Last verified: October 2026
What is the October 1, 2026 enrollment cutoff?
Oct 1, 2026: Fall semester cutoff: an Opportunity Scholarship or ESA+ student must be enrolled and attending a Direct Payment School, with residency documents accepted, for fall funds to flow.
When can families open a MyPortal account for 2027-28?
Dec 2026: NCSEAA lets families set up MyPortal accounts ahead of the 2027-28 application cycle. Do it early; only one parent of record can hold the account.
When does the federal scholarship tax credit start in North Carolina?
Jan 1, 2027: The federal scholarship tax credit year opens. North Carolina joined after the General Assembly overrode the governor's veto of HB 87 in spring 2026.
When do Charlotte Catholic schools take need-based aid applications?
Jan - Mar 31, 2027: Diocese of Charlotte schools take Family Individualized Tuition (FIT) need-based aid applications through FACTS for 2027-28.
When will 2027-28 Opportunity Scholarship applications open?
By Feb 1, 2027: State law requires NCSEAA to open 2027-28 Opportunity Scholarship applications by this date. The 2026-27 priority window ran Feb 2 to Mar 2, 2026.
Why does March 1, 2027 matter for Charlotte families?
Mar 1, 2027: Applications in by this date get priority treatment for 2027-28 under both statutes; ESA+ spring residency documents are also due.
When does ClassWallet close for 2026-27 ESA+ purchases?
Mid-June 2027: ClassWallet closes for 2026-27 ESA+ purchases around the third week of June; summer services can be prepaid through August 31.
| Opportunity Scholarship timing | ESA+ timing |
|---|---|
| Priority window by statute: open by Feb 1, apply by Mar 1 | Priority for applications received by Mar 1 |
| Enrolled and attending by Oct 1 for fall funds | Residency documents by Oct 1 (fall) or Mar 1 (spring) |
| Renewals funded first, then new students by tier | Renewals funded first, then new students |