Arizona ESA Guide

Arizona ESA vouchers provide funding to families and individuals for educational opportunities outside the public school system. Along with the Department of Education’s H.B. 2853 FAQs, we’ve provided additional information to assist you in making informed decisions for your situation.

We encourage you to learn more about Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts by reading below, or using our step-by-step guide and beginning your application on the Department of Education’s website.

What is an ESA?

An Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) is an account administered by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and funded by state tax dollars to provide education options for qualified Arizona students.

An ESA is funded at 90% of the state funding that would otherwise be allocated to the qualified student’s school district or charter school, excluding federal and local funding. By accepting an ESA, the student (age 18 and over) or the student’s parent/guardian is signing a contract agreeing to obtain an education that includes the following subjects:

• Reading
• Grammar
• Mathematics
• Social studies
• Science

ESA funding can be used to pay for private school tuition, curriculum, home education, tutoring, and more. This is an annual program that students over age 18 or parents/guardians can apply for on behalf of their school-aged students.

Who’s Eligible for an ESA?

• All Arizona students between the ages of 4–22 years old are eligible for an ESA
• There are no income requirements
• There are no restrictions on the type of private school the student attends

You will need to provide: student’s birth certificate and proof of residency. Visit the ADE’s Eligibility Requirements & Application page for more information.

Students ages 16–21 maybe be eligible for additional options
Learn more

Is an ESA the Best Option for Me or My Student?

Maybe! It’s important to know that ESA funds and STO funds (student tuition organization) cannot be used concurrently. However, you may use both types of funding in the same year, just not at the same time (i.e. use STO funds during Q1 but decided to switch to ESA funds later in the school year).

Depending on your situation, you may be able to secure more funding through an STO than through an ESA for your student’s education.

How Much Money is Available Through an ESA?

The available amount varies based on the student’s grade level and whether they qualify for services. The ADE’s Frequently Asked Questions page is the best place to find an approximate amount; a chart is available under “ESA Funding.”

All ESAs should cover the cost of Smart Schools tuition in full.

How Long Does the Application Process Take?

Applications can take up to 30 days to process (from the date a completed application is submitted) and the final determination is sent via email. 

How Are Funds Received and Managed?

ADE uses the ClassWallet system, which offers four different ways to make purchases or payments on its platform. 

• Marketplace: Place orders with online vendors within ClassWallet
• Pay Vendor: Pay schools directly, using this option
• Debit Cards: Funds can be uploaded to a debit card; you must complete the invoice and receipt
• Reimbursement: Your bank account can be reimbursed for purchases but must be linked to ClassWallet

It is up to students or parents to allocate the funds and to track and report quarterly on all of their purchases.

Applying for an ESA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are You Between 16–21 Years Old?

You may be eligible for our free partner program, Grad Solutions. Grad Solutions is a dropout recovery program available to students who are:

• Arizona residents
• Withdrawn from high school
• Between 16–21 years of age

Additional Resources to Get Started

• Smart Schools Step-by-Step ESA Guide
• How to submit a vendor invoice:
  • Video tutorial in Spanish
  • Video tutorial in English
• Getting Started on ClassWallet
• ESA Applicant Portal — Login if you have an account, or apply if you do not
• ESA Customer Service  — Support line and HelpDesk
• AZ Dept. of Education ESA Parent Handbook
• AZ Dept. of Education ESA Parent Guide

Ready to Apply for an ESA?

We recommend downloading this document to help guide you through the setup process. Then, click the button below to begin an ESA application with the Arizona Department of Education.