Tuition Resources and everything you need to know
Free Tuition?
Tuition at PS Academy
We aim to provide the best environment and education for all students.
parents have several options available to pay for tuition, including Free Tuition. Keep reading to learn more.
Navigate Tuition with Ease
Everything you need to know about securing free tuition with the ESA or STOs.
Lisa Phillips, Funding Specialist at PS Academy
“I am passionate about assisting families in securing a brighter future for their students by helping them obtain the necessary funding. I am here to answer any questions and guide families through the entire application process, from start to finish!”
Free Tuition with the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)
Over 97% of our students utilize the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) to fund their tuition.
The scholarship helps parents who want to take their children out of the public school system and explore alternative educational placements, including PS Academy Arizona. This gives families the ability to choose an option that is best for their child, opening many new doors to that student's future.
ESA application - visit the ESA Department of Education website to review eligibility requirements and complete your application.
Free or partially covered Tuition with Student Tuition Organizations
(STOs)
The 3% of students who are not covered by the ESA can qualify for STOs.
Arizona has great laws allowing taxpayers to control how their state taxes are spent by utilizing state tax credits. We've partnered with several STOs in Arizona to provide this tuition funding option to parents. Our funding specialist will work with you and your family to help you apply for these scholarships and guide you through the process.
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Taxpayers can redirect up to $2,509 for married filers or, for single filers, $1,307 of what they owe in Arizona state taxes.
The STO will then award tuition scholarships to PS Academy students with the redirected funds.
These redirected funds are taken as a dollar-for-dollar credit/reduction off of their state tax liability. (Net cost is zero.)
Taxpayers benefit because they can control how their taxes are used and feel good about helping PS Academy Arizona families. Families benefit because they receive scholarship awards to help lower or cover all tuition costs.
Learn more about STO and how you can encourage people to help fund your student's tuition at absolutely no cost to them by redirecting their taxes by participating in the Arizona Private School Tax Credit Program.
Private Pay
To those who do not qualify for ESA or need to pay partially for tuition, payment plans are available.
Individual families can pay the tuition, and a payment plan can be tailored to meet your needs. Payment schedules are flexible and can be paid monthly or quarterly.
FAQs
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Yes! In Arizona, all students are eligible for ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account).
If your child has a medical diagnosis of autism or a moderate to severe intellectual disability-or an IEP/MET from an Arizona public school with those diagnoses-you may qualify for an award amount that covers most, if not all, of private school tuition.
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ESA award amounts vary based on your child's diagnosis, age, and school district.
Students with an autism diagnosis usually qualify for one of the highest award levels - covering 100% of educational expenses.
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The application is simple and can be completed online.
You'll need:
• A color copy of your child's birth certificate
• A government-issued ID (like a driver's license)
• Proof of Arizona residency (a current utility bill)
• An IEP, MET, or a medical diagnosis
Apply here: https://www.azed.gov/esa
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STO stands for School Tuition Organization.
STOs provide scholarships to private school students through donations from Arizona taxpayers, who receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit in return.
This is a fantastic option for families without an autism diagnosis who still want a private school experience.
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Yes! If you live in Arizona and your child is enrolled at a private school, you're eligible to apply for STO scholarships.
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Each STO has a simple application you complete each school year.
Our Funding Specialist is here to help every step of the way-making the process smooth and stress-free!
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Most families receive full tuition coverage through a combination of scholarships from STOs.
While individual award amounts vary, we work closely with several trusted STOs to help make full funding a very achievable outcome for our students.
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That's what we're here for!
Our Funding Specialist is experienced, friendly, and ready to guide you through every step.
We also offer a helpful Parent Guide to ESA & STOs—just ask!
Whether ESA or STO, we've helped hundreds of families find the best funding fit and we're confident we can help you too.