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ESA Information

🎓 What Is the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)?

The ESA is a program by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) that redirects 90% of the state dollars — that would’ve gone to a child’s public school — into a parent-managed account instead.
It’s a legal contract between the parent (account holder) and ADE, renewed annually, and funds are disbursed quarterly.

ClassWallet is a secure, easy-to-use digital wallet platform that helps parents and educational programs like Arizona’s ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) manage public education funds with transparency and oversight

✅ Who Qualifies?

Eligibility covers students who fall into categories like:

Preschool–grade 12 students with disabilities
Children of active duty military or those killed in the line of duty
Children who live on Native American reservations
Students coming from D or F‑rated public schools
Siblings of previous ESA recipients or wards of the court

There’s also universal eligibility—no income limits—for students who meet basic public schooling requirements.

💰 What Can You Use It For?

ESA funds can be spent on a wide range of educational needs:

Tuition & required textbooks at private schools or eligible postsecondary institutions (like community college, university, accredited schools)
Curriculum, textbooks, educational supplies, including at‑home materials
Tutoring, therapies, aides (for students with qualifying disabilities)
Transportation—public transit passes, ride‐share/taxi to school
Computer hardware, devices (laptops, printers, calculators, etc.)
Vocational/life skills education and postsecondary tuition

📋 What Do Parents Need to Do?

Sign the ESA contract with ADE each year and withdraw your child from public school.
Spend a portion each quarter—including core subjects like reading, math, science, social studies, grammar.
Submit quarterly spending reports via the ESA portal using ClassWallet for documentation.
Keep receipts and ensure all items are “allowable” per state statutes (e.g. can’t self-pay or receive rebates).

📆 How Do You Apply & Get More Info?

Apply online through ADE’s ESA portal: Register or log in via ADEConnect, then begin the application.
Applications are accepted year-round, and typically processed within 30–45 days.
Questions?
- Call ESA support at 602‑364‑1969 or email esa@azed.gov
- See the ESA Parent Handbook and FAQs at azed.gov/esa for full details.

🔍 Where to Get Official Info

You can find everything you need at the Arizona Department of Education’s ESA page:

Full Parent Handbook, eligibility requirements, allowable expenses, application link, FAQ, and spending guides: azed.gov/esa.

✅ Bottom Line for Parents

An ESA gives you control, flexibility, and accountability—redirecting public funds to support your child’s unique educational needs, whether through private school, homeschooling, therapies, or technology. Just follow the reporting requirements, stay within approved expense categories, and consult ADE or the handbook if in doubt.