Short answer: yes, in many states you can. A growing number of states now run Education Scholarship Account (ESA) programs. These give families state-funded dollars to spend on approved educational products. A reading subscription like Sherwood counts in many of them, and Sherwood is an approved vendor in several states already.
If you are a homeschool parent looking at your scholarship dashboard and wondering whether a reading app is allowed, this guide walks through how ESA funds work, the two ways families pay, and where Sherwood is approved today.
What is an ESA?
An Education Scholarship Account, sometimes called an Education Savings Account or a school choice scholarship, is a state program that puts education dollars in the hands of families. Instead of that funding going only to a public school, eligible families can spend it on approved learning expenses. That often includes curriculum, tutoring, educational subscriptions, and yes, reading and audiobook apps.
Every state runs its program a little differently. Some are universal, meaning any K-12 resident can apply. Others are limited to students with documented disabilities. Award amounts and rules vary too. Utah's program, for example, offers eligible families up to $8,000 per year.
The two ways families pay for Sherwood with ESA funds
There are two common paths, and which one you use depends on your state.
1. Marketplace purchase
Many states run an online marketplace where approved vendors list their products. You log in, find the vendor, and pay with your scholarship funds right there. The two big marketplace platforms are ClassWallet and Odyssey. Sherwood has a storefront on both. If your state uses one of these, you can buy a Sherwood subscription directly through it.
2. Reimbursement
Some states do not use a marketplace. In those, you buy your Sherwood subscription directly from our site at the regular price, then submit the receipt to your program for reimbursement. We can provide a clean receipt or invoice for any purchase.
A quick honest note. Reimbursement approval is decided by your program, not by us. If your state is not one where we are a listed vendor, check with your program administrator before you buy, so you know your subscription will be covered.
Where Sherwood is approved
Sherwood is an approved vendor in ESA and scholarship programs across several states, through ClassWallet, Odyssey, and Theo Learning, plus reimbursement in others. We are always applying to more.
For the full, current list of states and programs, see Every ESA Program Sherwood Is Approved In. If your state uses ClassWallet, read Is Sherwood on ClassWallet?. If it uses Odyssey, read Is Sherwood on Odyssey?.
What your scholarship dollars get you
A Sherwood subscription is one simple plan for the whole family. It includes:
- Thousands of audiobooks and ebooks chosen for kids
- Word-by-word read-along on titles, so children follow the text as they listen
- Profiles for each child and parent controls over what they can reach
- One price for the whole family, no per-child fees
ESA subscriptions are typically granted as a full year. New annual subscribers also get a free Bluetooth speaker, so kids can listen screen-free.
How to get started
- Find your state in our program list.
- If your state has a marketplace, log in to ClassWallet or Odyssey and search for Sherwood.
- If your state is reimbursement only, start a subscription and keep your receipt for your program.
- Not sure your reading app is covered? Ask your program administrator first.
If your state is not on our list yet, we would love to change that. Email us at hello@sherwoodkids.com with your state and program name and we will look into becoming an approved vendor.
Frequently asked questions
Can ESA funds pay for an audiobook or reading app?
In many states, yes. Educational subscriptions are a common approved expense, and Sherwood is an approved vendor in several state programs.
Is Sherwood on ClassWallet and Odyssey?
Yes. Sherwood has a storefront on both marketplaces, used by different states.
What if my state is not listed?
You may still be able to buy directly and submit for reimbursement, if your program covers educational subscriptions. Check with your administrator, and let us know your state so we can apply.
Do I need a credit card to try it first?
No. You can try Sherwood free for 60 minutes with no card required before you spend any scholarship funds.