SCHOOL CHOICE IS UNDER ATTACK
Governor Hobbs has declared war on School Choice. Her recent Executive Budget Summary outlines ESA restrictions and a complete repeal of the Private School Tax Credit Scholarship programs. This would leave Arizona families with limited or no options to pay for their child’s School Choice education.
Join the fight to Save School Choice from being eliminated in Arizona.
SCHOOL CHOICE IS
YOUR RIGHT TO CHOOSE:
Home Schooling
Private Schooling
Public / Charter Schooling
Out-of-District Schooling
Our Vision is to ensure School Choice is strong in Arizona now and in the future.
NEWS ON THE SCHOOL CHOICE ATTACK
Jan 31, 2024 4 min read: Parents fear Hobbs budget proposal
Jan 30, 2024 2 min read: Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs wants to regulate school choice out of existence
Jan 23, 2024 3 min read: Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs Declares War on Educational Choice
TAKE ACTION
Your state legislators and the Governor need to hear from you! They need to know the value of School Choice, which has been made possible largely because of the STO and ESA programs. Please share with them your family’s personal story about how School Choice and these programs have made a difference in your child’s life.
Call, write or email them today and share your love for school choice.
Contact your local legislator today: Legislator Search
Contact Governor Hobbs today: Voice An Opinion
QUESTIONS WE GET A LOT
How is School Choice Under Attack?
Governor Hobbs has made it very clear she does not support School Choice. In her Executive Budget Summary released on January 12, 2024, she talks about implementing ESA restrictions and a complete repeal of the Private School Tax Credit Scholarship programs. For over 25 years, School Tuition Organizations (STOs) have helped thousands of students attend a private school of their choice because of the Private School Tax Credit Laws – Governor Hobbs wants to take this away from them! Many of these students would never have had the opportunity to receive a private school education if it were not for the scholarship awards received from the STOs. The Governor’s proposal would seriously impact parents’ ability to choose and afford the best educational option for their students. Every student deserves to be in a learning environment that best meets their needs so they can succeed; and parents are the ones who should make those decisions.
What are Tax Credit Scholarships?
In 1997, the first Private School Tax Credit Law passed – allowing Arizona taxpayers to contribute to a qualified School Tuition Organization (STO) and in return receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit against their Arizona state tax liability. STOs are certified by the state of Arizona and must operate as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
STOs utilize these contributions to award Private School Tax Credit Scholarships to students attending a Kindergarten – 12th grade private school in Arizona. The scholarship awards are applied to the cost of tuition only.
For more information, please visit ASTOA.org
What are Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Scholarships?
An ESA is an account administered by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and funded by state tax dollars. It consists of 90% of the state funding that would have otherwise been allocated to the school district the student is assigned to attend based on their address.
Applications are available all year round. When parents sign an ESA contract, they opt out of the education and services the public education system offers. ESA funds can be used to pay private school tuition, home education and curriculum, tutoring, and more.
All K-12 students in Arizona are eligible to receive a Universal ESA, giving parents more educational options for their students. Funds are distributed quarterly and begin the quarter that the ESA contract is signed. Kindergarten students are eligible for approximately $4,200/school year. Students in 1st – 12th grade are eligible for approximately $7,200/school year.
Students with an IEP, MET, 504 Plan, or IEE may be eligible for a higher ESA amount.
For more information, please visit their website.
Who benefits from Tax Credit Scholarships and ESA programs?
All Kindergarten – 12 grade students may benefit from these programs. Preschool students with an IEP can also qualify for these programs. Families of all socio-economic backgrounds can take advantage of either tax credit scholarships or ESAs to help offset the cost of tuition at a private school. For ESA families, they can choose to utilize funds to educate from home.
Parents benefit because they can choose the best learning environment for their students without the cost of education impacting their decision. Students benefit because they are in an environment that best meets their needs so they can be successful.
Can you use STO & ESA funding together?
No. Per state law and the ESA handbook for the ’23-’24 school year, students cannot receive STO funds (tax credit scholarships) and ESA funds within the same school year. Parents need to choose which scholarship program works best for their financial situation for that specific school year.
What is the difference between Tax Credit Scholarships and ESA?
Tax Credit Scholarships are funded by private contributions from Arizona taxpayers. Whereas ESAs are funded by the state through the Department of Education.
Tax Credit Scholarships can cover up to the full cost of tuition only. However, ESAs are a set amount and may not cover the full cost of tuition. Also, an ESA can be utilized for other expenses related to the cost of a child’s learning needs.
If the cost of a private school tuition exceeds the ESA amount, then the family is responsible for paying the balance of tuition. This is often unattainable for low-income families who desire to enroll their students in a private school. Therefore, these families rely on tax credit scholarships because there is a strong probability their student’s tuition costs will be fully funded by the various tax credit scholarship programs that are in place to help low-income families.
How can we fight for School Choice?
The first step is to “Take Action” by contacting your elected state legislators and the Governor. Secondly, it is an election year. The primary election is in July and the general election is in November. If School Choice is important to you, it is imperative to know where the position of your legislative candidates take on School Choice. Visit their websites or email them and ask them if they will protect the tax credit scholarship and ESA programs if they are elected. Your vote matters!
Currently in our state legislature the pro-school choice legislators have a small majority. All of this can change after the election. This is your opportunity to let your voice be heard. Please plan to participate in both the primary and general election. The future of our children’s education is at stake.
If you are not registered to vote, you may do so at servicearizona.com