You’ve heard about Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account. Maybe you’ve even applied. But here’s what most parents don’t realize: those ESA funds stretch further than you think.
As of July 2025, over 86,423 Arizona students are enrolled in the program. That’s not by accident. Parents are discovering their education dollars can work harder when they understand what qualifies as an eligible expense.
⭐ The Money Follows Your Child
Here’s the foundation: ESA funds range from $3,200 to $9,000 annually for typical students. Students with disabilities can receive significantly more- up to $28,000 or even $43,000 in specific cases.
These aren’t vouchers with strings attached. They’re genuine education dollars that adapt to your child’s needs.
What Qualifies as an Eligible Expense
Traditional School Expenses:
- Private school tuition (grades PK-12) at qualified Arizona schools
- Textbooks and curriculum materials (both required and recommended)
- School uniforms purchased from school-approved vendors
Learning Beyond Four Walls:
- Online courses and digital learning programs
- Individual tutoring from credentialed professionals
- Public school classes (yes, you can mix and match)
- Extracurricular programs at public schools
Testing and College Prep:
- SAT, ACT, and college admission exams
- Advanced Placement (AP) exams
- Standardized achievement tests
Postsecondary Education:
- Community college tuition and fees
- Arizona Board of Regents universities
- Accredited private colleges (in-state)
- Required textbooks for college courses
The Fine Print That Matters
All service providers must have current, valid credentials. Expired certifications don’t qualify. Schools cannot discriminate based on race, color, or national origin.
The Department of Education reviews expenses for educational validity and reasonable market pricing.
What Parents Are Actually Spending
Consider this: average private elementary tuition in Arizona is $9,600. Private high school averages $13,700. An ESA award of $7,000 suddenly covers a significant portion, or in some cases, all, of your child’s education costs.
That’s real money solving real problems.
Questions? Arizona Actually Answers
Unlike many state programs, Arizona’s ESA team maintains extended support hours:
- Phone: 602-364-1969 (Monday-Friday 8 am-8 pm, Saturday 8 am-12 pm)
- Email: ESACallCenter@azed.gov
- Online HelpDesk: Available through the ESA portal for item approval requests
The application process takes up to 30 days.
Your education tax dollars can now follow your child to the school that actually fits. The question isn’t whether ESA works- 86,000+ families have already answered that.
The question is whether you’re using it to its full potential.
Learn more: https://www.azed.gov/esa
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