Last verified: October 2026
What does a Raleigh private school agree to when it joins the Direct Payment list?
It agrees to NCSEAA's rules for scholarship students: testing from grade 3 up, including the tests NCSEAA picks for third and eighth graders and the ACT for juniors, with results due to NCSEAA by July 15, and the record keeping and audits that come with public money.
What did the 2026 budget add for participating schools?
Schools must now keep test records for four years and complete a certification process, and NCSEAA must audit at least 4% of participating schools each year to confirm testing happens. State Auditor Dave Boliek also opened a separate program review in June 2026.
How do payments reach a Triangle school?
NCSEAA sends Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ tuition payments to the school each semester after the student is enrolled and attending. Holding an award must not trigger extra charges for a student.
What a listed school gains and takes on
| What a listed school gains | What it takes on |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ tuition payments each semester | Testing from grade 3, with set tests in grades 3, 8 and 11 |
| Families who can afford the school with state help | Test data to NCSEAA by July 15 and four years of records |
| A place on the state's public list | Possible yearly NCSEAA audits |