If you're a parent exploring flexible education options in Arizona, you've likely heard about the Arizona ESA Voucher program. Officially known as the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account Program, this initiative is transforming how families approach their children’s education.

In this guest post, we’ll break down what Arizona ESAs are, who qualifies, how much funding is available, and how families can use these funds to customize their child’s learning experience.

What Is the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)?

The Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account Program allows families to receive public education funds and use them for approved alternative educational expenses outside the traditional public school system.

Arizona was the first state in the U.S. to launch an ESA program, and today it operates one of the most expansive school choice programs nationwide.

Through an ESA, families can use state-funded scholarships for:

  • Private school tuition

  • Homeschool curriculum

  • Online learning programs

  • Private tutoring

  • Educational therapies

  • Special education services

  • Learning materials and supplies

This flexibility empowers parents to create personalized education plans tailored to their child’s needs.

Who Is Eligible?

Under Arizona’s universal ESA expansion, all K–12 students who are eligible for public school enrollment in Arizona can apply.

To qualify:

  • The student must be eligible to enroll in an Arizona public school.

  • The student must withdraw from a public or charter school when signing the ESA contract (if currently enrolled).

Additional funding may be available for:

  • Students with special needs

  • Children of active-duty military parents

  • Students assigned to low-performing schools

  • Other qualifying categories

For the most up-to-date application information, families should consult the Arizona Department of Education website.

How Much Funding Do Families Receive?

ESA funds equal approximately 90% of Arizona’s per-student base funding.

Estimated funding amounts:

  • Grades 1–12: Around $7,000 per year

  • Kindergarten: Around $4,000 per year

  • Students with special needs: Average funding may reach approximately $15,000 annually, depending on individual qualifications

Funding amounts can vary slightly year to year based on state budget allocations.