How Charter Funds Work

Public charter schools receive state funding for each enrolled student. Homeschool charter schools typically share a portion of that funding with families as an educational budget, sometimes called funds, an allowance, or a reimbursement account. You are not paid cash; instead, the school pays or reimburses approved educational expenses.

How much do families get? Amounts vary a lot by charter school and by grade level, but most families receive somewhere in the range of one to five thousand dollars per student per year. Check each school's details before enrolling, since policies and amounts change.

What can funds usually cover? Common approved expenses include curriculum and books, online programs and classes, tutors and enrichment teachers, co-op fees, educational supplies and technology, and sometimes field trips or educational experiences. Every charter has its own approved vendor list and spending rules.

How the process works. Most schools require pre-approval before you buy. You propose an expense to your teacher or Learning Coach, get approval, make the purchase, and submit your receipt for reimbursement, or the school pays the vendor directly. Keep every receipt, since unapproved purchases usually are not reimbursed.

Tips for using funds well. Save funds for big-ticket items like curriculum and classes first. Ask your teacher what is allowed before spending. Track your budget in a simple spreadsheet throughout the year so spring semester spending does not catch you off guard. And remember the funds follow your enrolled child, so each enrolled sibling typically has their own budget.

Where to find charter options. Our vendor directory lists charter schools that work with homeschool families in our area. Visit the charter listing on each vendor profile to see which schools accept charter funds for classes and services.