Homeschooling in Ohio can be tricky when it comes to funding. Only families with children who have special needs can access state funds. The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship offers up to $27,000 for eligible students, while the EdChoice program is not available for homeschoolers.
With approximately 50,000 homeschooled students, Ohio has a significant homeschool community that benefits from understanding available funding options (NCES estimates, 2023). 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).
Can I get paid to homeschool in Ohio?
You can only get paid if your child has special needs. The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship gives up to $27,000 each year for students with IEPs. On the other hand, the EdChoice voucher program—ranging from $5,500 to $8,400—is for private schools only, so homeschoolers are out of luck.
What funding is available for Ohio homeschoolers?
Ohio has a few programs, but the eligibility for homeschoolers is limited:
- Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship: This is the only state aid for homeschoolers. It’s available only for kids with documented disabilities and requires an IEP. You can get significant funding, up to $27,000, based on your child’s needs.
- EdChoice Scholarship: This program is meant for private school tuition, so homeschoolers can’t participate, no matter their income or past schooling.
For regular homeschool families without special needs, there’s no state funding right now.
Jon peterson special needs scholarship: The homeschool option
If your child has a documented disability and a current IEP, the Jon Peterson Scholarship can really help with homeschooling. This program is named after a late senator who pushed for better education for kids with disabilities. Homeschooling often offers the tailored approach they need.
Funding can vary based on your child’s specific needs outlined in their IEP, with the maximum reaching about $27,000 a year, but most families get less.
What jon peterson funds can cover
The Jon Peterson Scholarship can help pay for:
- Educational therapy: Speech, occupational, physical, or ABA therapy.
- Specialized tutoring: One-on-one help from certified tutors.
- Assistive technology: Tools and software that aid learning.
- Curriculum materials: Learning resources tailored to your child.
- Testing and assessments: Evaluations to track progress.
How to apply for jon peterson
To apply for the Jon Peterson Scholarship, you need to work with your child’s public school district and the Ohio Department of Education:
- Keep or get an IEP: Your child must have a current IEP from their school district.
- Register your homeschool: Send a notice of intent to your local superintendent.
- Apply through the district: Coordinate with the special education office in your district.
- Choose providers: Pick from approved service providers for therapy, tutoring, etc.
- Document services: Keep track of all services for reporting.
Remember, applications are usually due in spring for the next school year.
The edchoice situation: Why homeschoolers are left out
The EdChoice program offers $5,500 to $8,400 for families, but it's strictly for private school tuition. Even with recent changes to remove income caps, homeschoolers can’t tap into this funding.
Why? EdChoice was designed as a private school voucher program, so it requires students to enroll in accredited private schools. There’s no way for homeschoolers to access these funds.
In June 2025, an Ohio court ruled EdChoice unconstitutional, but it’s still running during appeals. This ruling might change the school choice landscape in Ohio and could open doors for homeschool funding in the future.
Federal alternatives for Ohio homeschoolers
Since EdChoice isn’t available, many Ohio homeschool families look to federal options. Some potential legislation could create an Education Savings Account (ESA) in Ohio. This would offer tiered funding for non-chartered private school students, but whether it would include homeschoolers is still up in the air. Keep an eye on organizations like HSLDA and Christian Home Educators of Ohio for updates.
Ohio homeschool funding at a glance
In summary, Ohio's funding for homeschoolers is limited. The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship is the only state-funded option, and only for families with kids who have documented disabilities. For those with an IEP, it can provide significant support up to $27,000 for therapy and educational materials. Other families can explore federal options like Coverdell ESAs, but the support is more modest. Stay informed about potential changes in the school choice landscape—it’s always evolving.
