You’ve heard about Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. Maybe you’re already using it, or you’re thinking about applying. Either way, there’s one question that keeps coming up: What exactly can’t I purchase?
The freedom to customize your child’s education is powerful. Arizona’s ESA gives families up to 90% of their public school allocation—roughly $6,000 to $10,000 per year—to spend on approved educational expenses. But here’s the thing: not everything is fair game.
⭐Why These Rules Exist
The Arizona Department of Education and state statute A.R.S. §15-2402 have established clear boundaries. These aren’t arbitrary restrictions. They’re designed to ensure ESA funds support actual education—not everyday household expenses or entertainment.
Think of it this way: ESA dollars are education dollars. They’re meant for learning tools, curriculum, tutoring, and services that directly enhance your child’s academic experience.
Arizona ESA Empowerment Scholarship Account 2025: The Big Categories You Should Know
Let’s break down what’s off the table:
Entertainment and Electronics
- Home theater systems and audio equipment
- Video game consoles and accessories
- Televisions and telephones
- Smartwatches with cellular service
- Devices that don’t serve primarily educational purposes
Home and Lifestyle Items
- Large appliances (refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, stoves)
- Commercial-grade equipment like freeze-dryers or espresso machines
- BBQ grills, pizza ovens, and smokers
- Home furnishings (wall art, lamps, cabinets, nightstands)
- Bedding, backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles
- Clothing and footwear (unless required uniforms)
Outdoor and Recreational Equipment
- Swimming pools, saunas, trampolines over 10 feet
- Motorized vehicles, go-karts, multi-person kayaks
- Bounce houses and water slides
- Amusement park or waterpark tickets
- Large greenhouses (over 100 sq. ft.)
Medical and Wellness Services
This is where parents often get confused. ESA funds cannot cover:
- Medical exams, blood work, or physical exams
- Chiropractors, acupuncture, and massage therapy
- Eye or dental exams
- Nutritionists or hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Medical equipment or medications
- Vitamins and supplements
Exception: Medical supplies or specific therapies may be allowed if they’re required by your child’s educational curriculum.
Fees and Everyday Expenses
- Amazon Prime or similar subscription fees
- Late payment or cancellation fees
- Day care fees
- Food and animal feed (except curriculum-specific items)
- Household cleaning supplies
- Hotel stays and dining expenses
- Non-educational school fees (yearbooks, parking passes, fundraisers)
What About Larger Purchases?
Some items have specific size or quantity limits. For instance, chicken coops are allowed for up to 12 chickens—anything larger isn’t permitted. Archery bows under 35 lbs. are fine for archery instruction, but weapons like BB guns and paintball guns aren’t allowed.
Arizona’s ESA program serves over 86,000 students and continues growing. Understanding what you can and can’t purchase protects your account and ensures those education dollars go where they’re meant to go—toward your child’s learning.
When in doubt, reach out. The ESA team is there to approve purchases and answer questions before you buy.
Arizona Department of Education ESA Contact Information
Still unsure? The Arizona Department of Education has a support team ready to help:
- Phone: 602-364-1969 (Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm; Saturday, 8am-12pm)
- Email: [email protected]
- HelpDesk: Submit questions through the ESA portal after registration
You can also review the complete ESA 2025-2026 Handbook for detailed guidance.
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