The Odyssey ESA Platform is a tech tool for managing education funds for families in certain states. It allows you to use state money for approved educational products and services.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. As of 2024, 12 states have enacted universal or near-universal Education Savings Account (ESA) programs, with Arizona's program alone serving over 75,000 students — making state-funded homeschooling more accessible than ever (EdChoice, 2024).
What is the odyssey ESA platform?
Odyssey is a tech company that helps manage ESA programs in several states. Think of it as a digital wallet for your education funds. State money goes into your account, and you can use it to buy approved educational products and services or ask for reimbursements. Founded in 2021 and backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Odyssey manages over $225 million for more than 115,000 students.
Eligible expenses
What you can spend your funds on varies by state, but most programs cover:
- Private school tuition
- Homeschool curriculum and textbooks
- Online learning subscriptions
- Tutoring services
- Educational technology and software
- Testing fees
- Educational therapy services
Some states also allow spending on transportation, vocational training, and specialized learning tools. In Iowa, you must use funds for tuition first before you can spend on other items. Always double-check your state's rules before buying.
Submitting for reimbursement
If you buy something from an approved vendor outside the marketplace, you'll need to ask for reimbursement. Your receipts must show each item separately, include the vendor's info, and show the date and payment method. Handwritten receipts aren’t accepted. Upload one document per request on your Odyssey account, fill out the attestation, and sign it electronically. The Odyssey team will review your request and deposit the money into your linked bank account.
The bottom line
Odyssey makes managing your education funds easier for families in participating states. The marketplace cuts down on paperwork when buying from approved vendors. The reimbursement option gives you flexibility for other qualified expenses. Make sure you know your state's rules about spending priorities and eligible costs to get the most out of your ESA funds. Keep your documents organized, submit receipts quickly, and visit support.withodyssey.com if you have questions.
