Side-by-Side Analysis
See how different items are evaluated across the decision layers. This helps visualize where approvals and denials commonly occur.
Saxon Math Curriculum
Conditions
Core curriculum — straightforward
Common Failure
Rarely denied unless receipt is missing
iPad / Tablet
Conditions
Must document educational use
Common Failure
Denied when described as general-purpose device without educational justification
3D Printer
Conditions
Allowed if tied to STEM curriculum
Common Failure
Often denied for hobby use — requires curriculum justification
Piano Lessons
Conditions
Provider must meet qualification standards
Common Failure
Denied when provider lacks documentation or is a family member
Netflix Subscription
Conditions
Entertainment service — not educational
Common Failure
Consistently denied — streaming entertainment is not an educational expense
Microscope
Conditions
Standard science supply
Common Failure
Rarely denied — clear educational purpose
Trampoline
Conditions
Recreational equipment — not educational
Common Failure
Denied unless part of documented physical therapy program
Field Trip to Museum
Conditions
Must be tied to educational objective
Common Failure
Denied when described as family outing rather than educational activity
| Item | Statute | Rules | Policy | Conditions | Common Failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saxon Math Curriculum | Pass | Pass | Pass | Core curriculum — straightforward | Rarely denied unless receipt is missing |
| iPad / Tablet | Pass | Conditional | Conditional | Must document educational use | Denied when described as general-purpose device without educational justification |
| 3D Printer | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Allowed if tied to STEM curriculum | Often denied for hobby use — requires curriculum justification |
| Piano Lessons | Pass | Pass | Conditional | Provider must meet qualification standards | Denied when provider lacks documentation or is a family member |
| Netflix Subscription | Blocked | Blocked | Blocked | Entertainment service — not educational | Consistently denied — streaming entertainment is not an educational expense |
| Microscope | Pass | Pass | Pass | Standard science supply | Rarely denied — clear educational purpose |
| Trampoline | Conditional | Blocked | Blocked | Recreational equipment — not educational | Denied unless part of documented physical therapy program |
| Field Trip to Museum | Pass | Pass | Conditional | Must be tied to educational objective | Denied when described as family outing rather than educational activity |
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