Indiana School Choice Guide for Homeschool Families 2026

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Funding Amount

Voucher amounts vary by income tier, up to 90% of state tuition support (approximately $5,500-$7,000). Homeschool-specific ESA options are more limited.

Program Overview

Program: Indiana Choice Scholarship (Voucher) Program

Indiana has a well-established school choice voucher program that primarily serves private school families. While the voucher program itself requires private school enrollment, Indiana has been expanding education funding options. Here is what homeschool families should know about the current landscape.

Eligibility Requirements

For the Choice Scholarship: student must attend an eligible private school
Income requirements vary by track (expanded income eligibility in recent years)
Indiana resident students in grades K-12
Homeschool families may access certain tax deductions for educational expenses

Approved Expenses

Here is what you can use Indiana ESA or scholarship funds for:

Private school tuition (Choice Scholarship)
Indiana offers a tax deduction of up to $1,000 per child for homeschool educational expenses
Curriculum and textbooks (via tax deduction)
Educational software and materials (via tax deduction)
Check current legislation for expanding ESA options

How to Apply

For the Choice Scholarship: apply through the Indiana Department of Education
For homeschool tax deductions: claim on your Indiana state tax return
Keep receipts for all educational expenses throughout the year
Monitor Indiana legislature for new ESA legislation that may expand homeschool funding

Key Dates: Choice Scholarship applications align with the school year. Tax deductions are claimed during annual tax filing. Check the Indiana DOE website for current timelines.

Testing Requirements

Choice Scholarship students take the ILEARN assessment. Homeschool families in Indiana are not required to take standardized tests under current state law.

Tips for Homeschool Families

Indiana's primary voucher program requires private school enrollment, but the $1,000 per-child tax deduction is available to homeschoolers
Keep all curriculum and educational supply receipts for your tax return
Indiana has been actively considering ESA expansion. Stay informed through your local homeschool association
Use free AI tools to supplement purchased curriculum and get the most from your education budget

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Indiana homeschool families get a voucher?

Indiana's Choice Scholarship voucher currently requires enrollment in an eligible private school. However, homeschool families can claim a state tax deduction of up to $1,000 per child for educational expenses. The legislature has been considering expanded ESA options.

What tax deductions do Indiana homeschoolers get?

Indiana allows a state tax deduction of up to $1,000 per child for educational expenses including curriculum, textbooks, and educational software. This is claimed on your Indiana state tax return.

Is Indiana considering an ESA for homeschoolers?

Indiana has seen multiple ESA bills introduced in recent legislative sessions. While the current voucher program focuses on private schools, there is growing momentum for broader education savings account options that would include homeschool families.

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Indiana School Choice Guide for Homeschool Families