Arizona ESA 2026-27: eligibility, funding amounts, and how to apply

Arizona's ESA at a glance

Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account is one of the most established and flexible education savings account programs in the country. Launched in 2011 for students with disabilities and expanded to all K-12 students in 2022, the program provides public funds that families direct toward the educational path that works for their child.

Here are the key facts for the 2026-27 school year:

• Eligibility: All Arizona K-12 students, plus pre-K students with a documented qualifying disability. No income requirement.
• Funding: Based on grade level and disability status. The base amount for a general-education student is approximately $7,000/year, with higher amounts for students with IEPs, 504 plans, or specific disabilities (up to $40,000+ for certain categories).
• Administration: Arizona Department of Education (ADE). Funds are deposited quarterly into a ClassWallet account.
• Approved expenses: Private school tuition, curriculum, online classes, tutoring, educational therapies, testing fees, educational technology, and microschool expenses.
• Key restriction: Students receiving ESA funds cannot enroll in public or charter schools (including part-time) and cannot simultaneously accept a scholarship from Arizona's Student Tuition Organizations (STOs).

Who is eligible for Arizona's ESA

Since the 2022 universal expansion, every Arizona K-12 resident is eligible. You do not need to have previously attended a public school, meet an income threshold, or demonstrate a special need. Pre-K students with documented qualifying disabilities are also eligible.

To apply, families submit an application through the ADE's online portal and upload required documentation: proof of Arizona residency, the child's birth certificate, and (if applicable) documentation of an IEP or 504 plan. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks.

How much funding does Arizona's ESA provide?

ESA funding is calculated based on a formula tied to the state's per-pupil funding. The exact amount depends on your child's grade level, disability classification, and school district of residence. For the 2026-27 school year:

• General-education students: Approximately $7,000/year (varies by district)
• Students with an IEP or 504 plan: Higher amounts based on the disability category, ranging from approximately $10,000 to $40,000+
• Gifted students: Slightly above the general-education base

Funds are deposited quarterly into your ClassWallet account. Unused funds roll over to the next school year as long as the student remains enrolled in the ESA program. After high school graduation or obtaining a GED, remaining funds can be used for approved expenses (including in-state college tuition) for up to four years.

What Arizona ESA funds can pay for

The ESA covers a wide range of educational expenses. The ADE publishes an updated parent handbook each year with the complete list, but the major categories include:

• Private school tuition and fees
• Curriculum, textbooks, and instructional materials for home education
• Online learning programs and classes
• Tutoring (online and in-person)
• Educational therapies (speech, occupational, behavioral) for students with disabilities
• Standardized testing and assessment fees (SAT, ACT, AP exams)
• Educational technology (hardware and software)
• Microschool and learning pod expenses

Families can also request approval for unlisted items through the ADE. View the complete list of ESA-approved expenses for a cross-state breakdown.

Documentation update (July 2026)

As of July 2026, items classified as supplemental materials in the ADE parent handbook no longer require receipt upload. Instead, families attest that the purchase is for their qualified student and indicate which curriculum or course of study it supports. The ADE can still request additional documentation for compliance review. All other expense categories continue to follow standard ClassWallet submission and receipt requirements.

How to use Arizona ESA funds on Outschool

Outschool is an approved provider on ClassWallet, which means Arizona ESA families can use their funds to book live online classes, 1:1 tutoring, and self-paced courses directly through the ClassWallet marketplace.

Here is how it works:

1. Log in to your ClassWallet account
2. Search for Outschool in the ClassWallet marketplace
3. Browse and select classes that fit your child's learning plan
4. Complete the purchase through ClassWallet using your ESA funds

With Outschool, Arizona ESA families get:

• Live, small-group classes across academics and enrichment
• 1:1 tutoring in math, reading, writing, and more
• Self-paced options for independent learners
• Flexible scheduling that fits around your family's routine
• Vetted teachers with subject expertise

For questions about fund use or approvals, contact the ESA Support Team at the Arizona Department of Education.

How to apply for Arizona's ESA

1. Check eligibility. Confirm your child is an Arizona resident in grades K-12 (or pre-K with a qualifying disability).
2. Gather documents. You will need proof of Arizona residency, the child's birth certificate, and any IEP/504 documentation if applicable.
3. Submit the application. Apply through the ADE's ESA online portal. The application asks for basic family information, the student's school history, and document uploads.
4. Wait for approval. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks. You will receive email notification of your status.
5. Set up ClassWallet. Once approved, you will receive instructions to create your ClassWallet account, where your quarterly funds will be deposited.
6. Start spending. Use ClassWallet to make direct purchases, pay vendors, or submit reimbursement requests for eligible expenses.

Frequently asked questions about Arizona's ESA

Can my child attend public or charter school part-time while using ESA funds?

No. Arizona's ESA requires that students withdraw from public and charter schools entirely. Part-time enrollment is not allowed while receiving ESA funds.

Can I use ESA funds for multiple children?

Each child must apply for and receive their own ESA individually. Funds are awarded per student and cannot be shared between siblings. Parents can manage multiple ClassWallet accounts.

Do unused funds roll over?

Yes. As long as the student remains enrolled in the ESA program and in good standing, unused funds roll over to the next school year. After high school graduation or obtaining a GED, remaining funds are available for approved expenses for up to four years, including in-state college tuition.

Do I still need to upload receipts for supplemental materials?

No, not as of July 2026. For items classified as supplemental materials in the ADE parent handbook, families now attest that the purchase supports their child's curriculum rather than uploading documentation. All other expense categories still follow standard ClassWallet submission and receipt requirements.

How do I maximize my ESA funds?

Prioritize core learning (math, reading, writing, science) first, then allocate remaining funds to enrichment, tutoring, and extracurriculars. Keep organized records of all purchases and enrollments. Connect with other Arizona ESA families for provider recommendations and back-to-school planning tips.

Can I use Arizona ESA funds for Outschool classes?

Yes. Outschool is an approved ClassWallet provider. Arizona ESA families can purchase live classes, 1:1 tutoring, and self-paced courses using their ESA funds directly through ClassWallet.

More resources for Arizona families

Exploring education options in Arizona? These guides can help:

• How to use Arizona's ESA to homeschool
• Homeschooling in Arizona
• What is an education savings account?
• ESA approved expenses 2026-27