For many families, finding the right educational environment for their child can feel overwhelming. Every child learns differently, yet traditional schooling options sometimes offer limited flexibility. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) give parents greater control over how their children learn and where education funding is spent.
What is an ESA?
An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a state-funded program that allows families to use a portion of public education funds for approved educational services outside of a traditional public school. Instead of funding being tied to a single school, ESA programs allow parents to direct those funds toward educational options that best meet their child’s needs.
ESA funds can typically be used for a variety of education-related expenses, including:
- Accredited online courses
- Private school tuition
- Tutoring services
- Educational therapies
- Curriculum and learning materials
- Specialized programs for unique student needs
This flexibility allows parents to customize an educational experience rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model. A student who excels in math but needs additional support in writing can take advanced math courses while working with a writing tutor. Another student might combine in-person instruction with online classes to pursue athletics, the arts, or other passions. Personalized learning enables families to tailor an educational experience that promotes both academic achievement and personal development.
Examples: Utah and Arizona
The Utah Fits All Scholarship Program and the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account Program are two examples of state initiatives that expand educational opportunities by giving families direct control over education funds. Through these programs, parents can use ESAs to cover the costs of approved providers and build personalized learning pathways that align with their children’s needs, interests, and pace of learning.
Visit your state education department website or go to www.edchoice.org for information about what programs are available in your state.
Expanding Opportunities for Families
Education Savings Accounts shift how education funding works, empowering families to choose the educational resources that best support their children. Families who may not have previously considered private schools, specialized programs, or accredited online courses can now explore those opportunities using their ESA funds. For example, ESA funds in states like Utah and Arizona can be used for accredited online courses from approved providers, such as U‑Tech Preparatory Academy, where students maintain a flexible schedule while taking college-preparatory courses with certified teachers. ESA programs enable families to take a more active role in shaping their children’s futures.
