What is an Education Savings Account (ESA)?

If you’ve ever wanted to customize your child’s education, mixing and matching tutoring, curriculum, therapies, classes, and other learning supports, an Education Savings Account (ESA) might be exactly what you’re looking for. But what exactly is an ESA and how does it work? In this post, we’ll break down the basics of ESAs and how families can use them.

What is an Education Savings Account (ESA)?

An ESA is a state-run program (available in certain states) that gives eligible families more flexible access to public education funds. Rather than being limited to use within a traditional public school, funds can be deposited into a dedicated account that families can spend on approved education expenses. Essentially, instead of funding being tied to a specific building or school system, an ESA makes the funding accessible, so families can customize learning to match their child’s needs.

How Does an ESA Work?

While each ESA Program is a little different depending on the state, most follow a similar structure:

1. Eligibility: A student qualifies under the program rules (often based on residency, grade level, disability status, income, school assignment, military family status, or prior public-school enrollment).
2. Account Setup: The state deposits funds into an ESA for the student.
3. Approved Spending: Families use those funds on eligible educational expenses.
4. Oversight & Compliance: Purchases typically must be made with approved vendors or categories. Families may need to submit receipts or follow purchasing rules.

ESA Funding: Where the Money Comes From

ESA Funding usually comes from a portion of what the state would have spent to educate a student in the public-school system. The amount deposited can depend on factors, such as:

• State and district funding formulas
• Student needs (some programs provide additional funds for students with disabilities)
• Student grade level or other eligibility categories

One thing to note, ESA funding is not “one-size-fits-all.” Two families in the same state may receive different amounts based on program rules.

What Can You Pay For With an Education Savings Account?

Expenses vary by ESA Program, but commonly approved categories may include:

• Private school tuition and fees
• Curriculum and instructional materials
• Tutoring or academic services
• Online courses and learning programs
• Testing and assessment fees
• Educational therapies or specialized services
• Transportation to educational providers 
• Dual enrollment or career/technical courses 

Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)

Arizona offers one of the most flexible ESA programs in the country. Families can use ESA funds for tutoring, but providers must meet specific eligibility criteria.

Arizona ESA Tutor Requirements

To qualify for ESA funding, tutoring providers must have one of the following:

• A valid fingerprint clearance card, OR
• A bachelor’s degree, OR
• Accreditation as an educational institution or program

Parents may be asked to submit tutor credentials, so selecting a provider familiar with ESA compliance is helpful. TurtlEd is an approved ESA vendor in Arizona. For more information, families can visit the Arizona ESA Vendor Database: https://www.arizonalearning.org/esa-vendor-database.

How to Apply for Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account 

1. Check Eligibility: Arizona’s ESA is now universal, meaning most K–12 students who live in the state qualify.
2. Gather Required Documents: Families will need proof of Arizona residency, a birth certificate, and any additional documentation for special categories (such as an IEP or military status).
3. Create an ESA Portal Account: Apply online through the ESA Applicant Portal on the Arizona Department of Education website by logging in with ADEConnect or creating a new account.
4. Submit the Application: Enter student information, upload documents, and submit the form electronically.
5. Review and Sign the ESA Contract: Once approved, families receive a contract that must be signed to activate ESA participation.
6. Begin Using ESA Funds: After funding is deposited, families can use ESA dollars through the state’s platform.

Utah Fits All Scholarship (Utah ESA)

Utah is another state that gives families the ability to personalize their child’s learning through the Utah Fits All Scholarship. Instead of submitting receipts or choosing any provider, families select educational services, such as tutoring, curriculum, classes, from a list of state-approved providers. For more information, families can visit: https://schools.utah.gov/utahfitsallscholarship.

Why Families Choose an ESA Program

Families are often drawn to an ESA Program for reasons, such as:

• Personalization: Build a learning plan around a child’s strengths, needs, and interests
• Flexibility: Combine multiple education options (for example: part-time school + tutoring + online math)
• Support for unique needs: Some students benefit from targeted therapies, specialized instruction, or alternative learning environments
• Innovation and choice: Families can try approaches that may not be available in their assigned setting

Essentially, an ESA can empower families to design an education that fits real life, not the other way around.

Things to Know Before Applying

Before enrolling in an ESA Program, please consider the following:

• Documentation Requirements: Receipts, invoices, and approved vendor rules can be strict
• Spending Limitations: Not everything educational is allowable—programs set boundaries
• Planning: Families get the most value when they build a clear learning plan and budget
• Renewal and Ongoing Compliance: Some programs require re-verification or periodic reporting

All in all, an ESA can be an important tool for building an education that truly fits your child. Whether that means private school, a hybrid model, specialized supports, or a fully customized plan, an ESA is designed for families who want more control over how education dollars are used. That flexibility can also extend beyond classrooms and curriculum, many ESA programs allow families to use funds for services like tutoring. With the right plan, families can use ESA funding to access targeted academic support that helps students build confidence, close gaps, and thrive.

How TurtlEd Supports ESA Families

At TurtlEd, we offer personalized online tutoring designed to motivate, support, and empower every student. Our educators deliver engaging, individualized instruction tailored to your child’s goals. Our lessons are also designed to integrate with ESA program requirements. To learn more about our services and how we can support your child’s learning journey, contact us today!