SCHOOL
CHOICE 101

WHAT IS SCHOOL CHOICE?

School choice is any policy that allows families to utilize their children’s education dollars to the approved education provider of their choosing – be it traditional public schools, public charter schools, private school, virtual learning, or home schooling.

Why is school choice important?

Every child is unique. Education should uniquely fit your child. It’s important that state education funds pay for exactly what every child needs.

How can I get involved?

Maybe you have a child or know a family who needs better education options. You can help by sharing the many educational options with your family, community or network. Request a school choice booth at your next event, request scholarship information or partner with us to host an event near you.

Are you a K-12 parent, student, educator, faith leader, business owner, or community leader? Email us at [email protected], call us at (623) 254-4717 or text NEWS to 73218 to find out how your child or a child in your community can benefit from school choice options.

Arizona School Choice Education Programs

SCHOLARSHIPS

By choosing to opt out of the public-school system, this program allows you to seek an array of alternative educational services from private school to home-based education and control your child’s educational needs.

A Tax Credit Scholarship Program gives parents the ability to have educational choices for their children, regardless of income. A tax credit is money that a taxpayer would otherwise have to pay as a state income tax payment, therefore, it is not additional money out of their pocket.

SCHOOLS

Private school” is defined as “a nonpublic institution, other than the child’s home, where academic instruction is provided for at least the same number of days and hours each year as a public school.” Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15-802F.2. “Nothing in this title shall be construed to provide the state board of education or the governing boards of school districts control or supervision over private schools.” Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15-161.

Charter schools are independently run public schools exempt from many rules and regulations in exchange for increased accountability.

It’s the process of parents educating children in the home. Families in Arizona may choose to collaborate via tutorials, co-operatives, and extracurricular groups to enhance the home education experience.

Hybrid Learning,” also referred to as “Blended Learning,” or “Ascynchronous Learning” combines traditional face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning.

Magnet public schools allow kids to narrow in on a specific learning track, such as health sciences or the performing arts.

Micro-schools (Prenda), pods, pandemic pods, and learning pods all refer to the same concept: students gathering together in a small group – with adult supervision – to learn, explore, and socialize.

Whether due to health concerns, flexibility or other reasons, many parents are seek for a remote or virtual learning option.

Open enrollment allows families to attend any public school regardless of where they live. 

Arizona parents love school choice.

I love that my school has a positive, happy atmosphere that you feel every time you walk in the door. Students are happy, teachers are happy... School choice is an expression of liberty and personal autonomy, and that is why it is so important.

THE BENEFITS OF SCHOOL CHOICE.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS:

STATE PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE

ESA

10

States with Educational Savings Account Programs

TAX CREDIT

21

States with Scholarship Tax Credit Programs

VOUCHER

12

States + D.C. and Puerto Rico with Voucher Programs

SPECIAL NEEDS

14

States with Special Needs Scholarship Programs

American Federation for Children Arizona

SPEAK TO AN ADVOCATE

Gaby AFC Arizona School Choice

GABY ASCENCIO
Community Outreach Manager

Esly AFC Arizona School Choice

ESLY MONTENEGRO
Arizona Implementation Director

American Federation for Children Arizona

Thank you for your interest in the AZ Universal ESA & School Choice! Please provide your email to receive a direct ESA application link in your inbox so one of our education advocates can reach out to you with support.