Arizona · Education Savings Account

Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program: how to apply and use for tutoring

Originally launched 2011 for students with disabilities; expanded to universal eligibility in 2022 via HB 2853. Over 102,000 students enrolled 2025-26. Cannot stack with STO tuition tax-credit scholarships.

Disbursement platform
ClassWallet
Amount
Approximately $7,000/year for most students (90% of state per-pupil funding); higher for students with disabilities. Disbursed quarterly.
Eligibility
Universal — all Arizona K-12 resident students. No income cap, no waitlist.
Program since
2011

How to apply

  1. Step 1
    Verify eligibility

    Check the current requirements on the official Arizona state portal and confirm your child and family qualify for Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program for this school year. Rules can change from year to year.

  2. Step 2
    Gather documents

    Prepare proof of residency, birth certificate, academic records, and any program-specific documentation.

  3. Step 3
    Apply yourself and book with KOTY

    The parent or guardian submits the application via the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program state portal. KOTY provides the provider-side documentation (invoices, service descriptions, credentials) the program may request as part of your enrollment or reimbursement.

Talk to us about Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program

Tell us about your child's needs in Arizona. We'll reply with next steps and the documentation the program may request.

The application to Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program is submitted by the parent or guardian. KOTY provides the provider documentation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program for online tutoring?

Yes. Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program funds cover online tutoring with certified providers. Kids on the Yard meets the program requirements and gives you the documentation you need for your application.

Does KOTY accept this program in Arizona?

Yes. Kids on the Yard accepts all state education funding programs. We provide you with every document the program or the state may request (invoices, service descriptions, attendance records, provider credentials). The application and enrollment with the program are always submitted by the parent or guardian — talk to our educational team if you'd like more details on what documentation we provide.

When are the application deadlines?

Applications accepted year-round through the ESA Applicant Portal. Funds disbursed quarterly after contract signing (~3 weeks for ClassWallet setup). Deadlines change frequently — always verify the latest dates on the official Arizona state portal or the program's official site before submitting.

What subjects does the program cover?

Each program sets its own approved categories. KOTY rates are always priced within the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program allowed range.

Can I stack this program with others?

Some states allow stacking programs (e.g., ESA + additional scholarships). Stacking rules are state-specific and change over time — verify with the official portal before enrolling.

How does KOTY invoice families using Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program?

We know state-program approval and reimbursement can be complex. That's why we issue invoices in the cycles programs accept most smoothly — monthly, every two months, or quarterly — depending on what best fits your approval window. Each invoice includes the service description, hours, tutor credential, and the information programs typically require. If your program asks for a specific format, we adapt to it so your approval doesn't get delayed.

Do KOTY tutors meet the program's qualification requirements?

Yes. On request we provide the tutor's credentials, background-check confirmation, provider-of-record information, and any other documentation the program needs to validate the provider. If your program requires a specific certification, we confirm it up front so your enrollment goes through cleanly.

What happens if my program reimbursement is delayed?

Your child's sessions continue as scheduled. We work with many families on state programs and we know reimbursements sometimes lag — that's between you and the program, not between you and KOTY. If you need extra documentation or a different invoice format to speed up review, just ask and we'll generate it.

Can my child change subjects or frequency mid-year?

Yes. We adjust subjects, frequency, and hours across the school year. Updated invoices reflect the change so program review stays clean. Approval of any change that affects the program-funded amount is always granted by the program itself, not by KOTY.

Already approved? Book a KOTY tutor in Arizona.

Find tutors