Arizona opinion: Why education choice and Arizona’s ESA program matter

The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Education is one of the most personal and consequential issues facing Arizona families. The way we educate our children shapes not only their futures, but the future of our communities and our state. That is why Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program is so significant.

It is not simply a financial policy, it is a statement that children are individuals, parents have a right to participate in educational decisions, and flexibility in learning environments benefits society as a whole.

At its heart, the ESA program shifts the focus from institutions to students. Instead of tying education funding to a single school or district, ESAs allow funds to follow the child. Families can use those resources on approved educational expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, curriculum, specialized services, or home-based learning tools. This approach recognizes a reality many parents already understand: No two children learn the same way, and a one-size-fits-all model often falls short.

For students, this flexibility can be transformative. Some thrive in traditional classrooms, while others do better in smaller environments, specialized programs, or customized learning schedules. ESAs allow families to adapt when a placement is not working rather than waiting through months or years of frustration. The ability to pivot toward a better fit can mean the difference between disengagement and success, between falling behind and flourishing.

For parents, the ESA program restores agency. Education is about more than academics; it also reflects family values, cultural perspectives, and, for many, religious beliefs. In a diverse state like Arizona, it is unrealistic to expect every family to feel comfortable with the same curriculum or instructional approach. School choice does not force one worldview on everyone; it allows different families to make different decisions without conflict. Supporting ESAs is ultimately about respecting pluralism and acknowledging that parents know their children better than any centralized system ever could.

Back to homepage

Subscriber Login

Keep reading with a digital access subscription.

Subscribe now

Homeschooling families illustrate this importance clearly. Homeschooling in Arizona has expanded far beyond stereotypes and now includes families from all backgrounds who seek flexibility, safety, academic rigor, or specialized instruction. Yet effective homeschooling requires resources, quality curriculum, enrichment programs, and sometimes professional tutoring. Without ESA support, these tools can become financially out of reach for many households. ESAs help ensure that home education is not a privilege reserved only for higher-income families but a realistic option for working and middle-class parents as well.

Teachers also play a role in this evolving educational landscape. Choice programs can create opportunities for educators to teach in smaller settings, develop specialized courses, or provide tutoring and mentorship services. While some worry about competition, others recognize that diversified educational models can open new professional pathways and encourage innovation in teaching methods. When designed thoughtfully, school choice can complement rather than undermine traditional public education.

Critics of ESAs often raise valid concerns about oversight and cost. Public funds must be managed responsibly, and accountability is essential. However, the existence of administrative challenges is not an argument against parental choice itself. The answer lies in stronger transparency, clearer guidelines, and effective auditing — not in removing educational options from families who rely on them responsibly. Growth in participation naturally brings logistical and fiscal debates, but it also demonstrates that families are actively seeking educational environments that better meet their children’s needs.

Communities ultimately benefit when students are in settings where they can succeed. Educational mismatch can lead to disengagement, behavioral struggles, and long-term economic consequences. Conversely, when children find environments that align with their learning styles and family values, they are more likely to become confident, capable adults who contribute positively to society.

Arizona’s ESA program is not about choosing between public schools and alternatives; it is about expanding opportunity within the broader educational ecosystem. Strong public schools and meaningful school choice can coexist. In a state defined by diversity, flexibility is not a weakness it is a strength. Supporting ESAs means supporting families, encouraging innovation, and keeping the focus where it belongs: on the success and well-being of every child.