8-Step Guide
From "what is ESA?" to your first approved purchase — everything you need to know, sourced from the 2025–2026 ADE ESA Handbook.
Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program deposits approximately 90% of what the state would have spent on your child in public school directly into a ClassWallet account — yours to spend on approved educational expenses.
Funds roll over year to year. You are not losing anything by not spending it all in one quarter.
Before you apply, understand what ESA requires:
Good news: ESA funds roll over year to year. Unspent funds stay in your ClassWallet account and carry into the next contract year.
ESA eligibility is broad. Any Arizona student who is eligible to attend a public school in Arizona qualifies — you do not need to prove financial need.
Standard eligibility (K–12)
Any Arizona student who would be eligible to attend a public school — including kindergarten through 12th grade. This covers the vast majority of families.
Additional eligibility categories (with extra documentation):
Source: Chapter 2, Eligibility — 2025–2026 ADE ESA Parent Handbook
Incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays. ADE gives you 30 days to respond to an incomplete notice — after that, your application closes and you start over.
Required for all applicants:
Special eligibility categories require additional documents
If your child qualifies under a specific category (disability, IEP, D/F-rated school, military, reservation), you'll need supporting documentation. Check the ADE ESA portal for the specific list for your category.
Applications are submitted online through the ADE ESA portal. First-time applicants need to create an ADEConnect account before applying.
Application portal
esaportal.azed.gov/Account
Timeline
ADE reviews applications within 30 days. Plan ahead — if you want funds available for a specific quarter, apply well before the quarter begins.
Three possible outcomes:
Approved
Your contract will be available in the portal for signature. Funds load on the quarterly schedule after you sign.
Incomplete
Missing documents. You have 30 days to respond with the missing items. If you don't respond, the application closes.
Denied
Your child does not meet the eligibility requirements. You can reapply if your situation changes.
Once approved, your contract appears in the ESA portal. Sign it to activate your account. ADE will then create your ClassWallet account, where your funds will be held and disbursed.
Two separate systems — know the difference
Quarterly funding schedule
Important: ESA contract is your homeschool affidavit
ESA students are NOT classified as "homeschoolers" under Arizona state law — the ESA contract serves as your legal education arrangement. If you previously filed a homeschool affidavit with your county superintendent, contact them to withdraw it after signing your ESA contract.
This is where most families get confused. ClassWallet gives you four ways to spend your ESA funds. Each works differently — choosing the wrong one for a purchase creates extra work.
ClassWallet Marketplace
EasiestBuy directly from vendors already in ClassWallet's catalog. Payment goes straight from your ESA account to the vendor — no receipts, no reimbursement requests. Best for curriculum, books, and online learning platforms.
Pay Vendor
Best for teachersYour enrichment teacher or service provider submits an invoice directly to ClassWallet. ClassWallet pays them. You never pay out of pocket. This is how Pydia-listed teachers get paid — they generate the invoice, you approve it.
Debit Card
Keep all receiptsAn ESA-linked debit card you can use anywhere that accepts Visa. You must save every receipt and submit them to ClassWallet by the quarterly deadline. Missing the deadline can get your account suspended.
Reimbursement
Last resortPay out of pocket first, then submit receipts to ClassWallet for reimbursement. Most cumbersome option — use only when no other method works for the vendor.
Missing deadlines is the most common reason ESA accounts get flagged or suspended. These dates are non-negotiable.
2025–2026 ESA Calendar
Debit card and reimbursement receipts
Must be submitted to ClassWallet by the quarterly deadline for the quarter the purchase was made in. Late submissions may not be accepted.
Services must match the contract year
Services must be received in the same contract year (July 1 – June 30) as the payment. You cannot pay for next year's classes with this year's funds.
Annual contract renewal
Your ESA contract must be renewed each year to keep your account active. ADE sends renewal reminders — watch for them and don't ignore them.
ADE explicitly states in the handbook: "The ESA program does not create or maintain a list of recommended schools, vendors, or educational service providers."Finding approved vendors is up to you — here's where to look.
ClassWallet Marketplace
The easiest starting point. Pre-approved vendors across curriculum, online learning, supplies, and more. Payment is automatic — no invoice needed.
Enrichment teachers via Pay Vendor
Teachers who are registered with ClassWallet as a vendor can invoice ClassWallet directly. You never pay out of pocket. The teacher handles the invoice — you just approve it.
Therapists and specialists
Students with disabilities can use ESA for approved therapies. The provider must be registered with ClassWallet to use Pay Vendor or they can use the debit card or reimbursement method.
Looking for ESA-approved enrichment teachers in Arizona?
Pydia is building a directory of ClassWallet-registered enrichment teachers across Arizona.
Learn more →Already have your account?
Learn how to use ClassWallet, understand the four spending methods, and avoid the common mistakes.
Go to spending guide →