Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)
Arizona ESA provides parents with 90% of state funding their child would have received in public school, deposited quarterly into an account for educational expenses. Second largest ESA program in the nation with universal eligibility.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
UNIVERSAL ELIGIBILITY: Open to all Arizona residents. No income requirements. Students entering kindergarten or enrolled in Arizona public/charter school previous year qualify.
View Full Details
📝 How to Apply
1. Verify eligibility (AZ resident, K-12 or pre-K with disability). 2. Gather required documents (proof of residency, birth certificate). 3. Create account at esaportal.azed.gov. 4. Complete online application. 5. Upload required documents. 6. Submit application. 7. Receive decision within 30 days.
Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), student birth certificate, IEP/MET/504 plan (if applicable for pre-K or special needs), parent/guardian ID
🛒 What You Can Buy with ESA Funds
Private school tuition, online programs, tutoring, educational therapies, curriculum, textbooks, standardized testing fees, college courses, educational savings account for college, and other qualified expenses.
📊 Academic Requirements
Nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement tests required annually. Options include Terra Nova, Stanford Achievement Test, Iowa Test, or other approved assessments
Must participate in educational activities appropriate to grade level and ability
Students must show educational progress through required assessments or portfolio reviews
Quarterly expense documentation, annual assessment results, maintain receipts for all ESA purchases for 5 years
Automatically renews each school year if student remains eligible and complies with program requirements. No need to reapply unless residency or eligibility changes
