Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program gives families the freedom to choose the best educational path for their children by providing funding for private school tuition, homeschooling, tutoring, and more.
With so many ways to use these funds, how do you decide which option will have the greatest impact on your child’s academic success?
This guide explains what the ESA program is, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to select the right program to support your child’s learning journey.
Whether your student needs personalized tutoring, a flexible learning environment, or academic enrichment like Mathnasium’s expert math instruction, we’ll help you explore the best options and make an informed decision.
Meet the Top-Rated Math Tutors in Queen Creek, AZ
Launched by the state of Arizona, the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program is designed to give parents the financial flexibility to choose the best educational setting for their children.
Instead of attending a public school, eligible students receive state-funded scholarships that can be applied to private school tuition, homeschooling materials, tutoring, and other approved educational expenses.
The ESA program was created to give parents more control over their child’s education.
By providing direct funding, Arizona allows families to choose the best learning environment for their student, whether that means a private school, homeschool curriculum, or specialized educational services.
On average, ESA accounts provide about $7,000 to $8,000 per student per year. This amount varies based on grade level, special needs, and other factors.
Funds are distributed quarterly into a state-managed account, which parents can access to pay for approved educational expenses.
Parents can use ESA funds for a variety of educational costs, including:
Private School Tuition and Fees: Payments for eligible private schools.
Homeschool Curriculum: Textbooks, online courses, and instructional materials.
Tutoring Services: One-on-one or group tutoring from approved providers.
Standardized Testing Fees: Costs for exams like the SAT, ACT, or AP tests.
Educational Therapies: Speech, occupational, and physical therapy services.
College Tuition: Some post-secondary education expenses.
Public School Services: Fees for individual public school courses or extracurriculars.
Technology and Educational Software: Computers, calculators, and learning programs.
As of 2022, all K–12 students residing in Arizona can apply to participate in the ESA program, regardless of income, location, or academic performance.
In addition, certain groups may qualify for specialized funding or considerations:
Preschool children with disabilities
Students with disabilities (students with an IEP, MET report, 504 Plan, or IEE)
Children of active-duty military personnel or children whose parent/legal guardian was killed in the line of duty
Students assigned to underperforming schools (schools with a D or F rating)
Siblings of current or former ESA recipients
Students residing on Native American reservations
Wards of the court (including adopted children or children in the adoption process)
Children of parents who are legally blind, deaf, or hard of hearing
For families in Queen Creek, this means nearly every school-aged child qualifies, giving parents full control over their child's educational path.
To apply or learn more about the eligibility criteria, visit the official Arizona Department of Education's ESA Eligibility Page.
All K-12 students in Arizona can apply for the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program.
Applying for the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program in Arizona is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Ensure your child meets the eligibility criteria. All K–12 students residing in Arizona are eligible. Specific groups may qualify for specialized funding or considerations.
For detailed eligibility requirements, visit the Arizona Department of Education's ESA Eligibility Page.
Prepare the following documents for the application:
Proof of Residency: Documents such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or an Affidavit of Shared Residence can serve as proof.
Proof of Age and Identity: A birth certificate or other legal documents.
Additional Documentation: Depending on your child's eligibility category, you may need specific forms, such as the Blindness Confirmation Form or the Confirmation of Deaf or Hard of Hearing Form.
To access the ESA Applicant Portal, you'll need an ADEConnect account:
New Users: Create an account.
Existing Users: Log in with your credentials.
Once logged in:
Navigate to the ESA Applicant Portal.
Fill out the application form with accurate information.
Upload the required documents.Submit the application.
Applications are accepted for the upcoming school year, and processing typically takes up to 30 days. For the 2024-2025 school year, applications are currently being accepted. For more details, refer to the ESA Eligibility Requirements.
After submission:
The Arizona Department of Education will review your application.
Upon approval, you'll receive a contract to sign.
Once the contract is executed, an ESA account will be established for your child, and funds will be disbursed quarterly.
If you have questions or need help during the application process:
ESA Support Line: Available Monday–Friday from 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm at 602-364-1969.
ESA HelpDesk: Submit inquiries or requests through the ESA HelpDesk.
For comprehensive information, consult the ESA Parent Handbook.
With your Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funded, you have a fantastic chance to invest in your child’s education through approved providers.
The key is to select a program that not only engages your child but also provides lasting academic and personal benefits.
To select the best program for your child:
The ESA program supports a variety of options, from private schools to tutoring and therapies. Start with what your child requires, where they aim to grow, and what engages them. For example:
If they have special needs or need structure, a private school or therapy might be essential.
If they’re working toward academic improvement, a targeted program could help.
If they love science, an online STEM course might spark their curiosity.
Some choices provide short-term gains, while others yield long-term rewards. Focus on options that:
Enhance academic success—Core skills like math underpin future learning.
Build confidence and critical thinking—Mastering challenges fosters resilience.
Offer expert instruction—Look for qualified educators or specialists.
ESA funds can only be used with approved vendors. Check the ESA Vendor Database to confirm eligibility.
For instance, Mathnasium is an approved ESA vendor, meaning families can use their funds for their specialized math tutoring.
Practical details can affect your child’s experience and the value they get from the program.
To ensure your child stays engaged and maintains consistency, consider:
Location: Is it close to home or school?
Scheduling: Does it work with your routine?
Format: Would in-person or online options suit your child best?
Mathnasium offers both in-person and live online tutoring, giving families scheduling ease.
While sports, music, and arts programs are valuable, math skills are a cornerstone for success across nearly every discipline—science, technology, and even business.
Using ESA funds at Mathnasium can help your child:
Catch up, keep up, or get ahead in math.
Develop problem-solving skills for school and beyond.
Reduce math stress and boost confidence.
Improve grades and test performance.
Mathnasium helps students of all skill levels catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math.
Mathnasium is an approved ESA vendor, so families can use their funds to enroll in our personalized math tutoring programs.
Whether your child needs a boost or wants to excel, we offer expert instruction in a supportive setting. At Mathnasium, your child will:
Master math skills that enhance grades and confidence.
Get tailored instruction based on their unique needs.
Learn strategies that strengthen critical thinking across subjects.
Build a lasting appreciation for math, easing future challenges.
Enrolling at Mathnasium is simple:
Find a Mathnasium Learning Center: Visit our Queen Creek location or explore online options.
Schedule a Free Assessment: We start with an assessment to pinpoint strengths and gaps, which allows us to create a custom learning plan for your child and determine the ideal frequency of sessions.
Enroll and Pay with ESA Funds: Submit your expense request through the ESA Applicant Portal to cover tutoring costs.
Math skills are the foundation for success in school and beyond.
Make the most of your ESA funds by choosing Mathnasium!
Meet the Top-Rated Math Tutors in Queen Creek, AZ
(480) 279-3122
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