If your child is struggling with reading, writing, or spelling and you live in Arizona, you may already have access to thousands of dollars in state funds to pay for expert tutoring — at no out-of-pocket cost to your family. Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program is the oldest, largest, and most flexible education savings account in the nation, and tutoring is one of its most popular approved expenses.
Education Interventions is an approved Arizona ESA vendor. Here's everything you need to know about using your funds for certified virtual literacy tutoring.
What Is Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account?
Arizona launched its ESA program in 2011 — making it the oldest in the country. In 2022, it became the first state to offer universal eligibility, meaning every K–12 student in Arizona can apply, regardless of income, location, or prior school enrollment. The program provides 90% of the state's per-pupil funding directly to families through a digital wallet called ClassWallet.
For most families, the award amounts to between $6,000 and $7,500 per year. Students with documented disabilities may qualify for significantly more — up to $28,000 annually for students with certain high-need conditions. Unused funds roll over to the following school year, which is a feature most other state programs don't offer.
Can You Use Arizona ESA Funds for Tutoring?
Yes — tutoring is explicitly listed as an approved expense under Arizona's ESA program. Families can use their ClassWallet funds to pay for private tutoring services, online learning programs, and educational therapies from approved vendors. There is no cap on how much of your ESA award can go toward tutoring, meaning families who are not paying private school tuition can direct their full award toward tutoring services and other educational expenses.
Who Qualifies for Arizona's ESA?
Every K–12 student who is an Arizona resident and eligible to enroll in a public school qualifies — it really is that simple. There are no income requirements, no academic requirements, and no geographic restrictions. Whether your child attends private school, is homeschooled, or is currently in a public school and you want to switch, you can apply.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Visit the Arizona Department of Education
Go to azed.gov/esa to access the official ESA program page. Applications are accepted year-round with no deadline — apply anytime.
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application through the ADE portal. You'll need your child's age, grade, and proof of Arizona residency. The process takes about 15–20 minutes per student.
Sign Your ESA Contract
Once approved (typically within 30 days), you'll receive an ESA contract from the Arizona Department of Education. Sign it to activate your account.
Receive Your ClassWallet Funds
About three weeks after signing your contract, funds are deposited quarterly into your ClassWallet account. You'll receive a ClassWallet debit card and access to the online marketplace with 6,000+ approved vendors.
Select Education Interventions
Contact us to get started. We are an approved Arizona ESA vendor and will walk you through the payment process through ClassWallet from start to finish.
Start Tutoring!
Virtual sessions begin — paid directly from your ClassWallet account. No out-of-pocket cost for the covered amount. Your child gets expert one-on-one literacy support from a certified educator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Arizona ESA funds for online tutoring?
Yes. Online tutoring from approved vendors is a fully qualifying expense. Education Interventions offers 100% virtual sessions, making it easy to access expert support from anywhere in Arizona.
Do unused ESA funds roll over?
Yes — Arizona is one of the few states where unused funds roll over to the next school year. You don't lose unspent money at the end of the year.
My child attends public school. Can I use ESA funds for tutoring without switching schools?
The ESA program requires students to unenroll from public school to participate. However, if your child is in public school and you want supplemental support without switching, contact us — we may be able to help you explore other options.
How much will my child receive?
Most general education students receive between $6,000 and $7,500 per year. Students with documented disabilities may qualify for significantly more. The exact amount depends on your school district's per-pupil funding. You can check estimated amounts using the ADE's Approximate Funding Chart on the ESA portal.
Ready to Use Your Arizona ESA for Tutoring?
Education Interventions is an approved Arizona ESA vendor. Contact us today and we'll walk you through exactly how to use your ClassWallet funds for expert virtual literacy tutoring — reading, writing, and spelling for K–12.
Contact Us Today →Sources: Arizona Department of Education — ESA Program (azed.gov/esa); EdChoice — Arizona ESA Profile (2026); CodaKid — Arizona ESA Guide for Parents (2026); School Choice USA — Arizona ESA Guide. ESA program details change annually — always verify current information at azed.gov/esa.