Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs Program

Participating students must reside in Mississippi and have had an active IEP within the past three years. Students in this program cannot receive a Dyslexia Therapy or Nate Rogers Scholarship. Once enrolled, students are automatically approved for continued participation if they remain outside the public school system, and parents do not need to reapply. The program is funded by an annual $5 million appropriation. The award amount is based on the Mississippi Student Funding Formula (MSFF) and may change annually. The Office of Special Education calculates the amount each spring, depending on available funds and participants. Due to limited funding, eligible applicants may be waitlisted. Funds are reimbursed quarterly to parents or approved educational providers after they submit documentation. Lump-sum payments are not permitted. 

Funding Mechanism: Annual legislative appropriation 

Universal Eligibility: ❌
Universal Usage: ✅
Universal Funding: ❌
Truly Universal: ❌

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

Education savings account funds may pay for tuition and academic fees at eligible private schools, textbooks related to academic coursework, tutoring provided by a licensed or certified provider, nationally norm-referenced testing or Advanced Placement exams, curriculum including required supplemental materials, licensed therapy services, dual-enrollment courses at a postsecondary institution for a high school student, textbooks for dual-enrollment courses, consumable school supplies up to $50 annually, and essential computer hardware and software. Participation in a home instruction program is not permitted. 

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

View program requirements for parents, schools, and scholarship granting organizations by clicking on each hyperlink.

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

Miss. Code Ann. §§ 37-181-1 through 21

(Last updated April 21, 2025)