ESA stands for Education Savings Account, a state-funded program designed to give families greater choice and flexibility in how they pay for their child’s education expenses. In Arizona, the ESA program provides eligible families with public funds deposited into a personalized account that can be used for approved educational services and products. This includes private school tuition, tutoring, online courses, therapies, and online enrichment programs like Blooming Minds.

Who is eligible for an ESA in Arizona?

Eligibility is determined based on several criteria, including:

• Children with special needs or disabilities (such as Autism, Down syndrome, or other qualifying conditions)

• Students attending public schools who are entering kindergarten or first grade

• Children who have been enrolled in a public school for at least 100 days (varies by year)

• Families who meet specific residency and income requirements

The Arizona Department of Education manages the ESA program and regularly updates eligibility guidelines. Parents must apply and be approved through the state to participate.

How does ESA work for educational services?

Once approved, families receive a quarterly allocation deposited into their ESA account. They can use these funds to pay for qualifying educational expenses from approved providers, including tuition, tutoring, curriculum, therapies, and enrichment programs like art journaling clubs.

Families can choose to spend the funds all at once or spread payments over time, such as monthly. Providers like Blooming Minds accept ESA payments, and we offer step-by-step guidance to help families navigate the billing and reimbursement process.

• Lotus Creative Healing is currently recognized as an ESA approved online enrichment program in Arizona.

• If you're in a different state, you may still use ESA funds if your state allows reimbursement of out-of-state programs. Reach out if you'd like help requesting vendor approval.

• Register your child through the program link.

• You’ll receive a detailed invoice via email that meets ClassWallet’s requirements (student name, service description, amount, vendor info).

• Log into your ClassWallet account (via ADE Connect).

  • Under Applications and click “View Applications”

  • Click on “ESA Applicant Portal”

  • Click on “Go to Class Wallet Account”

  • Click on “Pay” under Pay for Services

  • Under who do you want to pay? Type in Blooming Minds: Art Journaling Club and click “Pay”

  • Enter the Payment Amount to match amount on the invoice, which will include the service fee

  • Click on “Browse Files” and upload your invoice. Click “Next”

  • Click on the purse which will fund the transaction: “Arizona ESA”

  • Click on “Online Learning” under categories and click “Next”

  • Review details and click “Next” and this will complete the transaction

• ClassWallet Support & Tutorials — How to submit invoices or make payments Arizona Department of Education+1

• ESA Parent Handbook — Rules, allowable expenses, and program guidelines Arizona Department of Education+1

• Arizona ESA FAQ & Parent Guide — Application timeline, eligibility, funding details, and more Arizona Empowerment