How Homeschool Families Can Use Government Funds for STEM & Science Learning

Ben Newsome CF Author

Find out how you can access funds for curricurlum, materials and more!

Whether you are homeschooling in the US or Australia, funding models vary wildly depending on where you live. While the systems operate differently—the US relies heavily on direct Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) while Australia uses targeted allowances and activity vouchers—both offer real opportunities to get your home science curriculum funded.

These programs go by different names in different states:

• Education Savings Account (ESA)
• Education Freedom Account (EFA)
• School Choice Scholarship
• Education Scholarship Account
• Student Opportunity Scholarship

If you want to use state funds or vouchers to access Fizzics Education teaching units, hands-on STEM kits, or live STEM workshops, here is your global guide to navigating the system.

For US Homeschool Families

The US has seen a major expansion in Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), micro-grants, and charter allotments. In participating states, public funding is deposited directly into a managed online wallet (like ClassWallet or Odyssey) that parents can spend on approved curriculum.

1. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)

• The Funding
  Typically $2,000 to $8,000+ per student annually, depending on the state.
  
  
• Using with Fizzics Education:
  ESA programs permit purchases for core curriculum, online courses, and supplemental STEM materials. Check your state portal for direct vendor options or submit an itemised invoice for reimbursement.

For Australian Homeschool Families

Australia does not have general ESAs, meaning families self-fund most day-to-day materials. However, targeted federal schemes, state education allowances, and activity vouchers can directly offset learning costs.

1. Nationwide & Distance Education Support

• AIC Allowance (Distance Education)
  Eligible remote or medical-necessity homeschoolers can receive $5,169 per student annually (2025 rate) to cover curriculum, digital subscriptions, and lab equipment.
  Read more
  
• Saver Plus
  Free Financial Education with matched funding up to $500 for low-income families
  Read more

2. State-Based Allowances & Vouchers

• New South Wales: Active & Creative Kids Vouchers
  $50 per child can be redeemed directly with approved providers.
  Read more
  
  
• Queensland: Textbook & Resource Allowance
  $160 for Y7–10; $348 for Y11–12 covers core educational resources and curriculum units.
  Read more
  
  
• Northern Territory: Back to School Payment Scheme 
  $200 per student in Term 1 provides vouchers for educational goods and study packs.
  Read more
  
  
• Western Australia: Education Program Allowance 
  $235 per student for secondary applicants supports curriculum resource purchases.
  Read more

How to Claim our Teaching Units with Your Funding

1. Verify Eligibility
   Confirm your registration status with your state/territory homeschool board or local US school district/ESA program.
   
   
2. Obtain Your Voucher or Allocation
   Secure your ESA allotment, charter purchase order, or state voucher code.
   
   
3. Purchase
   Browse the Fizzics Education teaching units. Select a unit of work and claim the purchase through the support mechanism you are involved in!