Last verified: October 2026
Why does October 1 matter to a Raleigh scholarship family?
Oct 1, 2026: Fall Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ money is released only for students already enrolled at, and showing up to, a Direct Payment School on this date.
When can Triangle donors start using the federal scholarship tax credit?
Jan 1, 2027: Gifts to approved scholarship granting organizations can start earning the federal credit on January 1, 2027. North Carolina opted in when legislators overrode the veto of HB 87 in May and June 2026.
When does the next NCSEAA application window open for Wake and Durham families?
Early Feb 2027 (expected): NCSEAA has not posted 2027-28 dates. Its 2026-27 priority window for new Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ applicants opened February 2, 2026, so plan for early February.
When does the 2027-28 priority window likely close?
Early Mar 2027 (expected): The 2026-27 priority window closed at 5 p.m. on March 2, 2026. Applications inside the window are funded before late ones, so finish before the posted close.
When does the Diocese of Raleigh take tuition assistance applications?
Spring 2027: For 2026-27 the diocese's African American and Native American Ancestry tuition assistance ran from February 1 to March 15, with decisions by May 24. Watch for the 2027-28 notice in winter.
When must ESA+ families finish 2026-27 purchases?
Third week of June 2027: NCSEAA says current-year ESA+ expenses must be submitted before the third week of June. ClassWallet reopens in July, and summer services can be prepaid through August 31.
When do Triangle scholarship schools report test results?
Jul 15, 2027: Schools that enroll Opportunity Scholarship students send their test data to NCSEAA by July 15 each year, and under the 2026 budget they keep test records for four years.
How do Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ timing compare?
| Opportunity Scholarship | ESA+ |
|---|---|
| Priority window for 2026-27: February 2 through March 2, 2026 | New ESA+ applicants used the same window |
| Fall money needs enrollment and attendance on Oct 1 | Spend by the third week of June each year |
| Late 2026-27 offers had to be accepted by Sep 11, 2026 | Award notices for new students went out in April |