SCHOOL CHOICE ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

PROGRAM	TYPE	STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS	PRIVATE SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
ARIZONA
Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) https://www.azed.gov/esa	ESA	State Assessments: ESA students are not required to take assessments. State Vaccine Mandates: ESA students must adhere to Arizona's vaccination requirements, similar to public school students, unless there are medical or religious exemptions. The immunization laws apply to all children attending private schools, charter schools, or other educational settings that are funded through school choice programs, such as ESAs. This means that students using ESAs for private or online education would need to follow the state's vaccination requirements, similar to those for public school students. https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/immunizations/index.php
Voucher Program	Voucher	State Assessments: students are not required to take assessments. State Vaccine Mandates: Like all Arizona students, those participating in voucher programs must meet the state’s vaccination requirements unless a valid exemption is provided. This aligns with the general health and safety standards in public schools. https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/immunizations/index.php	Must be accredited by a recognized body or adhere to state standards. Must report to ADE with student count and funding use. Must submit annual assessments data.
Important Note: Students participating in ESAs are no longer considered homeschoolers. Can ESA funds be used for homeschooling? While ESA funds can be used for home education, ESA students do not file homeschool affidavits and are not considered “homeschool” students by state law. https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2022/09/H.B.%202853%20FAQ%20-%20UPDATED.pdf
FLORIDA
Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/	ESA	State Assessments: Students must take state assessments in reading, math, and science for grades 3-10. State Vaccine Mandates: As part of participation in the FES or ESA programs, students must meet Florida's vaccination requirements. These apply to all students in private schools receiving state funds through these programs. Online Schools or ESA-funded Education: Vaccination requirements typically do not apply. https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/immunization/index.html
	Voucher	State Assessments: FES students must take state assessments in core subjects in grades 3-10. State Vaccine Mandates: As part of participation in the FES or ESA programs, students must meet Florida's vaccination requirements. These apply to all students in private schools receiving state funds through these programs. Online Schools or ESA-funded Education: Vaccination requirements typically do not apply. https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/immunization/index.html	Must be accredited or meet state standards for instructional quality. Private schools must be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, or they must comply with state instructional standards. This ensures the quality of education provided to voucher students aligns with state expectations. Must comply with financial audits and state reporting. Private schools must administer state assessments in reading, math, and science for students in grades 3-10 participating in the FES or voucher programs. These assessments are part of the state's effort to monitor the academic progress of students using public funds. Private schools are required to ensure students meet vaccination mandates as part of their participation in the voucher programs. This is in line with the state's broader health and safety requirements for students attending private institutions receiving public funds.
Important Note: students participating in the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC), associated Education Savings Account (ESA), or the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) program are not considered homeschooling students once they transition into the program. https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/18379/urlt/PEP-FAQ.pdf
ILLINOIS
Invest in Kids Act (IIKA) https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Invest-in-Kids.aspx	Voucher	State Assessments: Students must take state assessments (IAR for grades 3-8, SAT for high school students). There is no opt-out option option for students participating in the voucher program, or parents on their behalf, out of the required state assessments. State Vaccine Mandates: Must meet vaccination mandates for participation. Students who are not attending a physical school (e.g., online schools or home education funded by ESAs), Illinois does not require the same immunization mandates http://www.idph.state.il.us/	Must comply with accreditation by a recognized body. Financial reporting required, including funding use. Must comply with state assessments for participating students. The schools incur the cost of the assessments. Immunization Requirements: Illinois mandates immunizations for students in both public and private schools, including those in school choice programs, with medical and religious exemptions available. http://www.idph.state.il.us/
NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) Program https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/bureau-of-educational-opportunities/education-freedom-accounts	ESA	Parents must ensure their child receives an education covering essential subjects, including mathematics, science, language, history, government, health, reading, writing, and appreciation of art and music Students must participate in an annual educational assessment. This could include a standardized test, evaluation by a certified teacher, or another approved assessment method Parents must use EFA funds solely for eligible educational expenses for their student. Misuse of funds is prohibited Parents must sign an agreement attesting to compliance with the program's rules and accountability measures State Assessments: Students participating in New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program are not required to take state assessments mandated for public school students. However, they must demonstrate annual educational progress in accordance with New Hampshire’s homeschooling statutes. https://nh.scholarshipfund.org/apply/nh-education-freedom-accounts/ State Vaccine Mandates: all students, including those participating in Education Savings Account (ESA) programs such as the Education Freedom Accounts (EFA), are subject to state immunization requirements. This includes vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and detailed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). However, exceptions for medical or religious reasons are permitted under state law. For students enrolled in online schools through ESA programs, immunization requirements generally depend on their specific school and program policies. While traditional school immunization mandates might not directly apply to exclusively online students, families should confirm with their program administrators whether proof of vaccination is needed for any in-person activities or compliance with program rules. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/document/2024-2025-school-immunization-requirements
	Voucher	State Assessments: Students receiving a voucher are required to take state assessments based on their grade level (such as the New Hampshire state assessments for students in public schools). This typically includes standardized testing in subjects like English language arts, math, and science. State Vaccine Mandates: Students participating in New Hampshire’s School Choice Voucher Program (Education Freedom Accounts) must comply with the state’s vaccination mandates, which are similar to those required for public and private school students. For students enrolled in online or remote schools, the vaccine requirements may not apply if the student is not attending in-person classes. https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/document/2024-2025-school-immunization-requirements	Schools must administer state-required assessments, including standardized tests, and ensure participating students take them. Schools must comply with state educational standards, which may include curriculum guidelines, teacher certification requirements, and student performance expectations. Private schools must comply with certain state educational standards, including submitting annual student achievement data and following specific curriculum guidelines as part of state oversight. Must comply with accreditation by a recognized agency or meet specific state criteria if not accredited. Financial reporting required, including funding use.
Important Note: Students participating in ESAs are no longer considered homeschoolers.
NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina ESA program https://www.ncseaa.edu/k12/esa/esa-scholarship-families/	ESA	Program is specifically designed for students with disabilities, either learning disabilities or physical disabilities, who also have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). State Assessments: Students who participate in the state's School Choice Education Savings Accounts (ESA) are still required to take state assessments State Vaccine Mandates: All students participating in the ESA+ program must meet North Carolina's vaccination requirements, which apply to students attending school, whether they are in public, private, or home school settings. Students participating in school choice programs, such as those using Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for private schooling or other educational options, are also required to meet these vaccination mandates. For students who are homeschooled or attending online schools funded by ESAs (without attending physical schools), North Carolina's immunization laws generally do not apply. Vaccination requirements are mainly enforced for students attending brick-and-mortar schools. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/immunization	Must report basic data on student enrollment. Curriculum and services from only approved providers using ClassWallet. Frequently Asked Questions - https://www.ncseaa.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1171/2022/02/NewApplicantFAQ.pdf Homeschoolers only can select from the following "approved" providers using ClassWallet to purchase curricula Approved Curricula Providers - https://www.ncseaa.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1171/2024/01/Product-Poviders-Accepted.pdf
NOpportunity Scholarship Program https://www.ncseaa.edu/k12/	Voucher	State Assessments: Students receiving a voucher must take nationally normed tests (e.g., SAT/ACT) in grades 3 and up (such as the SAT, ACT, or other approved tests) every year in grades 3 and above. However, they are not required to take North Carolina's state End-of-Grade assessments. State Vaccine Mandates: Participating students must meet vaccination requirements. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/immunization	Must administer standardized tests to voucher students. Private schools must administer a nationally-normed standardized test to students in grades 3 or higher who are participating in the voucher program. However, schools have the freedom to choose which test to use, and they are prohibited from using the state's End-of-Grade assessments. Must have a financial review (not a full audit) if over $300,000 in funding. Must report basic data on student enrollment.
UTAH
Utah Fits All Scholarship Program schools.utah.gov/utahfitsallscholarship	ESA	Students using ESA funds must take the state’s required assessments, including the Utah Statewide Assessment (USAA), in grades 3 through 11. Families receiving ESA funding are generally required to submit an annual report detailing their child’s educational progress. This report typically includes documentation of academic assessments and other relevant data, which helps ensure that the student is making adequate progress. State Assessments: Students using ESA funds are required to take the state’s required assessments, including the Utah Statewide Assessment (USAA), in grades 3 through 11. These assessments include subjects such as reading, writing, and math. State Vaccination Mandates: Students participating in the Education Savings Account (ESA) program are not subject to Utah’s vaccination requirements for public and charter schools. However, they must comply with the vaccination requirements set by private schools or other educational settings they choose to participate in. Parents can apply for exemptions from immunization requirements based on medical, religious, or personal reasons, in accordance with Utah law. https://immunize.utah.gov/immunization-education-module/
	Voucher	Students must participate in state assessments or provide alternative assessments approved by the state Students must demonstrate engagement in their education through regular attendance, whether in private school or using school choice funds for other educational services. State Assessments: Students using vouchers must participate in the state’s required assessments, including the Utah Statewide Assessment (USAA), in grades 3 through 11. Alternatively, students can provide state-approved assessments if they are not taking the USAA. State Vaccination Mandates: Students participating in the Education Savings Account (ESA) program are not subject to Utah’s vaccination requirements for public and charter schools. However, they must comply with the vaccination requirements set by private schools or other educational settings they choose to participate in. Parents can apply for exemptions from immunization requirements based on medical, religious, or personal reasons, in accordance with Utah law. https://immunize.utah.gov/immunization-education-module/	Participating schools must administer state assessments to students participating. Schools accepting voucher students must meet certain state stanards and may need to be accredited or recognized by approved accrediting bodies. Must have a financial review. Schools receiving over $300,000 in funding through the voucher program must undergo a financial review (not a full audit) to ensure proper use of public funds. Must report student progress and other necessary data to the state to demonstrate educational outcomes. Schools participating in the program must comply with state non-discrimination laws in terms of providing access to educational services.
Important Note: Homeschoolers participating in the Education Savings Accounts (ESA) program are not considered traditional homeschoolers under the law. When homeschoolers use an ESA, they must comply with specific state requirements for funding, including the purchase of approved educational materials and services. This is different from standard homeschooling, where families operate more independently. Participation in the ESA program means students are eligible for public funds to pay for educational services, which is typically not available to regular homeschoolers.