Kansas Homeschool Funding Options (2026)

Kansas takes a hands-off approach to homeschooling, treating home educators as non-accredited private schools with few requirements. The state asks only for registration and doesn't mandate testing, curriculum approval, or teacher qualifications.

What Kansas doesn't offer is funding. There's no ESA, no voucher program, and no education tax credits. Pending legislation could change this—a tax credit bill is under consideration—but for now, Kansas families rely on federal alternatives and their own resources.

What Funding Is Available for Kansas Homeschoolers?

Kansas currently provides no state funding for homeschool families. No ESA program, no vouchers, no tax deductions specifically for educational expenses. The state's conservative political environment has produced school choice discussions, but nothing has passed into law yet.

What could change: SB 75, introduced in 2025, proposes a universal refundable tax credit program. If passed, it would provide up to $8,000 for students attending accredited private schools and $4,000 for non-accredited options (which would include homeschoolers). The bill's prospects remain uncertain.

Federal Funding Options

Without state programs, Kansas homeschool families rely on federal tax-advantaged accounts:

• Coverdell ESA — Save up to $2,000 per year per child. Contributions aren't deductible, but growth and qualified withdrawals for educational expenses are tax-free. Covers curriculum, tutoring, computers, and supplies.^[1]
• 529 Plan — Kansas offers the Learning Quest 529 plan with state tax deductions for contributions. Federal law allows up to $10,000 annually for K-12 private school tuition, though homeschool eligibility for 529 funds varies.
• Kansas 529 Tax Deduction — Kansas residents can deduct up to $3,000 per beneficiary ($6,000 for married filing jointly) from state taxable income for 529 contributions.

Virtual School Options

Kansas offers public virtual schools that provide free curriculum and instruction. These aren't homeschooling—you're enrolled in public school—but they offer an alternative for families who need financial support:

Available programs: - Kansas Connections Academy (K-12) - Kansas Virtual Academy (KEVA) - Various district-operated virtual programs

The trade-off: Virtual public schools provide free curriculum but require state testing, teacher oversight, and following the school's schedule. You lose the flexibility and independence of true homeschooling. For families who prioritize educational autonomy, this may not be the right fit.

Local Scholarships and Co-ops

Some Kansas homeschool families find support through:

- Homeschool co-ops — Cost-sharing for group classes, field trips, and materials - Church and religious organizations — Some provide curriculum assistance to member families - Curriculum publisher scholarships — Companies like Sonlight and BJU Press offer need-based assistance - Local homeschool associations — Kansas organizations occasionally offer small grants or resource lending

These won't replace substantial funding, but they can offset specific costs.

Kansas Homeschool Funding at a Glance

Looking Ahead: School Choice in Kansas

Kansas has seen repeated attempts at school choice legislation. SB 75 represents the most recent effort, proposing a universal tax credit that would benefit both private school and homeschool families.

The political environment is mixed. Kansas has conservative leanings on education issues, but school choice legislation has faced opposition from education establishment groups. Whether SB 75 or similar legislation passes remains to be seen.

Homeschool families should stay informed through organizations like HSLDA and Kansas Home Educators Network (KHEN) that track legislative developments.

The Bottom Line

Kansas doesn't currently fund homeschooling, though that could change if pending legislation advances. For now, federal Coverdell ESAs and Kansas's 529 tax deduction are your primary financial tools.

The upside: Kansas's low-regulation environment means you have complete freedom over curriculum, schedule, and approach—with no state oversight of your educational choices.

Homeschooling doesn't have to be expensive. Libraries, used curriculum markets, and Kansas's active homeschool community provide resources for families at every budget level.