State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Opens Second Application Window for the Education Savings Account
HELENA - Superintendent Arntzen is excited to open the second application window for the Education Savings Account (ESA), which the Montana Legislature passed through HB 393, The Students with Special Needs Equal Opportunity Act on November 1, 2024. The application window will close on December 1, 2024. This application process is for new families who wish to participate in the ESA program beginning in January 2025. The data submitted to the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is secure and will only be used to verify eligibility.
“The Education Savings Account program focuses on flexibility and personalized learning for students of all abilities,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Montana parents know the unique educational needs of their children. I encourage families to apply for this great opportunity to partner with their public school and community.”
“My son is excelling with the new ESA program,” said Desirae Coty. “He has an eagerness to learn again. It has been a joy to see his excitement for learning.”
Families will need to submit the following information on the application:
- Student name, address, and birth date
- Parent contact information
- Proof of address
- Montana school attended the previous year
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) determination through an evaluation report, IEP, or private service plan
To qualify:
- students must be identified as having special needs under the IDEA definition of a "child with disabilities,”; and
- In the current school year:
- is identified as a "child with a disability" under the IDEA, 20 U.S.C. 1400, et seq.; and
- is between the ages of 5 and 19 on September 10, 2024;
- is not currently enrolled in a school operating for the purpose of providing educational services to youth in the Department of Corrections commitment programs or in the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind; and
- was counted during the previous school year for purposes of school district ANB funding; or
- was enrolled during the previous school year in one of these programs; or
- is eligible to enter a kindergarten program pursuant to 20-7-117, MCA.
Currently, 14 students participate in the ESA program. A Parent Handbook is available to provide more information about the program. To virtually apply click here, or request a paper application from Whitney Williams, Education Savings Account Specialist, at opiesa@mt.gov.
###