Can an Indiana ESA pay for camps, training programs and life-skills classes?
Training programs and camps with an academic, vocational, life-skills, independence or soft-skills focus, from credentialed individuals or accredited facilities.
Training programs and camps with an academic, vocational, life-skills, independence or soft-skills focus, from credentialed individuals or accredited facilities.
Not covered.
IDOE lists before- and after-school programs among SGO-qualified expenses; camps depend on the SGO.
Which rules apply in 2026-27?
- The state's examples include horseback riding lessons, home economics, cooking, sewing, personal finance and woodworking classes, when credentials are provided.
- An individual gym or physical-education membership for the ESA student is allowed.
What does the ESA refuse under camps, training programs and life-skills classes?
The state excludes: family memberships and annual memberships; programs without credentials for the provider; uniforms for camps or classes.
How does this play out for Indianapolis-area families?
Summer is when many ESA families in the metro use this category, so ask providers in spring whether they are already approved in ClassWallet.
| Allowed (ESA) | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| The state's examples include horseback riding lessons, home economics, cooking, sewing, personal finance and woodworking classes, when credentials are provided. | Family memberships and annual memberships |
| An individual gym or physical-education membership for the ESA student is allowed. | Programs without credentials for the provider |
| Uniforms for camps or classes |
Sources: Indiana Treasurer of State, ESA Spending Categories (revised March 27, 2024), which IDOE's February 2026 ESA FAQ says remain the approved categories for 2026-27; IDOE ESA program page, Common Eligibility Determination Requests (checked October 2026); IDOE Choice and SGO program pages. A summary, not legal advice; the ESA handbook controls.