Support for Special Education: ESA Enrollment Success

Indiana’s Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) have reached full enrollment for the first time since the program launched in 2022. This milestone was announced by the Office of the Indiana State Treasurer, marking a significant achievement for a program designed to assist students who require special education services.

The announcement came just weeks after the office revealed a remarkable 200% increase in participation even before the new school year began. Initially, the program application deadline was set for September 1, but the overwhelming response from families prompted an early announcement of full enrollment.

“We are thrilled to announce that every dollar allocated to the Indiana ESA Program has been distributed, ensuring that families have the resources they need to provide their children with the best possible education,” said Indiana State Treasurer Daniel Elliott in a statement. “This program is a testament to Indiana’s dedication to supporting diverse educational opportunities and fostering an environment where every child can thrive.”

For the 2024-25 academic year, eligible Hoosier families will benefit from the $10 million appropriated for ESAs. The program will serve 862 students, and for the first time, 156 siblings of these students, according to the treasurer’s office. A significant change in the law approved earlier this year allows siblings of students with disabilities to access ESAs, even if they do not have disabilities themselves. Previously, these accounts were only available to students who required special education services.

The impact of the program is far-reaching, with over 600 providers expected to serve students across 67 of Indiana’s 92 counties. Notably, about 80% of students who participated last year chose to reapply, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness and appeal. During the 2023-2024 school year, a total of 957 unique ESA applications were created. Out of these, 557 applications were approved, leading to 540 students ultimately participating in the program.

“We recognize that every child is unique, and their educational experiences should reflect that. It’s all about the kids,” stated Tina Kaetzel, executive director of the Indiana ESA Program. “The success of this program underscores the importance of empowering parents and guardians with the resources necessary to make informed decisions about their children’s education. The program is growing, and it is working.”

To qualify for an ESA, school-aged Hoosiers must have an active service plan, Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or Choice Special Education Plan (CSEP). Additionally, their income must be below 400% of the Federal Free or Reduced School Meals limit, according to the Indiana Department of Education.

The accounts established by the state treasurer’s office provide each qualifying student with thousands of dollars for private school tuition and various educational services from providers outside their school district. These expenses can also include transportation, examinations and assessments, occupational therapy, paraprofessional support, education aides, and training programs, among other educational needs.

Despite the program’s successes, it has faced criticism. The ESA program was created by the General Assembly in 2021, encountering pushback from public education advocates who expressed concerns about oversight and the potential diversion of funds from traditional public schools.

In the 2024 legislative session, a prominent state Republican lawmaker proposed a bill to eliminate the ESA program in favor of a new grant program that would enable all Hoosier families, regardless of income, to choose their educational paths. While this proposal did not advance, it signaled possible legislative momentum for changes in 2025, indicating ongoing discussions about the future of educational funding in Indiana.