School Choices

District schools are public schools that are required to enroll and serve students living within their boundaries. These schools also open enroll students outside their attendance boundaries when capacity in a program, grade, or class exists.

Where to find info: You can search for district schools on the Arizona School Report Cards website.

How to enroll: Information about how to enroll at a particular school and current capacity by grade level and/or special program should be provided on the school's website.

Charter schools are public schools that provide additional school choices for families. Charter schools do not charge tuition or have attendance boundaries, so they enroll students regardless of where they live.

Where to find info: The Arizona State Board for Charter Schools shares information about charter schools on their website. You can also search for charter schools on the Arizona School Report Cards website.

How to enroll: Information about how to enroll at a particular charter school and current capacity by grade level and/or special program should be provided on the school's website.

ESAs provide additional education options for students outside of the public school system. This program provides public funding that can be used for a variety of educational expenses. Such expenses include private school tuition or home education costs (educational therapies, tutoring, curriculum, etc.).

Where to find info: The ESA Frequently Asked Questions page has helpful information. You can also find information in the ESA Parent Handbook.

How to enroll: Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, ESA has a "Universal" category which allows all Arizona students to participate. Requirements and application information is on the ESA Eligibility Requirements and Application webpage.

Kindergarten through 12th grade students are eligible for the program as well as preschool students with a disability.

These schools charge tuition for students to attend. Private schools are not overseen by the State Board of Education and make independent decisions about the standards they teach, tuition they charge, and other practices. Families can use ESA funds to pay for private school.

Where to find info: Some information on private schools may be available through Private School Review. School Tuition Organizations (STOs) can help families afford private school. Certified STOS can be found on the Arizona Department of Revenue website.

How to apply: Application information and requirements should be available on each private school's website or you can contact them directly.

Homeschooling is when a student is educated primarily by their parent or guardian at their home. Families can use ESA funds to pay for expenses related to home education for their children.

Where to find info: One resource is the Arizona Families for Home Education website.

How to submit notice: According to Arizona state statute, a family that decides to homeschool must submit an affidavit of intent to the county school superintendent.