Nevada Homeschool Funding Options (2026)

Nevada holds a peculiar place in school choice history. In 2015, the state passed the nation's first universal education savings account program—a groundbreaking law that would have provided funds to any Nevada family. Then it went nowhere.

The Nevada Supreme Court blocked funding in 2016, and the legislature has never appropriated money since. The ESA law technically exists, but no families receive funds. For practical purposes, Nevada homeschoolers have no state support—just an empty promise on the books.

The Nevada ESA: What Happened?

Nevada's ESA story is a cautionary tale about the gap between passing a law and implementing it:

2015: Nevada passes SB 302, creating the first universal ESA. Would have provided ~90% of state per-pupil funding to families for educational expenses. No income limits, no restrictions—every family eligible.

2016: Nevada Supreme Court rules the funding mechanism unconstitutional. The ESA structure survives, but the money doesn't.

2017-Present: Various attempts to fund the program have failed. Legislative priorities, budget constraints, and political opposition have prevented appropriation.

The result: a law that exists on paper with no practical effect. If you search for "Nevada ESA," you'll find the 2015 legislation—but no active program to apply for.

What Funding Is Actually Available?

Without a functioning ESA, Nevada homeschool families rely on federal options only:

• Coverdell ESA — Save up to $2,000 per year per child. Contributions aren't deductible, but growth and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Covers curriculum, tutoring, computers, and supplies.^[1]
• 529 Plan — Nevada's 529 plan offers no state tax benefits (Nevada has no state income tax). Can use $10,000 annually for K-12 tuition under federal law.
• No state tax benefits — Nevada has no state income tax, so there are no state deductions or credits for educational expenses.

Nevada Homeschool Requirements

The silver lining: Nevada has low regulation for homeschoolers:

- Notification — File a Notice of Intent to Homeschool with your school district - No curriculum requirements — Choose any curriculum or approach - No testing — No mandatory standardized testing - No oversight — No portfolio reviews or progress checks

Nevada trusts parents to educate their children without state interference. You just won't get state help doing it.

Virtual School Options

Nevada offers public virtual schools for families who need free curriculum:

Available programs: - Nevada Virtual Academy (NVVA) - Nevada Connections Academy - District-operated virtual options

The trade-off: Virtual public schools provide free curriculum but require enrollment, testing, and following the school's program. You're a public school student, not a homeschooler. Most families who choose homeschooling do so for the independence—virtual schools give up that independence.

Nevada Homeschool Funding at a Glance

Will Nevada Ever Fund Its ESA?

The existing ESA law could theoretically be funded by a future legislature, but prospects are uncertain:

Challenges: - Nevada's political environment has shifted since 2015 - Budget priorities often favor other programs - Legal concerns about funding mechanisms persist - Public education establishment opposes school choice

Possibilities: - The law is already passed—just needs funding - Regional school choice momentum could create pressure - A new funding mechanism might survive legal challenge

For now, Nevada homeschoolers should plan around current options rather than waiting for a program that's been unfunded for over a decade.

Stay informed through HSLDA and Nevada Homeschool Network for any developments.

Community Resources

Nevada's homeschool community provides mutual support:

- Nevada Homeschool Network — State organization with resources - Homeschool co-ops — Available in Las Vegas, Reno, and other areas - Support groups — Regional networks across the state - Used curriculum sales — Community curriculum swaps

These resources help families network and share costs, which matters more without state funding.

The Bottom Line

Nevada's ESA exists only on paper—a historic first that was never funded. For practical purposes, the state provides no support for homeschool families.

What Nevada does offer is freedom. Low regulation means you can homeschool however you choose, without curriculum requirements, testing mandates, or government oversight.

Federal Coverdell ESAs are your primary financial tool. Combined with Nevada's active homeschool community and the state's minimal compliance burden, most families find they can homeschool effectively—they just have to fund it themselves.