If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to afford tutoring or academic support outside of school, you’re not alone. The good news is that Arizona offers unique funding programs that can make high-quality after-school education programs more accessible for every family.
Whether your child is in public school, private school, or learning from home, you may be eligible to receive thousands of dollars per year to help pay for services like math tutoring at Mathnasium.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to two powerful options that some families at Mathnasium already use to make supplemental math education more affordable: Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) and School Tuition Organizations (STOs). You’ll learn how these programs work, who qualifies, and how to apply, so you can confidently invest in your child’s math education without worrying about the cost.
Arizona is one of the nation’s leaders in educational choice, offering families the flexibility to direct how and where their children learn best.
Through two primary programs, Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) and School Tuition Organizations (STOs), families can access funds to support private education, tutoring, and other learning resources outside the traditional classroom.
Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) provide direct state funding that families can use toward a wide range of educational expenses.
School Tuition Organizations (STOs) offer tax-credit funded scholarships to help families pay for private school tuition and, in some cases, supplemental services such as tutoring.
These options are designed to reduce financial barriers and expand access to high-quality academic support like Mathnasium.
The Empowerment Scholarship Account program gives families control over state education funds so they can tailor learning experiences to their child's unique needs. Many families use these funds to cover tutoring, therapies, online learning, and more.
Funds are deposited quarterly into an account managed through ClassWallet, a secure digital platform that allows parents to pay approved providers or request reimbursement.
In recent years, the average annual funding amount has been approximately $9,800 per student, with students who have disabilities eligible for significantly more.
K–12 students residing in Arizona are eligible to apply for the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program.
Arizona’s ESA program is open to a wide range of families. Originally designed for specific student populations, the program has expanded to include all K–12 students in the state.
Students may qualify if they fall into one of the following categories:
Previously attended public or charter school
Currently homeschooled or entering kindergarten
Have a disability or qualify for special education services
Live on a Native American reservation
Have a parent in the military
Are adopted or in foster care
Or are any Arizona K–12 student under the universal expansion law
For our full guide to ESA eligibility, visit:
📕 Is Your Child Eligible for Empowerment Scholarship?
The application process for ESA funding is simple and family-friendly. Here’s how to get started:
Visit the Arizona Department of Education ESA portal: This is where you’ll find all application materials and guidance.
Submit an application: Provide necessary documentation, such as proof of residency and student information.
Use ClassWallet to access funds: Once approved, you can start using ESA funds to pay for approved educational services like tutoring at Mathnasium.
More details and step-by-step instructions are available at arizonaempowermentscholarship.org.
STOs are nonprofit organizations that distribute scholarship money collected through Arizona’s tax credit program. Families can apply to multiple STOs to help cover tuition at private schools, and in some cases, receive additional support for tutoring and out-of-school educational programs.
These scholarships are often used in combination with other funding sources to create a comprehensive education plan.
The average scholarship award varies by STO and program, but most awards range from $2,000 to $8,000 per year, with the possibility of higher awards for particular eligibility categories or families who qualify with multiple STOs
Some of the most widely recognized and active School Tuition Organizations in Arizona include:
ACSTO (Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization)
Arizona Tuition Connection
Arizona Leadership Foundation
Institute for Better Education (IBE)
School Choice Arizona
Arizona Private Education Scholarship Fund (APESF)
STO funding is generally reserved for students attending private schools in Arizona.
Each STO has its own eligibility guidelines, application process, and scholarship distribution model, so it’s important to review multiple options to find the best fit for your family. Many private schools maintain relationships with several STOs and can provide recommendations based on your needs.
Some eligibility types include:
Any K–12 student attending a qualified private school (Original/Individual Credit)
Students switching from public to private school (Switcher Credit)
Students in foster care, from military families, or with disabilities
Families who meet income requirements for corporate-funded scholarships
To qualify for the STO program, a student must be enrolled in or applying to a qualified private school in Arizona.
To maximize their chances of receiving a scholarship, parents are encouraged to apply to multiple STOs. Each organization may have its own application deadlines and forms.
Steps typically include:
Identify STOs: Research and select several organizations that match your family’s situation. Visit Arizona’s official website for the list of available STOs in Arizona.
Complete applications: Provide documentation such as income verification or a student narrative.
Coordinate with your school: Ask your private school for recommendations and assistance with applications or timelines.
Some of the most widely used STOs include ACSTO, Arizona Tuition Connection, and Arizona Leadership Foundation.
Depending on your child's schooling situation, one program may offer a better fit, or you may even be eligible to use both.
Consider these guidelines when deciding where to focus your efforts:
Use ESA funds if your child is homeschooled, currently attending a public school, or needs tutoring and other out-of-school educational services. ESA gives you the flexibility to customize your child’s learning journey, including covering costs for math tutoring, online courses, or specialized educational therapies.
Use STO funds if your child attends or plans to attend a private school. These scholarships are intended primarily to help cover tuition, but many STOs also support supplemental educational services like tutoring, especially when recommended by the school.
Explore both options when eligible. Some families qualify for STO support while also using ESA funds for specific out-of-school learning needs. If your situation allows, combining resources can offer comprehensive academic support with minimal out-of-pocket cost.
The best strategy is to learn what each program offers, understand the eligibility requirements, and reach out to participating service providers for help navigating the process.
Once you’ve been approved for ESA or awarded an STO scholarship, the next step is deciding how to use those funds in a way that truly supports your child’s academic growth.
Whether your goal is to build core math skills, explore advanced topics, or provide a more personalized learning environment, thoughtful planning can make a big difference.
📕 You May Also Like: Why Math Tutoring Matters Now More Than Ever
Every child learns differently. That’s why both ESA and STO programs give families the chance to choose an educational path that fits their student’s unique needs and goals.
Ask yourself:
Does your child thrive in a structured school setting?
Are they struggling in a particular subject and need targeted support?
Do they enjoy learning through hands-on enrichment or one-on-one instruction?
With ESA, you might decide to combine homeschooling with tutoring or select a program that builds confidence in specific areas like math.
With STO, choosing the right private school can give your student access to academic programs and services that align with their strengths and interests.
Some education choices deliver quick results, while others provide lasting benefits. When deciding how to use ESA or STO funding, it’s helpful to focus on programs that contribute to long-term academic success.
Math is one of the most important building blocks in a student’s learning journey. Mastering math skills early on supports future achievement in science, technology, finance, and beyond.
Whether your student needs help catching up or is ready to tackle new challenges, strong math instruction can open the door to a wide range of opportunities.
📕You May Also Like: How to Teach Kids Money Skills with Math
No matter how great a program sounds on paper, it also needs to work for your family’s schedule and lifestyle. Consider factors like:
Location: Is the learning center or school nearby?
Scheduling: Do session times fit with your child’s routine?
Format: Would your child benefit more from in-person instruction or online support?
Many programs, including Mathnasium, offer both online and in-center options so families can choose what works best. When learning is both accessible and engaging, students are more likely to stay motivated and make meaningful progress.
Mathnasium is proud to be an approved provider for both Arizona’s ESA program and many STOs. That means families can use these state funds to give their child access to high-quality math support at their nearest Mathnasium Learning Center.
Parents across Arizona choose Mathnasium for a simple reason: it works. Using a proprietary teaching approach, The Mathnasium Method™, our specially trained math tutors work with K-12 students of all skill levels to develop solid foundations for math mastery. Our approach delivers:
Personalized learning plans: Every student starts with a diagnostic assessment that helps us create a custom learning plan based on their unique strengths and needs.
Proven results: In a recent survey, 94% of parents reported improved math skills, and 90% said their child’s grades improved after enrolling at Mathnasium.
Face-to-face instruction in a caring and fun group environment: Students receive hands-on, interactive teaching from specially trained tutors who understand how to make math click.
For families in Queen Creek, AZ, and surrounding areas, Mathnasium of Queen Creek is ready to help your child catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math. Whether your child needs help mastering multiplication or preparing for Algebra, we’ll build a path toward lasting success.
Ready to use your ESA or STO funds for math tutoring?
Contact Mathnasium of Queen Creek today to schedule your child’s free assessment and learn how to apply state funding toward a customized math education plan.
Schedule a Free Assessment at Mathnasium of Queen Creek
Mathnasium of Queen Creek is not the nearest center to you?
📍 Find a Mathnasium Learning Center in your area.
Mathnasium of Queen Creek is a math-only learning center for K-12 students in Queen Creek, AZ. Trusted by over a million parents, Mathnasium uses personalized learning plans and the proprietary Mathnasium Method™ to help students catch up, keep up, and get ahead on their math journey.
Our specially trained tutors deliver face-to-face instruction in a supportive and fun small-group environment, working with students both in center and online to develop a deep understanding of math, build confidence, and improve academic performance.
Schedule Free Assessment
(480) 279-3122
(480) 279-3122
