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Arizona School Choice Program to Expand
by Bethany MonkArizona lawmakers have approved the expansion of a ground-breaking education savings program that allows parents to choose where to educate their children. The legislation is on its way to the governor’s desk.
The Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, passed by lawmakers in 2011, lets parents of qualifying students in kindergarten through 12th grade use scholarships to attend private schools, enroll in online education or obtain private tutoring.
“This program is on the cutting edge of the school-choice movement in that it gives parents a high level of choice and control in picking the best education options for their kids,” said Candi Cushman, CitizenLink education analyst. “It operates a lot like a medical savings account allowing parents to choose how to spend the funds — whether that’s homeschool supplies, a private school. If there is money left over they can even use it for college expenses.”
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