Welcome to ESA

The Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program is an account administered by The Arizona Department of Education that is funded by state tax dollars to provide educational options for qualified Arizona students. By opting out of the public school system, parents can seek a range of alternative educational services, such as private school or home-based education, to tailor an individualized educational plan that is best for their child.  The ESA program is not affiliated with any services, providers, vendors or websites, please ensure you are referring to our website and documents for program direction.

News and Updates

Communication from the Director 11-19-2018

  • It’s Tax Season. With questions on ESA and taxes, please refer to the following:
    • For parents: Per A.R.S. § 15-2402 J. Monies received pursuant to this article do not constitute taxable income to the parent of the qualified student.
    • For vendors being paid with ESA funds: Please consult a tax or finance expert. ESA Staff are unable to provide tax advice, and do not issue tax forms.
  • The 2019/2020 school year application is now available.

Approaching Deadlines

icon icon Please see the ESA calendar page for applications and quarterly funding deadlines: ESA Calendar

  • Funding:
    • Prospective Recipients: Contracts are due back no later than April 29th for Quarter 4 funding.
      • Contracts can only be issued once ESA can verify the student is no longer enrolled in public school.
    • Current Recipients: Quarter 4 funding will be processed April 15th and 30th
      • (please note: it can take 5-7 days of processing for the funds to be available on the bank card.)
  • Expense Reports: The Quarter 3 Expense Report is due March 20th.
  • Applications:
    • 2018-2019 Applications are currently being accepted until March 1 at 4 pm to receive quarter 4 funding (April to June 2019).
      • The 2018-2019 application will close on March 1st at 4 pm.
    • 2019-2020 Application is available.
      • The application deadline for Quarter 1 funding is June 1st.


About ESA and Applying for ESA:

Current ESA Recipients:

icon icon ESA Parent Portal
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icon icon Expense Reporting

 

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