Does Arizona Pay Homeschoolers?

With growing concerns over educational quality and safety in traditional school settings, many parents are turning to homeschooling as an alternative for their child. 

Homeschooling offers parents like you better control over your child’s curriculum, schedule, and environment. Even so, the decision to educate your child at home isn’t always easy. Although Arizona doesn’t pay homeschoolers, the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) is a valuable resource to make homeschooling and its benefits more accessible for hundreds of families across the state.

What is the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)?

The Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) is a program administered by the Arizona Department of Education. The ESA provides money directly to families across the state to support the educational needs of students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. The ESA is intended to empower you and your child to pursue education beyond traditional public schools and charter schools.

Funds from the ESA can be used for a wide variety of education-related expenses, including books, curriculum, tutoring, school supplies, and more. If your child has physical, cognitive, and learning disabilities, ESA funds can also be used to cover related therapies to help your child be successful.

In the 2022-2023 school year, qualifying kindergarten students received an estimated $4,000-$5,000 on average through the ESA. For students in first through twelfth grade, the average increased to $6,000-$9,000. Children with disabilities often receive significantly more money, depending on their specific needs.

How to Apply for the Arizona ESA Funding for Homeschooling

Applications for Arizona ESA homeschool funding open in late spring (typically around May 15) for the following school year. As your child’s parent or guardian, you will apply for the funding on their behalf.

Applications can be submitted online through the Arizona ESA program website.  To be eligible, your child must be at least five years old as of January 1 of the contract year. You’ll need your child’s birth certificate and proof of residency in the state of Arizona. If your child has a documented disability and the ESA funds will help pay for related expenses, you may also be asked to submit a school-issued MET Evaluation Report, Individualized Education Program (IEP), or 504 Plan.

Before you apply for state funding for homeschool in Arizona, you’ll also want to file a notarized affidavit with your local school district. The affidavit declares your intention to educate your child at home for the coming school year, taking full responsibility for their academics. It may be helpful to file this document before applying for ESA funding, as it provides key context for your funding request.

Information for your county’s homeschooling affidavit process can typically be found on your local county or school district website, such as the page for the Maricopa County School Superintendent.

Once your ESA application is completed and approved, you will be asked to sign a contract detailing the terms of the funding. Your child’s funds will be deposited into a dedicated “ClassWallet” account that you can access through an online portal. Each of your children will have a separate account, with funds intended to support their individual education expenses for the year. 

At the end of the year, any leftover funds in your child’s ClassWallet account can be rolled over to the next school year.

Download a free guide to homeschooling in Arizona using state funding on our Arizona homeschool laws page.

Are there additional financial aid options for homeschoolers in Arizona?

Arizona ESA homeschool funding is the only government resource offering homeschool grants in Arizona. However, additional resources may be available to support you and your child.

Arizona is home to many local and statewide support and community groups for homeschooling families. Some organizations, like Arizona Families for Home Education, offer member-funded scholarships and financial resources available for those in need of Arizona homeschool financial aid.

The Benefits of Homeschooling in Arizona

Arizona is a beautiful and diverse state, rich with history and culture. Flexible homeschool regulations and ESA funding also make it one of the best places to educate your child at home.

With the resources and support available through Bridgeway Academy, Arizona homeschooling families like yours provide their children with a high quality education that meets the unique needs of their children and family.

With custom homeschool curriculum plans designed with the support of Bridgeway Academy’s educational experts, you have full control over your child’s learning. You can create a unique educational experience that matches your child’s learning style, focuses on the subject areas that are most important, and maximizes their full academic potential.

Even more, educating your child at home helps to limit their exposure to the harsher realities of traditional schooling, such as bullying and school violence. Reducing the negative experiences your child has at school has been shown to improve their mental health and, in turn, their educational outcomes.

That protection doesn’t have to mean isolation, either. With Bridgeway, you and your child are never alone. As a parent, you will find a wealth of support and resources to guide your child through their K-12 education. Your child not only has access to a dedicated academic advisor who will support their educational journey, but can participate in numerous clubs, communities, and virtual activities, take live online classes with real teachers, engage in peer collaboration opportunities, and even walk in an in-person graduation ceremony.

Learn more about Arizona Homeschool Financial Aid by Connecting with the Bridgeway Team

Are you considering homeschooling for your child in Arizona, or looking to improve their homeschooling experience? Find out more about the laws and requirements to homeschool in Arizona, and connect with our Bridgeway Academy team to learn how we can help.

To connect with our Arizona homeschooling experts, call us toll-free at (800) 863-1474, fill out a contact form, join our next virtual open house, or use our live chat feature!