Using a 529 for K-12 online curriculum
Since the 2025 tax law, 529 savings can pay for more than college. If your child is enrolled in a public, private or religious school, curriculum and online educational materials can be qualified K-12 expenses.
What the law covers
For students enrolled in or attending an elementary or secondary public, private, or religious school, qualified K-12 expenses now include:
- Tuition
- Curriculum and curricular materials
- Books or other instructional materials
- Online educational materials
- Tutoring or classes outside the home with a qualified, unrelated instructor
- Standardized test, AP and college admission exam fees
- Dual enrollment fees
- Educational therapies for students with disabilities
Starting in 2026, the K-12 limit is $20,000 per child a year.
What about homeschooling?
The law doesn't mention homeschooling, and the IRS hasn't issued guidance on it. Some states treat a homeschool as a private school, which may help, but that hasn't been tested. If you homeschool, check with your tax advisor or 529 plan before you take a withdrawal.
Your state may treat it differently
Some states don't follow the federal K-12 rules for state income tax, so a withdrawal that's fine federally could be taxed by your state. Your 529 plan can tell you how your state handles it.
Keep the receipt
Your Gallop receipt lists each child by name and what you paid. Keep it with your 529 records.
Where Gallop fits
Gallop is K-12 online curriculum in math, English, science, social studies and Spanish. Many families use it beside school: a placement check finds where your child really is in each subject, and a short daily plan fills the gaps and keeps them moving. Every lesson is read aloud, and a wrong answer gets explained with a second try.
Solo $34/month for one child, or Family $54/month for up to 4. Annual is $348 (Solo) or $552 (Family).
FAQ
Can I use my 529 to pay for Gallop?
If your child is enrolled in a public, private or religious school, curriculum and online educational materials can be qualified K-12 expenses, up to $20,000 per child a year. For homeschooled children it depends on your state, and the IRS hasn't said. Check with your tax advisor or 529 plan first.
Do I need a receipt?
Keep one. Your Gallop receipt lists each child and the amount paid.
Does my state tax K-12 withdrawals?
Some states do. Your 529 plan can tell you.
Is this tax advice?
No. It's a summary of the law as of 2026. Check with your tax advisor or 529 plan.
Sources
- 26 U.S. Code 529(c)(7) and (e)(3): https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/529