You’ve probably heard that Arizona will give you thousands of dollars for your child’s education. It’s true- and it’s called the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA). Here’s the thing: the funds don’t go directly into your bank account. Instead, you’ll access them through a platform called ClassWallet. It might sound like an extra step, but once you understand how it works, it’s pretty straightforward.
Step 1: Create Your ADEConnect Account
Head to the Arizona Department of Education ESA portal and create an ADEConnect account. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Student’s birth certificate (full-color image)
- Proof of Arizona residency in your name (choose one):
- Valid Arizona driver’s license or ID card
- Property tax bill (from the past year)
- Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, phone)
- W-2 wage statement or payroll stub
- Rental agreement or lease
- Mortgage documents or property deed
Fill out the registration form and click “REGISTER“. Check your email (and spam folder) for password setup instructions. Account activation takes up to 15 minutes.
Step 2: Submit Your ESA Application
Log back into ADEConnect, accept the terms, and follow these steps:
- Click “View Applications”
- Select “ESA Applicant Portal”
- Complete the required personal information
- Click “Create a New Application” and submit
Processing takes up to 30 days. If approved, you’ll receive an email detailing your award amount- typically $4,000-$9,000 per student annually. You’ll also get a contract to sign.
Step 3: Access Your ClassWallet Account
Your ESA money lives in ClassWallet, distributed quarterly. Log in through the ESA portal and click “Go to ClassWallet Account“.
Three ways to spend your funds:
- ClassWallet Marketplace: Shop from approved vendors directly in the platform
- Pay Vendor: Upload invoices from registered vendors (like curriculum companies)
- Reimbursements: Link your bank account, make purchases, then upload receipts for reimbursement
Step 4: Make Your First Purchase
To pay a registered vendor:
- Shop and get an invoice (or screenshot your cart)
- Log into ClassWallet
- Click “Pay Vendor”
- Search for the vendor name
- Upload your PDF invoice
- Select the educational category and submit
Unused funds roll over year to year, and they’re not taxable income.
Need help? Contact Arizona ESA Support at (602) 364-1969 or ESACallCenter@azed.gov. For ClassWallet questions, call 1-877-969-5536 or email help@classwallet.com.
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