North Carolina K12 Programs Priority Application Period Opens
The priority application period for 2026-27 Opportunity Scholarships and ESA+ Scholarships for new students opens on Monday, February 2, 2026. Families who wish to apply can do so any time before the 5:00 p.m. deadline on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Families are encouraged to apply prior to March 2 in case they need assistance completing their application. If there are funds remaining after the priority period closes, the application may remain open, and any applications received after the priority period will be considered in the order the application was submitted.
Completed Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ applications submitted any time during the priority period will be entered into each program’s lottery. Incomplete applications will not be entered into the lottery. Families are encouraged to confirm their application is complete prior to the close of the priority period by checking the “Eligibility and Award Information” section of their MyPortal account. Incomplete applications can be finished by going to the “Applications and Renewals” K12 section and selecting “Finish Application.” The Opportunity Scholarship lottery will be conducted according to income level; students in the lowest household income tier will receive first priority when awarding new student scholarships.
For more information, go to www.k12.ncseaa.edu, or call 855-330-3955 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
About K12 Scholarship Programs:
Opportunity Scholarships are open to all North Carolina students enrolled in grades K-12 at an eligible private school. Award amounts are based on a family’s household income and can be used to pay the required tuition and fees to attend an eligible private school.
ESA+ Scholarships are open to all North Carolina students with an eligible disability. Award amounts are based on the student’s disability and whether the student is enrolled part-time or full-time in a nonpublic school. Funds can be used to pay tuition and fees at an eligible private school and for approved educational expenses, including for families who home school.
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North Carolina State Educational Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) is the State agency designated by North Carolina law to administer the K12 scholarship programs, including the Opportunity Scholarship and the ESA+ program. NCSEAA determines student eligibility and disburses scholarships to eligible schools on behalf of students. NCSEAA also provides program support, resources, and customer service to interested and participating families and schools.
