10,000 annually for K-12 expenses, though rules vary.
• Employer Benefits — Some employers offer dependent education assistance. Check your benefits package for available programs.

Coverdell ESA Details

The Coverdell ESA is likely your best federal option for homeschool funding in Indiana:

Contribution Limits: $2,000 per beneficiary per year (from all contributors combined).

Tax Benefits: Contributions aren't deductible, but growth is tax-free. Qualified withdrawals for educational expenses are also tax-free.

Eligible Expenses: Curriculum, textbooks, tutoring, computers, educational software, special needs services, and more.

Income Limits: Phase-out begins at $95,000 (single) / $190,000 (married filing jointly). Above these limits, contribution ability decreases.

Age Limits: Contributions must be made before the beneficiary turns 18 (exception for special needs). Funds must be used by age 30.

While $2,000 per year is modest compared to state ESA programs, it's guaranteed, tax-advantaged, and available regardless of Indiana policy.

Indiana 529 Plan

Indiana offers the CollegeChoice 529 plan with state tax benefits:

State Tax Deduction: Indiana residents can deduct contributions from state taxable income, providing immediate tax savings.

K-12 Usage: Federal law allows up to $10,000 per year for K-12 tuition expenses. However, this primarily benefits private school tuition—homeschool usage rules are more restrictive.

College Savings: The primary purpose remains college savings, where 529 plans excel with unlimited contribution potential and tax-free growth.

For homeschoolers, the 529 may be more valuable as a college savings vehicle than for current K-12 expenses. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Indiana Homeschool Requirements

The good news: Indiana is extremely homeschool-friendly in terms of regulations.

No Registration Required: You don't need to notify or register with the state.

No Teacher Qualifications: Parents don't need teaching credentials.

No Testing Required: No mandatory standardized testing for homeschoolers.

Required Instruction: Teach subjects equivalent to public schools for an equivalent number of days.

Indiana trusts parents to educate their children. The tradeoff is that this regulatory freedom hasn't come with funding support—unlike states that offer ESAs with more oversight requirements.

Looking Ahead

Will Indiana ever offer homeschool funding? The political environment suggests it's possible:

School Choice Momentum: Indiana has strong school choice support, evidenced by the Choice Scholarship expansion to universal eligibility in 2026-27.

ESA Trend Nationally: More states are adopting ESA models that include homeschool. This creates pressure and templates for Indiana.

Current Barriers: Converting a voucher program to an ESA requires significant legislative changes. No such legislation has advanced recently.

Advocacy Needed: If homeschool funding matters to you, engage with Indiana school choice organizations and legislators. Policy changes require constituent voices.

For now, plan based on what exists: no state homeschool funding, but strong federal alternatives and a low-regulation homeschool environment.

The Bottom Line

Indiana's Choice Scholarship Program provides meaningful funding for private school families but excludes homeschoolers entirely. This reflects the program's voucher design rather than any path forward for homeschool funding.

For now, Indiana homeschoolers should maximize federal options like Coverdell ESAs ($2,000 annual contribution) and Indiana's 529 plan (state tax deduction). These provide genuine, if modest, support for educational expenses.

Indiana's low-regulation homeschool environment means freedom without funding. Whether that balance changes depends on future legislative action.