At a glance
North Carolina has a voucher-based choice system — the Opportunity Scholarship, which was expanded to broad (near-universal) eligibility in 2024 — plus the ESA+ account for students with disabilities and a public charter sector.
This state's choice programs
The Opportunity Scholarship provides funds to help pay private-school tuition, now open to a broad range of families (with award amounts scaled by income). The ESA+ provides a flexible account for students with disabilities. Both are administered by the state.
Eligibility
Opportunity Scholarship eligibility is now broad (available across income levels, with larger awards for lower-income families). ESA+ has disability-based eligibility. Confirm current income tiers and amounts.
Applying
Apply through the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). Watch the application window and confirm requirements.
Public school choice, too
Remember: “school choice” also includes public options available in every state:
- Open enrollment / transfersAttend a public school outside your zone, where allowed (see our finding-your-school guide)
- Charter schoolsTuition-free public schools of choice (where available)
- Magnet schoolsTuition-free public schools with a specialized focus
- HomeschoolingLegal in all 50 states (rules vary)
Tips for families
- Confirm the current programThis area changes fast — verify eligibility, amounts, and deadlines
- Watch the deadlines & capsMany programs have windows and funding caps
- Understand what’s coveredESAs are flexible; vouchers usually cover tuition only
- Check your school participatesNot every private school accepts every program
- Combine with school aidChoice funds can stack with a school’s own financial aid
Frequently asked questions
- Does North Carolina have a private-school-choice program?Yes — North Carolina has the Opportunity Scholarship voucher (broadly expanded) plus ESA+ for disabilities.
- What’s the difference between an ESA and a voucher?A voucher pays a private school directly; an ESA is a flexible parent-managed account for many approved expenses.
- What is a tax-credit scholarship?Donors get a tax credit for giving to organizations that fund private-school scholarships.
- Is there public school choice too?Yes — open enrollment, charters, and magnets (plus homeschooling).
- Where do I confirm the details?On the official state program site (see below).
At a glance
- FlagshipOpportunity Scholarship (voucher)
- EligibilityExpanded to broadly universal
- AlsoESA+ (students with disabilities)
- PlusPublic charters
- Confirm withThe state program
Where to confirm
Confirm current programs and eligibility with the official source: