Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)

Arizona’s State-Funded Scholarship for Every K–12 Student

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Discover How ESA Makes Catholic Education Accessible for Every Family

At Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School (OLPH), we believe every child deserves access to an excellent education in a nurturing, faith-filled environment. Through Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, families can use state funding to help pay for private school tuition — including Catholic education.

ESA funds are deposited directly into an account managed by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), giving parents the freedom to use those dollars toward tuition and approved educational expenses. The best part? ESA is available to all Arizona K–12 students, regardless of income, ZIP code, or public school enrollment.

How ESA Works

  1. Apply through the Arizona Department of Education (ADE): Families complete the online ESA application at azed.gov/esa.
  2. Receive your ESA account: Once approved, funds are deposited quarterly into a secure parent-managed account.
  3. Use ESA funds toward OLPH tuition: Payments are made directly through ClassWallet to cover tuition, fees, and educational materials.
  4. Renew annually: Families reapply each year to continue receiving ESA funding.

ESA provides freedom, flexibility, and financial relief — giving every family the opportunity to choose a Catholic education without the financial barrier.

Applying for ESA

The Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) is managed by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). Applications are accepted year-round, but we recommend applying early to secure funding before the school year begins. Families can apply at azed.gov/esa and upload the required documents, including proof of Arizona residency and student eligibility. Once approved, funds are available within a few weeks. Our Admissions Team is happy to guide you through the process and ensure all documents are completed correctly to avoid delays.

💡 Tip: ESA funds may not combined with School Tuition Organization (STO) scholarships.

ESA FAQ’s

Find quick answers to common questions about Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. ESA provides state-funded tuition assistance for private and Catholic education. Our Admissions Team is here to help you understand eligibility, apply, and make the most of your benefits at OLPH.

The ESA program is open to all Arizona students in grades K–12. To qualify, your child must:

  • Be an Arizona resident, and
  • Be enrolled in or entering Kindergarten through 12th Grade at a qualified private school like OLPH.

Additional eligibility may apply for students with disabilities, foster care status, or military families, but most Arizona students qualify automatically.

ESA funds can be used for a wide range of educational expenses, including:

  • Private school tuition and fees (including OLPH)
  • Books, materials, and curriculum
  • Tutoring and therapies
  • Testing and educational services

Average annual ESA award amounts are approximately:

  • $7,000–$7,500 for elementary students
  • $8,000–$9,000 for high school students

These funds are paid directly toward tuition through the ESA portal (ClassWallet).

No — a student cannot use ESA funds and STO tuition tax-credit scholarships at the same time for the same period.