Private school in North Carolina isn’t cheap. Tuition can run $6,000 to $15,000 a year, sometimes more. If that number makes you wince, you’re not alone, and you’re not out of options. The state runs two funded scholarship programs that help families cover private school costs, including faith-based schools like ALA Islamic School. Here’s how each one works, who qualifies, and how to pick the right fit for your family in 2026.
Quick answer: North Carolina has two main scholarship programs. The Opportunity Scholarship is open to any K-12 student. ESA+ is for students with a documented disability. Awards range from about $3,500 to $17,000 a year, depending on the program and your child’s needs. Applications open in early February 2026.
NC’s Two Scholarship Programs, Side by Side
Both programs run through the same state office, the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), using one online portal called MyPortal. The rules for each are different though.
| Program | Who can apply | Award amount | Income limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opportunity Scholarship | Any K-12 student | About $3,500 to $7,700 a year | None |
| ESA+ | Students with a documented disability | $9,000, up to $17,000 for some conditions | None |
Source: NCSEAA, 2026-27 program year.
Opportunity Scholarship: Who Gets It and How Much
Any K-12 student in North Carolina can apply. There’s no income limit anymore, that changed in 2024 when the state dropped the cap. Families with lower income still get a bigger award, but at this point, everyone gets to apply.
The money covers tuition and required school fees. It won’t cover books, uniforms, or transportation, so budget for those on your own. Applications open February 1 and close March 1. New applicants go into a random lottery. Families renewing from a prior year get priority, so it pays to stay on top of your renewal.
Your child also has to attend a school registered with the state as a “Direct Payment School.” Over 700 schools across North Carolina made that list, including American Leadership Academy High Point, one of the few fully accredited Islamic schools in the state. Before you apply, check whether the schools on your shortlist are actually registered. It’s a quick check that saves a headache later.
Worth knowing: apply even if you assume your income disqualifies you. There’s no cap on this program anymore.
ESA+: Help for Kids with Disabilities
ESA+ is built for families of children with a documented disability, and it stretches further than tuition alone. Funds can cover tuition, speech therapy, tutoring, and educational technology.
To qualify, your child needs a formal Eligibility Determination from a public school confirming the disability. Most students get $9,000 a year. Kids with certain conditions, including autism, hearing impairment, and some intellectual or developmental disabilities, can get up to $17,000.
Here’s the wrinkle for 2026: new applications for ESA+ are closed for the 2026-27 school year. But the state budget signed in July 2026 opened up more funding for families who applied earlier and missed out the first time. If you’re on that waitlist, check MyPortal and your email regularly, offers are going out now.
Accreditation matters just as much as funding here. A school being registered for state scholarships doesn’t tell you much about academic quality on its own, so check that separately. American Leadership Academy is a Cognia accredited Islamic school, a distinction that carries real weight for families comparing private schools across the state.
Can a Family Use Both Programs?
Yes. If your child qualifies for both, you can apply to both at the same time. Just know each one runs its own lottery, so getting into one doesn’t guarantee the other.
Other Ways to Pay for Private School
State scholarships aren’t the only path. A few more worth checking:
- School-based financial aid. Many private schools keep their own aid funds. Ask the school directly.
- Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Often run by churches or nonprofits, these can fill gaps state programs leave open.
- Homeschool grants. Groups like HSLDA offer smaller grants for families teaching at home.
These can usually stack with state scholarships to close whatever gap is left.
Which Program Should Your Family Choose?
A simple way to think it through:
- Does your child have a documented disability? Start with ESA+.
- Just need help with regular tuition? Apply for the Opportunity Scholarship.
- Not sure you’ll qualify? Apply anyway. Neither program has an income cap.
- Homeschooling full-time? The Opportunity Scholarship won’t apply to you, but ESA+ might.
2026-27 Deadlines You Need to Know
- Applications open: Early February 2026
- Priority deadline: March 1, 2026
- Award notices: April 2026
- Enrollment deadline: October 1, 2026
Accreditation is one more piece worth sorting out before you commit, since it can affect everything from credit transfers to college applications down the line. If you’re weighing your options, it helps to understand what Cognia accreditation actually means for your child before you settle on a school.
Set up your MyPortal account before February so you’re ready the moment the window opens. Between these two programs, most North Carolina families have more options on the table than they think.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there an income limit for the Opportunity Scholarship?
2. What can ESA+ money pay for besides tuition?
3. Can homeschool families get NC scholarship money?
4. Is the scholarship awarded first-come, first-served?
5. Can I apply for more than one program at once?
Tags: Accredited School, american leadership academy, Cognia, DFW Area, K-12 Online School, onlineislamicschool, onlineschool, Personalized Learning Paths for High School Students
