Arizona ESA Homeschool Program Requirements & Application Info
If you’ve heard about Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) and are wondering what they are, how they work for homeschoolers and if you may be eligible to get paid to homeschool in Arizona, this article provides a comprehensive walk-through of the ESA Arizona program.
What is an Empowerment Scholarship Account?
In Arizona, families may qualify to receive government funds if they choose to withdraw their children from public or charter schools and pursue other educational options such as homeschooling. Arizona calls this program the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account.
(Sometimes this program is referred to as the Arizona homeschool tax credit program, although more accurately, it is a government-funded scholarship program.)
Other states also have ESA programs, but in those states, ESA stands for Educational Savings Account or Educational Scholarship Account.
An ESA Arizona scholarship may be spent on online classes, tutoring, educational therapies and other educational resources and materials or to offset the costs associated with homeschooling.
Through the program ESA funds Arizona educational options. It was created to give families choice about how government funds are spent toward educating their children.
The Arizona ESA application can be found here.
Homeschooling in Arizona: An Overview
Homeschooling is already quite popular in Arizona. Arizona homeschool laws make it fairly easy to get started in homeschooling and meet educational requirements.
Unlike many states, Arizona does not require a set number of school days for homeschoolers. Parents do not need any special certification, and any parent or guardian may homeschool their child.
Arizona homeschooling students must learn grammar and reading, math, social studies and science. Arizona homeschoolers do not need to complete standardized tests, and ongoing reporting by a parent or guardian is not required.
*Source: hslda.org; see website for complete details.
Who qualifies for ESA in Arizona?
To meet Arizona ESA requirements, a student must reside in Arizona, and proof of residency may be required.
A student must also be eligible for grades K-12 in according to public school age standards.
Important Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Dates & Deadlines
Application is available year-round and funds are disbursed quarterly.
Disbursement Periods:
- Q1: July 1 – September 30
- Q2: October 1 – December 31
- Q3: January 1 – March 31
- Q4: April 1 – June 30
Sonlight is an Approved Arizona Education Vendor
Sonlight is delighted to partner with Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Program to give homeschool families in Arizona added financial flexibility for high-quality, faith-based learning resources. You can use state-provided funds to enhance your homeschool experience with our award-winning curriculum.
Teaching Made Simple
With Sonlight’s thoughtfully crafted lesson plans, the work is already done for you. Choose from 4- or 5-day schedules designed to fit your family’s unique pace.
Challenging, Joyful Education
We believe learning should be meaningful and enjoyable. Your children will be academically stretched while still having fun along the way.
Stories at the Core
Rather than relying on dry textbooks, Sonlight immerses students in rich literature that makes history, science, and life lessons come alive.
Growing Faith Together
Our Christ-centered philosophy goes beyond academics—it shapes your child’s character and strengthens family bonds as you learn side by side.
What Are Approved Educational Expenses under The Promise Scholarship?
The scholarship program covers a wide range of educational resources and supports including:
- Homeschool Curriculum (including Sonlight!)
- Supplemental textbooks and learning materials
- Online courses or supplemental programs
- Tutoring services from certified teachers
- Educational therapies such as speech, occupational, or behavioral support
- Limited transportation costs related to educational services
Essentially, this program allows families to use educational dollars for the learning resources they feel best serve their children.
Using Your Arizona ESA For Sonlight Curriculum
Sonlight curriculum is eligible for purchase using Arizona ESA funds and we are happy to help you as you navigate the ESA curriculum buying process.
Learn more about how Sonlight can support families using ESAs here.
Get a comprehensive program for your entire homeschool year, all in one easy package! History, math, science, and more make up our trusted homeschool resources. We offer engaging, literature based learning with supportive lesson plans and sample schedules. Sonlight has everything you need to homeschool in Arizona.
FAQs:
What is the ESA contract in Arizona?
Families who wish to participate in the ESA Arizona program are required to sign a contract each year which serves as an agreement between the Arizona Department of Education ESA program and the applicant.
This contract outlines the rules of the Arizona ESA program, and through signing, homeschooling parents are agreeing to provide their children access to education in the following subjects - math, reading and grammar, science and social studies.
What is the income limit on ESA?
According to the Arizona Department of Education, factors used to determine ESA funding include grade level, the school district or charter school a student would attend if not taking part in the program, and in applicable cases, disability.
In most cases, students in grades K-12 can receive between $7,000 and $8,000 per year.
Do you get paid to homeschool in Arizona?
Arizona offers public-funded scholarships called ESAs (Empowerment Scholarship Accounts) to families of students who withdraw from public or charter schools or who meet other specific requirements.
These scholarships can be used toward homeschooling as well as other approved education-related expenses such as tutoring or educational therapies.
Homeschooling Arizona families of students in grades K-12 can receive an average of between $7,000 and $8,000 per student per year.
Families of preschoolers with a disability may also qualify for Arizona ESA funds.
So yes, through the ESA program, Arizona can help to cover homeschool expenses.
Because the average yearly cost of homeschooling in Arizona is estimated at $500 to $2,500 per student, it’s possible to homeschool for free.
Those looking to utilize homeschool discounts in Arizona can find information here.
Who qualifies for ESA in Arizona?
To meet Arizona ESA requirements, a student must reside in Arizona, and proof of residency may be required.
A student must also be eligible for grades K-12 according to public school age standards.
How much does ESA in Arizona pay?
ESA Arizona homeschool students receive an average of between $7,000 and $8,000 per year, per student. Additional funding may apply for students with disabilities or those meeting other ESA criteria.
More information can be found here.
How do I use ESA in Arizona?
To use ESA funds in Arizona, families must complete the ESA Application provided through the Arizona Department of Education.
Once approved, Arizona uses ClassWallet to distribute ESA funds and manage purchases and reimbursements.
An Arizona ESA Parent Handbook is available to help families get started.