Switching to Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program is a big decision. But what if you’re ready to make the move mid-quarter? The timing matters more than you think.
⭐The Critical Timing Rule
Here’s what’s non-negotiable: Your child must be fully withdrawn from public or charter school the moment you sign your ESA contract. Not next week. Not at the end of the quarter. The same day.
Why? Because the state cannot fund your child’s education twice. Public school funding and ESA funding are mutually exclusive.
What Mid-Quarter Withdrawal Actually Looks Like
Step 1: Sign your ESA contract
Once approved, you’ll receive your contract via email. The quarter you sign determines when funding begins.
Step 2: Withdraw immediately
Send written notice to your child’s school—principal, counselor, and attendance clerk. State that you’re withdrawing from the ESA program.
Step 3: Contact the county office (if homeschooling previously)
If you already filed a homeschool affidavit, contact your county superintendent’s office for withdrawal instructions. ESA students aren’t classified as homeschoolers under Arizona law.
Understanding Your Funding Timeline
ESA funds are distributed quarterly:
- Q1 (July 1-Sept 30): Funded July 15-31
- Q2 (Oct 1-Dec 31): Funded Oct 15-31
- Q3 (Jan 1-March 31): Funded Jan 15-31
- Q4 (April 1-June 30): Funded April 15-30
If you sign your contract mid-quarter, you receive funding starting that quarter—not prorated. Sign on October 15th? You get Q2 funding.
New accounts take approximately 3 weeks to set up and fund after contract signing.
The Violation That Gets Accounts Terminated
Enrolling your child in public or charter school while receiving ESA funds is a contract violation. This includes:
- District schools
- Charter schools
- Public online programs
- Summer public school programs (unless paying tuition as an ESA student)
⭐ What Happens If You Need to Return to Public School?
Life changes. If you decide ESA isn’t the right fit, you can return to public school anytime. Your ESA account will close, and district funding resumes. There’s no penalty for changing your mind—participation is voluntary.
Three Common Mistakes Parents Make
- Waiting until quarter-end to withdraw: You forfeit the timing advantage and risk contract violations.
- Assuming summer enrollment is okay: Applying for ESA just for summer, then returning to public school in fall, will trigger repayment demands.
- Not updating contact information: You must notify ADE within 30 days of any address, email, or phone changes.
Get the Support You Need
Arizona Department of Education – ESA Program
Phone: (602) 364-1969
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended hours Mondays/Wednesdays until 8:00 PM)
Email: ESACallCenter@azed.gov
Website: www.azed.gov/esa[3]
ClassWallet Support (for payment/funding questions)
Phone: 1-877-969-5536
Email: help@classwallet.com
Resources:
- Download the complete 2025-2026 ESA Parent Handbook: https://www.azed.gov/esa
- Apply online: https://esaportal.azed.gov/Account
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