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Attending online Middle School with Smart Schools has never been easier!

Thanks to an expansion of ESA eligibility in Arizona, your student is likely able to attend our accredited online Middle School at no cost to you. Your student can enjoy all the benefits of Smart Schools for free once your Empowerment Scholarship Account is approved!

Program Information

All coursework is 100% online and accessible 24/7

Courses are self-paced and interactive to maximize learning

Responsive assistance from instructors and your personal Academic Advisor

New students can enroll anytime, year-round

Smart Schools learners use the Edgenuity learning platform, combined with a unique blend of supports to ensure they are successful. Our Middle School program will prepare your student for High School while building upon subjects and concepts they’ve already learned. Students will take classes that cover mathematics, language arts and reading, science, history and social studies, and health and language. All students age 11+ can enroll in our Middle School classes.

Accredited Online Learning

We believe all students deserve a high-quality education regardless of their age, nationality, ethnicity, or previous school experience. Smart Schools is fully accredited by Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools and Accreditation International (listed on NCPSA).

Exceptional Student Services (ESS)

IEP and 504 services are available. Our staff will work with your student’s needs to ensure their success.

Empower Scholarship Accounts (ESA)

How can my Middle School Student’s expenses be covered?

To get your student’s Smart Schools expenses covered in full, you must apply for an ESA with the State of Arizona. The State now provides public funding to expand educational opportunities for all students outside of the public school system. These funds can be used for a wide variety of educational expenses.

In addition to the Department of Education’s H.B. 2853 Frequently Asked Questions, we’ve collected some information below to help you make the best decision for your circumstance:

  • An Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) is an account administered by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and funded by state tax dollars to provide education options for qualified Arizona students.

    An ESA consists of 90% of the state funding that would have otherwise been allocated to the school district or charter school for the qualified student (does not include federal or local funding). By accepting an ESA, the student (age 18 and over) or the student's parent/guardian is signing a contract agreeing to provide an education that includes at least the following subjects: reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science. ESA funding can be used to pay private school tuition, for curriculum, home education, tutoring, and more.

    This is an annual program that students over age 18 or parents/guardians can apply for on behalf of their school-aged students.

    • All Arizona students are eligible for the ESA from the age of 4 until they are 22 years old.

    • There are no income requirements.

    • There are no restrictions on the type of private school the student attends.

    You will need to provide: student’s birth certificate and proof of residency. Visit the ADE’s Eligibility Requirements & Application page for more information.

  • Smart Schools Tuition for ESA Students: $500/month billed quarterly at $1,500*

    *The State of Arizona should cover this cost in full when your Empowerment Scholarship Account is approved.

    Once approved, you can pay tuition using ClassWallet (watch the video below for more details).

    You can learn more about ESA Funding on the ADE’s Frequently Asked Questions page.

  • Maybe! It’s important to know that ESA funds and STO funds (student tuition organization) cannot be used concurrently. However, you may use both types of funding in the same year, just not at the same time (i.e. use STO funds during Q1 but decided to switch to ESA funds later in the school year).

    Depending on your situation, you may be able to secure more funding through STO’s than an ESA for your child’s education.

  • Applications can take up to 30 days to process (from the date a completed application is submitted) and the final determination is sent via email.

  • ADE uses the ClassWallet system, which offers four different ways to make purchases or payments on its platform.

    • Marketplace: Place orders with online vendors within ClassWallet

    • Pay Vendor: Pay schools directly, using this option

    • Debit Cards: Funds can be uploaded to a debit card; you must complete the invoice and receipt

    • Reimbursement: Your bank account can be reimbursed for purchases but must be linked to ClassWallet

    It is up to students or parents to allocate the funds and to track and report quarterly on all of their purchases.

Getting Started with Smart Schools & ESA

Complete the form below and a Smart Schools Enrollment Counselor will reach out to answer your questions and help you get started.

 
 
 
 

Ready to apply for an ESA?

We recommend downloading this document to help guide you through the setup process. Then, click the button below to begin an ESA application with the Arizona Department of Education.

 

The information on this page is sourced from https://www.azed.gov/esa

Your adult high school diploma awaits.