ESA-FAQs
Q: What is ESA?
A: ESA is an empowerment scholarship account provided through the state of Arizona. Allowing parents the right to choose what’s best for their family's education needs and have their education tax dollars pay for the school that meets their child’s needs.
Q: When do apply?
A. Log onto the Arizona Department of Education website for all of the details and deadlines at https://www.azed.gov/esa
Q: Will I be able to accept STO money with ESA?
A: Unfortunately no. If you are receiving funds from a Student Tuition Organization (STO), you cannot stack them with ESA funds. Parents need to figure out which is more financially beneficial for their family (this will be on a case-by-case basis).
Q. How much can I expect to receive from my ESA award?
A. The average award is about $7,000 per student, but that can vary based on home address and whether or not your child has academic special needs.
Q. Who can get this funding?
A. This funding is through the State of Arizona. Proof of residency and the student's identity is required for the application. Visit the www.azed.gov for more information and the application.
Q. Where does the money come from?
A. Funding comes from the state of Arizona (tax revenue).
Q. What are the concerns with this program?
A. If a family takes advantage or the ESA program, they will have an out-of-pocket expense for the balance of their tuition.
Q. Who should take these funds?
A. 1. Families who do not want to participate in the tax credit (STOs) program
2. Families who are new to the tax credit program and do not have more than $7,000 in tax credit funding.
Contact Julie Mazz at tuition@ndpaints.org in the finance office to learn more.