ESA: Empowerment Scholarship Account for School Choice

What are ESAs?

ESAs were established in Arizona in 2011 and are available for a variety of students, such as those with special needs or from low-income families. Essentially, an ESA is a state-funded savings account that parents can use to cover the costs of their child’s education, including tuition, textbooks, online courses, and more.

Why choose ESAs?

One of the main benefits of ESAs is that they allow families to choose from a wide range of educational options, rather than being limited to their assigned public school. This includes private schools, homeschooling, online learning, charter schools, micro schools, and even therapy services.

Additionally, ESAs put the power back into the hands of parents when it comes to their child’s education. No longer do they have to rely solely on the resources and decisions of their local school district. Instead, they have the freedom to make choices that best suit their child’s individual needs.

How does it work?

Families who are eligible for ESAs receive a portion of the state funding that would have gone towards their child’s public education. This money is then deposited into an ESA account, which parents can access to pay for educational expenses.

Parents are required to submit quarterly reports on how the funds were used, ensuring that they are being spent on eligible educational expenses. Any unused funds at the end of the year can be rolled over into the next year or saved for college expenses.

Who is eligible?

Currently, ESAs are available to students with disabilities, foster children, children of active duty military members, and students attending schools in underperforming districts. Additionally, starting in the 2022-2023 school year, all Arizona students will be eligible for ESAs.

How to apply

To apply for an ESA, families must first determine if they are eligible based on the above criteria. If so, they can then submit an application through the Arizona Department of Education’s website. Once approved, parents will receive instructions on how to set up their ESA account and begin using the funds.

Conclusion

ESAs are a valuable tool for families in Arizona who are seeking more control and flexibility over their child’s education. By providing options and funding that can be tailored to each student’s needs, ESAs truly empower parents to make the best choices for their children’s academic journey. To learn more about ESAs and eligibility requirements, visit the Arizona Department of Education website. So why wait? Take advantage of this opportunity and start empowering your child’s education today!

# References

• “Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA).” Arizona Department of Education, https://www.azed.gov/esa.
• “Empowerment Scholarship Account Program Overview.” The Goldwater Institute, 2019, https://goldwaterinstitute.org/article/empowerment-scholarship-account-program-overview/.
• “ESAs for All Students in Arizona: Expanded Eligibility and Student Success.” EdChoice, 2018, https://www.edchoice.org/school_choice_programs/arizona-school-choice-program-empowerment-scholarship-account/.
• “Frequently Asked Questions.” Arizona Department of Education, https://www.azed.gov/esa/faqs/.
• “What is an ESA?.” American Federation for Children, 2021, https://www.federationforchildren.org/esa/.
• “What is an ESA?.” EdChoice, 2021, https://www.edchoice.org/school-choice/guide-to-school-choice/esas/.

# Additional Resources

• The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice. (n.d.). School Choice Glossary. Retrieved from https://schoolchoiceweek.com/school-choice-glossary/.
• National Conference of State Legislatures. (2021, March 17). School Choice: State Laws. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/research/education/school-choice-state-laws.aspx.
• U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). Educational Freedom Accounts (ESAs). Retrieved from https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-non-public-education/educational-freedom-accounts-esas/.

Take Action

If you are a parent or guardian in Arizona, now is the time to explore the options and benefits of ESAs. Visit the Arizona Department of Education website to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply for an ESA. With ESAs, you have the power to empower your child’s education. Take advantage of this opportunity and make a positive impact on your child’s academic journey today! So don’t wait, start exploring your ESA options now and give your child the gift of an empowered education.

Remember

Education is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and ESAs recognize that every child has unique needs and interests. By choosing an ESA, you are giving your child the opportunity to thrive in an educational environment that best suits them.

So take control of your child’s education and give them the foundation they need for a successful future with ESAs. Together, we can empower our children and create a brighter tomorrow for generations to come through school choice.

Let’s make the most out of this opportunity and give our children the best education possible. So don’t hesitate, start exploring ESAs today!

Let’s Empower Education

With ESAs, families in Arizona have the power to customize their child’s education and create a learning environment that meets their individual needs. From choosing a school to selecting curriculum, ESAs put parents in charge of their child’s academic journey.

So let’s continue to support and spread the word about ESAs and empower more families to make educational choices that work best for their children. Together, we can create a brighter future for our youth through school choice and ESA opportunities.

Join us in advocating for school choice and spreading awareness about ESAs. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our children and their education. Let’s keep empowering education and creating a better tomorrow for generations to come!

Remember, every child deserves the chance for an empowered education. Let’s work together to ensure that they have that opportunity through ESAs in Arizona. With ESAs, the power is in your hands to create the best educational experience for your child. We will continue to make a positive impact on our children’s academic journey through school choice and ESAs.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about ESAs and their benefits in Arizona. Together, we can truly empower education! So what are you waiting for? Start exploring your ESA options today and give your child the gift of an empowered education!