Here are answers to the questions we get most often about AchievePoint Academy Arizona. Don't see your question here? Please don't hesitate to contact us!
Q: What are the eligibility requirements to enroll at AchievePoint Academy Arizona?
A: AchievePoint Academy Arizona is dedicated to providing students in the state of Arizona with an alternative online option for earning their high school diploma. We primarily work with students who qualify for the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account Program (ESA). To learn more about the enrollment process and qualifications, visit our Enrollment Process page.
Q: Are you an approved ESA school?
A: The ESA program does not have a list of approved schools, vendors, or providers. It is up to the student’s parent/legal guardian to choose the school that best meets their student’s needs. AchievePoint Academy Arizona is a fully accredited non-public online high school where you can enroll as a student utilizing ESA. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, marital status, or national origin.
Q: What is an ESA?
A: An Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) is an account administered by the Arizona Department of Education (AZDE) and funded by state tax dollars to provide options for the education of qualified students in this state. 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).
The ESA is granted to the Account Holder (typically the parent or guardian) of the qualified student to provide an education that must include at least the following subjects: reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies and science. By opting out of the public-school system and accepting an ESA, applicants can seek a range of alternative educational services such as private schools, home-based education, and tutoring, using state funds. Funded by the state, tailored by the applicant, and individualized for the student—the ESA program provides a unique opportunity to prepare Arizona students to succeed in school and life.
Q: What does it mean to accept the Empowerment Scholarship Account?
A: By accepting an ESA, the applicant of the qualified student(s) agrees to abide by an annually signed contract.
At any time, the Department reserves the right to revoke your ESA for violating contract, policies, or laws (please refer to your contract for all terms and conditions) including the following:
- Not enroll the student in a public district school, charter school or a public online school (this includes summer public school).
- Release the school district or charter from all obligations to educate.
- Not accept any School Tuition Organization (STO) scholarship or tax credit scholarship while on an ESA contract.
- Provide quarterly expense reports by the deadline date.
- Spend a portion of the ESA funds annually.
By opting out of the public-school system, parents can seek a range of alternative educational services ranging from services at a private school to home-based education.
Q: Will you help me complete all requirements to apply for ESA?
A: Absolutely! We are here to help and walk you through the entire application process and transition to AchievePoint Academy Arizona. We will also assist you with invoices necessary for all ESA payments.
Q: Is there an ESA Handbook?
A: Yes. You can download the Arizona Department of Education ESA handbook here. The purpose of the ESA handbook is to provide information about the policies, procedures, and implementation of the ESA program.
Q: Who is the diploma from?
A: You’ll earn your diploma from AchievePoint Academy Arizona. As a fully accredited high school, your diploma will be recognized by post-secondary institutions, employers, and the military.
Q: Are there any out-of-pocket expenses to attend?
A: If you are attending AchievePoint Academy Arizona using an ESA, your tuition should be fully covered through the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account Program.
Q: Are there any face-to-face requirements?
A: No. All of your coursework will be completed 100% online and you will not be required to attend any face-to-face sessions. All of your meetings with teachers, coaches, and tutors will be conducted online.
Q: What are the graduation requirements for this program?
A: To earn your diploma from AchievePoint Academy Arizona, you will need to complete a total of 20.0 credits in various subjects. More details can be found on the Graduation Requirements page.
Q: How long will it take to complete my diploma?
A: That depends on how many credits you will be transferring in and how quickly you work. Typically, students are expected to earn at least .5 credits/month or 6 credits/year but you can complete courses more quickly if you would like. At AchievePoint Academy Arizona, you can graduate as soon as you meet all of the requirements – no need to wait until May!
Q: How can I contact the ESA Office?
A: The ESA office is located at the Arizona Department of Education in Phoenix, Arizona. You can call them at 602-364-1969.
Q: Are there application deadlines?
A: ESA accepts applications year-round.
Q: What’s the status of my application?
A: Applications take 45 days to process from the day submitted. On the 45th day, the Arizona Department of Education will notify you via your preferred method of contact as indicated on the application (e-mail or postal mail). You can also check your application status here: https://esaonline.azed.gov/Status/ApplicationStatus.
