ESA or STO: which path covers more for your Valley school?
Valley families usually face one decision: take the ESA, or stay with STO scholarships. Because an ESA contract rules out STO awards for that child in the same year, this calculator shows the two side by side instead of adding them.
ESA
Money left after tuition stays in the account for other approved expenses.
Tax-credit scholarship (STO)
Relatives and friends who owe Arizona income tax can direct their credit to your school's STO, which may help your application. STOs cannot award money only because a donor asked, so ask each STO how it weighs outside gifts.
Choose one per child each year. An ESA parent agrees not to accept an STO scholarship for that child in the same year. A family can use the ESA for one child and STO scholarships for another.
ESA figures use the ranges on ADE's 2025-26 (ADE estimate; the 2026-27 chart isn't posted yet) funding chart. Your child's actual amount depends on grade, any disability category and the formula for the school they would otherwise attend; the award letter is the final word. STOs set their own awards and none are promised.
See which path fits your child
Answer a few questions about grade, school and area, and a School Funding Advisor will call to walk through the ESA, STO and other options for your family. There is no charge.