Idaho provides money for homeschoolers through the Empowering parents Program. The program offers funds for educational expenses to help support the learning goals of homeschool, public, and private school students.
By educating a child at home, Idaho parents have more control over the many facets of their child’s education and experience. However, they also take on many new responsibilities related to their child’s education—including the cost.
While the expense of any education is a worthwhile investment, resources like the Empowering parents Program in Idaho help make homeschooling affordable.
What is the Empowering parents Program in Idaho?
Idaho’s Empowering parents Program is a state-funded initiative to provide $30 million in “microgrant” funding to local families. The money supports families with educational expenses beyond those that are covered in a traditional classroom, paying for personalized learning tools, school supplies, individual therapies, and much more.
The Empowering parents Program was launched as a way to offset the learning losses that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Homeschooled students are eligible for the grants, along with students enrolled in private or public schools for their K-12 education.
Each qualifying student can receive a $1,000 grant, with a maximum per-family amount of $3,000. While the program does not have income requirements, families with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less (based on their previous year tax filing) are prioritized. This helps to ensure that the funds are primarily directed to families with the greatest need.
This information is subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information we recommend visiting the official website for Empowering parents.
Eligible Expenses Covered by the Program
The Parent Empowerment Program covers a wide range of education-related expenses to help students succeed, including:
- Technological devices and services
- Curriculum, textbooks, and other instructional materials and software
- Testing fees
- Occupational, behavioral, physical, and other therapies
- Extracurricular or education-related program fees and equipment
- Educational camps and classes
- school supplies
The program does not pay for family expenses not directly related to a child’s educational experience, such as TVs, video games, TV or music streaming services, recreational equipment, home appliances, or food. Empowering parents Program funds also can not be used for homeschool co-op tuition and fees or private school tuition.
For the most up-to-date information regarding eligible expenses, visit the Idaho Empowering parents Program website.
How to Access the Empowering parents Program in Idaho
For 2024-2025, applications for the Empowering parents Program became available in October and April of the current school year. No funds will be awarded until after the school year has begun and the application window opens. Applications are expected to close in April, but may also end earlier than planned if all program funds are allocated.
parents should refer to the program website for the most up-to-date information regarding both how to apply and eligibility.
In general, however, parents must apply for funding on their child’s behalf. The first step is to create an account in the Empowering parents portal. The application can then be completed online through the portal.
To qualify for funding through the program, parents must provide proof of:
- Residency in Idaho (current utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement)
- student’s age (birth certificate, passport, or government-issued identification, showing that the child is aged 5-18)
- Guardianship or parenthood (tax return, birth certificate, documentation of adoption, foster care, or legal custody)
According to the website, parents can expect to receive a response within 10 business days. Once approved, families receiving an Empowering parents Program award will receive a welcome email through ClassWallet, the platform used to allocate and manage program funds. parents can then use ClassWallet to make payments and purchases for approved expenses.
Which Homeschool Programs are Eligible for Idaho’s Financial Aid Program?
Before applying for the Empowering parents Program, it’s helpful for homeschooling families to understand what the program covers.
These helpful state funds can be used for K-12 books and curriculum, educational software and applications, and even education-related subscriptions. That means that the full suite of accredited homeschool programs available through Bridgeway Academy qualify for funding under the Empowering parents Program.
Bridgeway’s offerings include curated curriculum options for pre-K and kindergarten, elementary, school-homeschool/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>middle school, school-homeschool/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>high school, and school-programs/dual-enrollment/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>dual enrollment students. The accredited programs available through Bridgeway Academy are customized to meet the needs of every student and every family, with one-on-one academic guidance from a team of trusted advisors and educational professionals, opportunities to engage with other students nearby and around the world, and support for homeschooling parents too.
Supporting Homeschoolers Through Financial Aid in Idaho
The Empowering parents Program offers sometimes critical support to Idaho parents who want to enhance or even consider a different approach to their child’s education.
Idaho parents who homeschool their children have greater control over their child’s school experience than in traditional schools. parents can choose the subjects their child studies and who and what they encounter during the day. They can reduce their child’s exposure to bullying and school violence, decide how and when their children will receive instruction, and offer a personalized path for their individual learning journey.
As an approved service provider for the Empowering parents Program, Bridgeway Academy offers the resources and support needed to help parents make the switch to a homeschool education. Our educational experts offer unmatched flexibility, personalized learning plans, one-to-one support from academic advisors, and a thriving homeschool community connecting students and their parents with other homeschooling families. We handle credit transfers for a seamless transition and offer tailored onboarding to help keep children on track.
To learn more about homeschooling requirements in Idaho, connect with our Bridgeway Academy team to learn how we can help. Call us toll-free at (800) 863-1474, join our next virtual open house, or request an appointment for a meeting.
Homeschooling Financial Aid in Idaho: FAQ
Below are some of the top questions about Idaho homeschool financial aid. For more information, visit the Empowering parents Program website.
Does Idaho directly pay parents to homeschool?
No; parents don’t receive payment for homeschooling their children in Idaho. However, they may receive financial aid through the Empowering parents Program, a microgrant fund intended to provide for education-related expenses.
Are there income restrictions for the Empowering parents Program?
There is no income restriction for the Empowering parents Program in Idaho. However, awards are prioritized for families with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less annually.
Can funds be used for public school resources or dual-enrollment programs?
In general, fees paid to school districts for courses, testing, and other educational expenses are not eligible for the Empowering parents Program. However, some public school-related expenses may be allowable at the discretion of the Board of Education. For the most current regulations around allowable expenses, visit the Empowering parents Program website.
