About the initiative
The Children’s Educational Opportunity Act is a California statewide initiative that will be on the ballot in November 2026. This measure guarantees equitable financial resources for all TK through 12th-grade students, ensuring that every student receives equal funding for all eligible educational options, regardless of the type of school they attend. By addressing educational disparities, it expands opportunities for students across the state. With broad public support, this initiative ensures that every California student has access to the same educational options, irrespective of their family income or race.
Parents establish an Education Savings Account for their child
Parents can set up a state-controlled Education Savings Account (ESA) for their child from TK through 12th grade. This ESA is funded annually using the student's portion of voter-approved Proposition 98 funds. Initially set at $17,000, the amount adjusts yearly based on California's economic growth. These funds do not increase taxes and are tax-exempt.
Parents choose the best education option for their child
Parents select an eligible school that suits their child best.Options range from public and charter schools to private, faith-based institutions, and homeschooling. The chosen school coordinates with the ESA Trust board to allocate funds for educational expenses. Parents do not handle the money directly; transactions occur between the state-controlled ESA and the selected school.
Parents can set up a state-controlled Education Savings Account (ESA) for their child from TK through 12th grade. This ESA is funded annually using the student's portion of voter-approved Proposition 98 funds. Initially set at $17,000, the amount adjusts yearly based on California's economic growth. These funds do not increase taxes and are tax-exempt.
Parents choose the best education option for their child
Parents select an eligible school that suits their child best.Options range from public and charter schools to private, faith-based institutions, and homeschooling. The chosen school coordinates with the ESA Trust board to allocate funds for educational expenses. Parents do not handle the money directly; transactions occur between the state-controlled ESA and the selected school.
Covered education expenses under the Education Savings Account
The ESA covers various educational expenses, including
• tuition,
• curriculum,
• books,
• online courses,
• religious and academic materials,
• school supplies and equipment, tutoring,
• testing fees,
• special needs services,
• transportation to and from school, and school-related activities.
The ESA covers various educational expenses, including
• tuition,
• curriculum,
• books,
• online courses,
• religious and academic materials,
• school supplies and equipment, tutoring,
• testing fees,
• special needs services,
• transportation to and from school, and school-related activities.
Unused ESA funds roll over annually and accrue interest
Any unused funds within the student's ESA carry over each year, accruing interest to support future educational expenses throughout the student's life. This is not a voucher program where you lose the funding if you do not use it that year
Any unused funds within the student's ESA carry over each year, accruing interest to support future educational expenses throughout the student's life. This is not a voucher program where you lose the funding if you do not use it that year
ESA funds are usable throughout the student's lifetime
Beyond 12th grade, any remaining ESA funds can be applied to educational expenses for
• trade school,
• community college,
• university, and
• postgraduate studies.
This goes a long way to reduce or eliminate student loan debt.
Beyond 12th grade, any remaining ESA funds can be applied to educational expenses for
• trade school,
• community college,
• university, and
• postgraduate studies.
This goes a long way to reduce or eliminate student loan debt.
ESA funds can be transferred to another ESA
To ensure all ESA funds are utilized effectively, any unused portions can be transferred or gifted to another family member's ESA or donated to an eligible school.
To ensure all ESA funds are utilized effectively, any unused portions can be transferred or gifted to another family member's ESA or donated to an eligible school.
