Short answer
Arizona ESA approved expenses, 2026-27
Arizona ESA funds can pay for private school tuition and fees, tutoring by a credentialed provider, curriculum, online programs, test fees, college courses, public school classes and educational technology such as computers and tablets. Students with disabilities can also use funds for therapies, aides, evaluations and assistive technology. Families must spend some funds each year on reading, grammar, math, social studies and science. Rules below are from the 2025-26 parent handbook, the latest published.
Allowed Arizona ESA expense categories
| Category | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Private school | Tuition, fees and required textbooks at a qualified school; uniforms bought from or through the school. |
| Tutoring and teaching | Tutoring or teaching services from an accredited or credentialed provider. |
| Curriculum | Curricula and supplementary materials that the curriculum requires or recommends. |
| Online and college courses | Nonpublic online learning programs; postsecondary tuition, fees and textbooks, including dual enrollment. |
| Tests | Standardized, AP and college-entrance test fees. |
| Public school services | Classes and extracurriculars provided by a public school. |
| Technology | Calculators, computers, laptops, tablets, microscopes, telescopes and printers. |
| Disability services | Educational therapies, paraprofessionals or aides, evaluations, assistive technology, vocational and life-skills education. |
Caps and limits
- Some funds must be spent each year on reading, grammar, math, social studies and science.
- Only purchases made after the ESA contract is signed qualify.
Not allowed
- TVs, phones, video game consoles and home theater equipment
- Clothing other than school uniforms; food; gift cards
- Day care
- Large appliances and motorized vehicles
- Travel and lodging
- Medical services and supplements
- Paying the parent or the student
Source: Arizona Department of Education: ESA 2025-26 parent handbook (as of July 1, 2025)
Not sure about a specific purchase?
Run it through the free ESA expense checker. It points you to the Arizona rule it relies on so you can confirm before you spend.
Check an expenseHow to pay for an approved expense
Pay Vendor (direct pay)
For schools and providers registered on ClassWallet. Upload the provider's invoice; providers are paid by ACH about 2–10 business days after approval. Private schools must be paid this way.
ClassWallet Marketplace
Online vendors ship to the address on record after the ESA team approves the order.
Debit card
Works at point of sale, PayPal and Square. No cash withdrawals, and it is blocked at private schools. Upload receipts by each quarterly deadline.
Reimbursement
Allowed. Link a bank account and submit itemized receipts or proof of payment plus an itemized invoice (and the provider's credential where required).
Source: ClassWallet help center: ways to use ESA funds (as of October 21, 2026)
Arizona ESA expenses FAQ
Can I get reimbursed for Arizona ESA purchases?
Yes. Link a bank account in ClassWallet and submit itemized receipts or proof of payment plus an itemized invoice. Only purchases made after you signed your contract qualify.
How do I pay my child's private school with the ESA?
Use Pay Vendor in ClassWallet and upload the school's invoice. The ESA debit card does not work at schools.
When are Arizona ESA debit card receipts due?
By the end of the month after each quarter (October 31, January 31, April 30, July 31) and after every 20 transactions. Missing receipts can lead to suspension.
Can the Arizona ESA buy a laptop?
Yes. Computers, laptops, tablets and printers are allowed. TVs, phones and game consoles are not.
This summarizes official guidance and is not a ruling on any specific purchase; the program decides each request. Questions about your own account: Arizona ESA contact page. GetESAPaid is not affiliated with the program. Maintained by the GetESAPaid Research Desk.