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Everything you need to know about Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)
Understand Arizona's K–12 scholarship, how they work, and how families can use them for personalized learning.
Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship makes it easier for families to create personalized K–12 education paths. This program provides public education funding that families can use for private school tuition, homeschooling, online programs, educational therapies, curriculum, tutoring, and other approved learning expenses.
Whether you're exploring alternatives to your local public school, supporting a child with specific learning needs, or building a flexible home education plan, Arizona’s ESA program empowers families to fund the learning path that best suits their child’s unique educational journey.
What is an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)?
An Education Savings Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) is a flexible education fund that families can use for approved learning expenses, like private school tuition, curriculum, tutoring, or online programs.
The Empowerment Scholarship Account program is available to all Arizona K–12 students regardless of income or school district. Funds are deposited quarterly into a ClassWallet Account and can be used to support customized, parent-directed education solutions. These include micro-schools, faith-based education, and specialized services for learners with disabilities.
What scholarships are available in Arizona?
One of the most flexible scholarships available in Arizona is the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program. Open to all K–12 students and Pre-K students with documentation of qualifying disability, the ESA provides public funds that families can use for private school tuition, homeschooling, curriculum, therapies, and tutoring. It allows parents to customize their child’s education based on their unique learning needs. Below is the ESA scholarship program that Arizona offers:
Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) Program
The Arizona ESA Program was launched in 2011 to support students with disabilities. Its expansion in 2022 made every K-12 student in the state eligible, regardless of income or school district. The ESA program offers scholarships based on a student’s grade level and special needs status.
Rules & Regulations
Application Process: Families must apply through the Arizona Department of Education and upload the required documents (such as proof of residency, birth certificate, and proof of eligibility for an IEP or 504 Plan)
Documentation: Families must keep receipts and records of all ESA-related purchases and submit them through ClassWallet, either by uploading receipts, using VendorPay, or shopping directly through the ClassWallet Marketplace.
Educational requirements: The handbook states that "a portion of funds must be used for subjects including reading and grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science."
Use of Certified providers: For certain services, such as therapies or tutoring, providers may need to supply documentation that supports requirements listed by the state in the handbook released each year.
Restrictions:
Students receiving ESA funds may not enroll in public or charter schools, including part-time enrollment.
Students cannot simultaneously accept a scholarship from Arizona’s Student Tuition Organizations (STOs).
Use of Funds
Tuition and fees for private school tuition
Curriculum, online tools, and instructional materials for homeschooling
Educational therapies such as speech or occupational therapy, for students with disabilities
Tutoring, both online and in-person
Online learning programs
Testing fees for assessments such as SATs and ACTs
How to use the Arizona scholarship funds on Outschool
Many families use their ESA funds on Outschool to build a flexible, custom-fit education plan from home.
With Outschool, you get:
Live, small-group classes led by experienced educators
Complete curricula and interest-based learning options
Flexible scheduling that fits your routine
Support for homeschooling, private school, or hybrid learning
Classes that meet the Arizona ESA program guidelines
Families in the Arizona ESA Program use ClassWallet to manage and spend their scholarship funds. Approved expenses include private school tuition, curriculum, tutoring, and educational tools. All purchases and reimbursements must be submitted through the ClassWallet platform. For questions about fund use or approvals, families should contact the ESA Support Team at the Arizona Department of Education.
Frequently asked questions about Arizona’s scholarship program
Navigating Arizona’s scholarship programs can raise many questions for families exploring educational options. From eligibility requirements to how funds can be used, understanding the details is key to making informed decisions. This section focuses on the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program and addresses families' most common questions. Below are answers to help you better understand how the program works and how to get started.
How can I make the most of my scholarship funds?
Here are a few practical suggestions to help your family stretch the scholarship dollars and maximize impact:
Prioritize core learning first: Focus spending on foundational subjects like math, reading, writing, and science.
Mix learning formats: Blend live classes, self-paced lessons, and hands-on projects to support diverse learning styles.
Track everything: Keep a folder or spreadsheet of purchases, enrollments, and receipts. This helps with reimbursements and required documentation.
Tap into community wisdom: Connect with other Arizona families for provider tips and learning ideas that qualify under your program.
Can I use the scholarship for multiple children on Outschool?
No. Each child must apply for and receive their scholarship. Funds are awarded per student and cannot be shared. That said, parents can manage multiple learner accounts through Outschool and ClassWallet.
How do families access and manage ESA funds?
Once approved, families receive access to their ESA funds through the ClassWallet system, where they can make direct purchases or request reimbursements for eligible expenses. Funds are distributed quarterly, and families must keep records of all transactions.
Are there limits on the number of classes I can enroll my child in using the scholarship?
There’s no official class cap under either program. Ensure your total spending stays within your awarded amount and follows approved use guidelines.
Do unused ESA funds roll over to the next year?
Yes. As long as the student remains enrolled in the ESA program and in good standing, any unused funds roll over to the next school year and can be used for future educational expenses. Upon high school graduation or obtaining a GED, disbursements will cease, but the funds, but the funds are yours for any approved expenses listed in the current handbook over the next four years. If that's part of your plan, you can also put them toward in-state college tuition.
Making the most of Arizona’s education savings account
Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program allows families to tailor their child’s education through personalized learning options. ESA funds support a wide range of approved expenses from private school tuition to homeschooling and tutoring. By understanding how the program works, parents can confidently take charge of their child’s educational journey and make the most of this valuable opportunity.
Outschool is proud to support families using Arizona ESA, offering live, online classes that qualify as approved educational expenses. With easy purchasing through ClassWallet, families can customize learning with flexible options that fit their child’s needs and interests.
Joann KilpatrickJoAnn Kilpatrick, Ed.D., leads ESA and Alternative Ed at Outschool. A Harvard-certified educator, former principal, and ex-2U VP, she co-founded Alternas to help families navigate education choice and alt-ed paths that better fit their children's needs.
