Last verified: October 2026
Which Triangle private schools focus on learning differences?
The federal survey files several Triangle schools as special education programs, including The Fletcher Academy and The Trilogy School in North Raleigh, Hill Learning Center and Hope Creek Academy in Durham, and Lucy Daniels and Mariposa in Cary. The table below shows each one's 2026-27 Direct Payment status.
How does ESA+ pay for a school like Fletcher or Hill?
If the school is on the Direct Payment list, NCSEAA pays its tuition out of the ESA+ account first, twice a year. A $17,000 higher award often covers more of the bill than a $9,000 base award, and any balance can go to approved therapy or tutoring.
What if the right school is not on the Direct Payment list?
Then ESA+ cannot pay its tuition, but the account can still fund therapy, tutoring, curriculum and devices while the family pays tuition another way. Some families home school with ESA+ and add part-time services instead.
How long does it take to get an eligibility determination in Wake or Durham?
Plan for weeks, not days. The request goes to your public school district, and ESA+ needs the determination in hand at application time, so start well before the early-February window.
Where are the Triangle's schools for learning differences?
Schools filed as special education programs in the federal survey, with 2026-27 Direct Payment status.
| School | Town | Grades | Students | Direct Payment 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Opportunities | Raleigh | — | 40 | Yes |
| Frankie Lemmon School & Development Center | Raleigh | 1 | 7 | No |
| Hill Learning Center | Durham | 2-12 | 176 | Yes |
| Hope Creek Academy | Durham | K-12 | 69 | Yes |
| Learn With the Best School | Raleigh | 1-12 | 36 | Yes |
| Lucy Daniels School | Cary | PK-5 | 16 | Yes |
| Mariposa School | Cary | 4-12 | 14 | Yes |
| The Fletcher Academy | Raleigh | 2-12 | 206 | Yes |
| The Trilogy School | Raleigh | 2-12 | 45 | Yes |
| True Abilities Learning Academy | Cary | — | 19 | No |
ESA+ vs Opportunity Scholarship: how do they compare?
| ESA+ | Opportunity Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Needs a disability eligibility determination | Open to any K-12 student |
| Tuition, therapy, tutoring, devices | Tuition and required fees only |
| Works for home schools | Listed private schools only |