The Grand Canyon State: Overall A-
Arizona is the national pioneer of school choice. It was first to make Education Spending Accounts (ESA) truly universal, and its charter schools and open enrollment laws give families options most states can’t match. The weak spot is microschools, where founders still face zoning and building code barriers the state has never touched.
Microschools – B-
Microschools are small, independent learning environments, averaging 15 students..
- No teacher certification, accreditation, or curriculum approval to open
- One notarized affidavit is the only filing needed to start
- Universal Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds can pay tuition directly
- No state law addresses zoning or building code for small schools
Improvements
- Treat home-based microschools as a permitted use in residential zones statewide
- Let small schools use a building’s existing occupancy classification
School Choice Policy – A
School choice covers public school alternatives: charter schools, open enrollment, and ESAs that let families direct tax dollars toward tuition, therapy, or curriculum.
- Arizona’s ESA became the first universal program in the nation in 2022
- Over 100,000 students enrolled
- Unused funds roll over and can even fund college after graduation
- Charter schools enroll more than 230,000 students, 21% of public enrollment
- Open enrollment is required statewide
Improvements
- The Department of Education should staff and follow its own ESA audit procedures so a strong program isn’t undermined by weak administration
- Possible ballot measures could limit the freedoms in the ESA
Homeschooling – A-
Homeschooling means parents teaching their own children, often supplemented by co-ops, tutors, or online courses.
- One notarized affidavit, filed once, no annual renewal or reporting
- No standardized testing, portfolio review, or curriculum approval required
- Access to public school sports and activities
- Homeschool families can apply for the ESA to fund curriculum and tutoring
Improvements
- Drop the mandated five subject list and let parents set their own curriculum
Extra Credit: First in the Nation, A Truly Universal ESA
In 2022, Arizona became the first state to open its ESA to every K-12 student, regardless of income or zip code. Every state pursuing a universal ESA since has used Arizona’s law as the model.
Helpful Links for Parents
- Empowerment Scholarship Account Program
- Homeschool Affidavit and Law
- Charter School Information
- Private School Tuition Tax Credit
This is part of a series where we review and rate education access in every state in the country. Get more information here.
Author: Jon England is the Senior Education Policy Analyst at Libertas Institute. He is a fourteen-year veteran of public schools. He taught both fifth and sixth grades, receiving Weber District’s E+ Team Award. He proudly homeschools his children with his wife.
Jon received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University. He spent time in the Marine Corps and separated as a sergeant in 2006.
During his time in public schools, Jon increasingly understood the importance of parental empowerment in education. This increased understanding led him to join Libertas to provide educational freedom for families. Jon enjoys spending time with his wife and five children traveling, skiing, and playing games.
Published: June, 2026