Last verified: October 2026
Can a Raleigh microschool take the Opportunity Scholarship?
Yes, once it operates as a registered private school and joins NCSEAA's Direct Payment list. Several microschool-style programs, such as the Heritage Leadership Academy sites in Apex, Holly Springs and Durham, appear on the 2026-27 list.
How is a microschool different from a home-school co-op?
A co-op of home schools stays a set of home schools, so only ESA+ students can use state money for its costs. A microschool that registers as a private school can enroll scholarship students and receive tuition payments directly.
What should a Triangle founder budget for first?
Space that meets fire, safety and sanitation rules, a testing plan, and enough families to cover costs before state payments arrive each semester. Talk to us about how families find you once you are listed.
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 |