Arizona
U.S.
Rank
Score:
92%
Grade:
A
Rank:
#1
The 2021-22 budget increased funding and the proportion of students in charter schools which have been innovatively creating new models of education, like microschools which appeal to a broader array of parents. Additional funding for charters is also still expected this session. Today, twenty-eight percent of public schools in Arizona are charter schools and roughly twenty percent of students are public charter school students.
Law passed: 1994
Most recently amended: 2022
Number of charter schools: 560
Number of charter students: 232,249
Cap on the number of schools allowed:? No
Virtual charters allowed? Yes
AUTHORIZERS: Universities, school districts, and the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools can all authorize charter schools. The State Board is a strong authorizer that has historically respected schools’ autonomy and fostered growth. Currently, the only university authorizing charter schools is Arizona State University with 12 schools.
GROWTH: 18% of all students in Arizona attend a charter school, and over the past 10 years, charters have added approximately 10,000 students each year. There is no cap but authorizers do self-regulate approvals and opponents have been working hard to control charter school growth. A bill that would have increased restrictions and non-essential regulations over charters nearly passed in 2019!
OPERATIONS: Like other high autonomy states, charters have a blanket waiver from all non-health and safety regulations that apply to traditional schools.
EQUITY: Arizona’s law calculates a base funding level for charter schools which is considered low and provides equal access to all applicable federal and state funding. Charter schools in Arizona receive $951 less per student than traditional public schools. Facilities funds are not available but in 2019 the state strengthened the ability for charters to use available public school facilities and purchase facilities directly from districts.
Score:
Grade:
A
Rank:
#2
Thanks to the creation of a statewide program of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, Arizona is now home to the most comprehensive education opportunity environment in the U.S! At the beginning of the 2022 school year, Arizona’s five school choice programs were serving nearly 10% of all students whose families have opted to give their children the education of their choice. The recent eligibility expansion of the nation’s first universal ESA will increase those options as more parents learn about them, despite the best efforts of the teachers unions and other opponents to repeal the program. They failed on their first attempt, but they are not giving up. This milestone makes Arizona the top scoring state for parent power in the nation.
Law enacted: 1997-2012
Number of programs: 5
Statewide Participation: 98,833
Types of programs: Tax Credit Scholarship, Individual Tax Credit, Education Savings Account
Tax-Credit Scholarship
Arizona – Original Individual Income Tax Credit Scholarship Program
This program, launched in 1997, allows taxpayers to receive tax credits for their donations to nonprofit organizations that provide school scholarships to K–12 students.
Tax-Credit Scholarship
“Switcher” Individual Income Tax Credit Scholarship Program
Arizona’s “switcher” tax-credit scholarship program was enacted and launched in 2012. the program expanded eligibility for students receiving “switcher” individual or low-income corporate school tuition organization (STO) scholarships to include those who were homeschooled, moved from out of state, or held an ESA. The credit cap for contributions by corporations and insurers to School Tuition Organizations for Displaced/Disabled students was also increased in 2021 from $5 million to $6 million. Taxpayers who have donated the maximum credit amount for the Original Individual Income Tax Credit Scholarship Program can then choose to participate in this program. Donors can receive 100% credit and it benefits students whose household income is between 185-342% of the federal poverty level. The law allows donors to receive tax credits for their donations to non-profit school tuition organizations that give scholarships to students in need.
Tax-Credit Scholarship
Lexie’s Law for Disabled and Displaced Students Tax Credit Scholarship Program
The Arizona legislature enacted “Lexie’s Law” in 2009. The program, a tax-credit scholarship for students with special needs, launched in the same year. This program is the nation’s first tax credit scholarship program for students with special needs, eligibility is limited for students with special needs and students in foster care. The tax credit for donors who contribute is 100% and the program budget is capped at 5 million dollars.
Tax-Credit Scholarship
Low-Income Corporate Income Tax Credit Scholarship Program
Arizona’s Low-Income Corporate Income Tax Credit Scholarship Program passed in 2006, and it launched in the same year. This tax-credit scholarship program allows corporate taxpayers to receive 100% dollar-for-dollar tax credits for their donations to nonprofit organizations that provide school scholarships to K–12 students from low-income families. The Corporate Tuition Tax Credit Program is capped for FY 19-20 at $106.9M.
Education Savings Account
Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
In July of 2022, Governor Doug Ducey signed H.B. 2853 that expanded the state’s 2011 Empowerment Scholarship program for special needs students to all students in the state. Under the new law, the state’s 1.1. Million K-12 students are all eligible to receive between approximately $7,000 per year per student for private school, homeschooling, micro schools, tutoring, or any kind of educational service that helps meet the needs of their students outside the traditional public school system. As of September 2022, the Arizona Department of Education has received roughly 6,500 new applicants under the new ESA eligibility conditions. From 2012-2021, there had been incremental expansion of eligibility to the point where vouchers became available to foster children, children of military families, reservation residents and students who reside in boundaries of a school or district assigned a “D” or “F” letter grade. The new law – H.B. 2853 – scraps all preconditions, potentially allowing universal school vouchers to all of Arizona’s K-12 students.
Score:
Grade:
D
Rank:
#35
Teacher prep programs not linked to student outcomes nor require content knowledge are some of AZ’s biggest deficiencies.
TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT: 61%
General Teacher Preparation 78%
Elementary Teacher Preparation 55%
Secondary Teacher Preparation 55%
Special Education Teacher Preparation 55%
Alternate Routes 60%
STAFFING AND SUPPORT: 67%
Hiring 65%
Retaining Effective Teachers 69%
TEACHER EVALUATION: 79%
TEACHER COMPENSATION: 62%
Score:
92%
Grade:
A
Rank:
#1
The 2021-22 budget increased funding and the proportion of students in charter schools which have been innovatively creating new models of education, like microschools which appeal to a broader array of parents. Additional funding for charters is also still expected this session. Today, twenty-eight percent of public schools in Arizona are charter schools and roughly twenty percent of students are public charter school students.
Law passed: 1994
Most recently amended: 2022
Number of charter schools: 560
Number of charter students: 232,249
Cap on the number of schools allowed:? No
Virtual charters allowed? Yes
AUTHORIZERS: Universities, school districts, and the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools can all authorize charter schools. The State Board is a strong authorizer that has historically respected schools’ autonomy and fostered growth. Currently, the only university authorizing charter schools is Arizona State University with 12 schools.
GROWTH: 18% of all students in Arizona attend a charter school, and over the past 10 years, charters have added approximately 10,000 students each year. There is no cap but authorizers do self-regulate approvals and opponents have been working hard to control charter school growth. A bill that would have increased restrictions and non-essential regulations over charters nearly passed in 2019!
OPERATIONS: Like other high autonomy states, charters have a blanket waiver from all non-health and safety regulations that apply to traditional schools.
EQUITY: Arizona’s law calculates a base funding level for charter schools which is considered low and provides equal access to all applicable federal and state funding. Charter schools in Arizona receive $951 less per student than traditional public schools. Facilities funds are not available but in 2019 the state strengthened the ability for charters to use available public school facilities and purchase facilities directly from districts.
Score:
Grade:
A
Rank:
#2
Thanks to the creation of a statewide program of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, Arizona is now home to the most comprehensive education opportunity environment in the U.S! At the beginning of the 2022 school year, Arizona’s five school choice programs were serving nearly 10% of all students whose families have opted to give their children the education of their choice. The recent eligibility expansion of the nation’s first universal ESA will increase those options as more parents learn about them, despite the best efforts of the teachers unions and other opponents to repeal the program. They failed on their first attempt, but they are not giving up. This milestone makes Arizona the top scoring state for parent power in the nation.
Law enacted: 1997-2012
Number of programs: 5
Statewide Participation: 98,833
Types of programs: Tax Credit Scholarship, Individual Tax Credit, Education Savings Account
Tax-Credit Scholarship
Arizona – Original Individual Income Tax Credit Scholarship Program
This program, launched in 1997, allows taxpayers to receive tax credits for their donations to nonprofit organizations that provide school scholarships to K–12 students.
Tax-Credit Scholarship
“Switcher” Individual Income Tax Credit Scholarship Program
Arizona’s “switcher” tax-credit scholarship program was enacted and launched in 2012. the program expanded eligibility for students receiving “switcher” individual or low-income corporate school tuition organization (STO) scholarships to include those who were homeschooled, moved from out of state, or held an ESA. The credit cap for contributions by corporations and insurers to School Tuition Organizations for Displaced/Disabled students was also increased in 2021 from $5 million to $6 million. Taxpayers who have donated the maximum credit amount for the Original Individual Income Tax Credit Scholarship Program can then choose to participate in this program. Donors can receive 100% credit and it benefits students whose household income is between 185-342% of the federal poverty level. The law allows donors to receive tax credits for their donations to non-profit school tuition organizations that give scholarships to students in need.
Tax-Credit Scholarship
Lexie’s Law for Disabled and Displaced Students Tax Credit Scholarship Program
The Arizona legislature enacted “Lexie’s Law” in 2009. The program, a tax-credit scholarship for students with special needs, launched in the same year. This program is the nation’s first tax credit scholarship program for students with special needs, eligibility is limited for students with special needs and students in foster care. The tax credit for donors who contribute is 100% and the program budget is capped at 5 million dollars.
Tax-Credit Scholarship
Low-Income Corporate Income Tax Credit Scholarship Program
Arizona’s Low-Income Corporate Income Tax Credit Scholarship Program passed in 2006, and it launched in the same year. This tax-credit scholarship program allows corporate taxpayers to receive 100% dollar-for-dollar tax credits for their donations to nonprofit organizations that provide school scholarships to K–12 students from low-income families. The Corporate Tuition Tax Credit Program is capped for FY 19-20 at $106.9M.
Education Savings Account
Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
In July of 2022, Governor Doug Ducey signed H.B. 2853 that expanded the state’s 2011 Empowerment Scholarship program for special needs students to all students in the state. Under the new law, the state’s 1.1. Million K-12 students are all eligible to receive between approximately $7,000 per year per student for private school, homeschooling, micro schools, tutoring, or any kind of educational service that helps meet the needs of their students outside the traditional public school system. As of September 2022, the Arizona Department of Education has received roughly 6,500 new applicants under the new ESA eligibility conditions. From 2012-2021, there had been incremental expansion of eligibility to the point where vouchers became available to foster children, children of military families, reservation residents and students who reside in boundaries of a school or district assigned a “D” or “F” letter grade. The new law – H.B. 2853 – scraps all preconditions, potentially allowing universal school vouchers to all of Arizona’s K-12 students.
Score:
Grade:
D
Rank:
#35
Teacher prep programs not linked to student outcomes nor require content knowledge are some of AZ’s biggest deficiencies.
TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT: 61%
General Teacher Preparation 78%
Elementary Teacher Preparation 55%
Secondary Teacher Preparation 55%
Special Education Teacher Preparation 55%
Alternate Routes 60%
STAFFING AND SUPPORT: 67%
Hiring 65%
Retaining Effective Teachers 69%
TEACHER EVALUATION: 79%
TEACHER COMPENSATION: 62%
Score:
Grade:
B
Rank:
#3
Arizona is home to many high quality digital learning schools and programs across charters and districts, such as Phoenix Union District, ASU Digital Prep, Arizona Virtual Academy, and Sunnyside Unified School District.
Arizona has Education Technology Standards for students based on grade level, and the state provides teachers multiple resources to integrate technology into the classroom, as well as resources for mobile learning and digital learning.
Arizona also has the law, Title IV-A , that helps teachers and schools with online learning, more information can be found here.
Bandwidth: “96.1% of students in Arizona can access the Internet at speeds of 100 kbps per student, and many students are connected at higher speeds. But there is still work to be done. 36,255 students still need more bandwidth for digital learning.”
In Arizona, there exists an abundant amount of personalized learning activity, but it is not backed by a full state effort. Many leading charters and some innovative districts are exemplars in personalized learning.
Arizona has a proficiency based diploma, the Grand Canyon Diploma, where “Advancement is based on mastery, not seat time. Students advance when they demonstrate competency. Students who show they are college-ready in English, mathematics, science, history and the arts earn the Grand Canyon High School Diploma. Students must prove in-depth learning on curriculum-based exams in each of these subject areas, demonstrating skills with writing, analysis, and problem-solving.”
On March 10th, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Arizona set a statewide expectation of remote learning for all students. The Governor announced March 30 that schools were closed for the remainder of the school year, and schools and teachers were encouraged to continue providing educational opportunities to the best of their ability. Compared to most states, Arizona was ahead of the curve in beginning to plan for remote learning when it was announced school closures would last through the end of the school year. LEAs were asked to submit their own Remote Learning Opportunity Plan to the state by April 15 but many had already started on their own.
The state also has provided a page with resources for teachers, schools, students, and parents.
After convening a task force to discuss reopening school for the 2020-21 school year, the superintendent of public instruction released a Roadmap for Reopening Schools.
June 25, Gov. Ducey announced a new order giving schools the flexibility to offer hybrid options without major financial penalties or compliance with complex procurement rules for COVID-19-related purchases, along with a $269 million funding package developed with input from district superintendents and school leaders. Due to rising cases in Arizona, Governor Ducey delayed the reopening of schools until Aug. 17th, when districts could begin in-person instruction if local health authorities agreed. Districts opting for full-time distance learning are required to offer “free on-site learning opportunities” for students who need it for supervision during the day or other support.
Additionally, Arizona State University, a national leader in innovation compiled a comprehensive list of excellent digital learning resources for students in the wake of COVID-19.
Fast Facts
4th Grade Math Proficiency:
8th Grade Math Proficiency:
12th Grade Math Proficiency:
4th Grade Reading Proficiency:
8th Grade Reading Proficiency:
12th Grade Reading Proficiency:
Graduation Rate:
Average SAT Score:
Average ACT Score:
Public School Enrollment:
Percent Enrolled in Charter Schools:
Average Student Funding:
Score:
Grade:
B
Rank:
#3
Arizona is home to many high quality digital learning schools and programs across charters and districts, such as Phoenix Union District, ASU Digital Prep, Arizona Virtual Academy, and Sunnyside Unified School District.
Arizona has Education Technology Standards for students based on grade level, and the state provides teachers multiple resources to integrate technology into the classroom, as well as resources for mobile learning and digital learning.
Arizona also has the law, Title IV-A , that helps teachers and schools with online learning, more information can be found here.
Bandwidth: “96.1% of students in Arizona can access the Internet at speeds of 100 kbps per student, and many students are connected at higher speeds. But there is still work to be done. 36,255 students still need more bandwidth for digital learning.”
In Arizona, there exists an abundant amount of personalized learning activity, but it is not backed by a full state effort. Many leading charters and some innovative districts are exemplars in personalized learning.
Arizona has a proficiency based diploma, the Grand Canyon Diploma, where “Advancement is based on mastery, not seat time. Students advance when they demonstrate competency. Students who show they are college-ready in English, mathematics, science, history and the arts earn the Grand Canyon High School Diploma. Students must prove in-depth learning on curriculum-based exams in each of these subject areas, demonstrating skills with writing, analysis, and problem-solving.”
On March 10th, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Arizona set a statewide expectation of remote learning for all students. The Governor announced March 30 that schools were closed for the remainder of the school year, and schools and teachers were encouraged to continue providing educational opportunities to the best of their ability. Compared to most states, Arizona was ahead of the curve in beginning to plan for remote learning when it was announced school closures would last through the end of the school year. LEAs were asked to submit their own Remote Learning Opportunity Plan to the state by April 15 but many had already started on their own.
The state also has provided a page with resources for teachers, schools, students, and parents.
After convening a task force to discuss reopening school for the 2020-21 school year, the superintendent of public instruction released a Roadmap for Reopening Schools.
June 25, Gov. Ducey announced a new order giving schools the flexibility to offer hybrid options without major financial penalties or compliance with complex procurement rules for COVID-19-related purchases, along with a $269 million funding package developed with input from district superintendents and school leaders. Due to rising cases in Arizona, Governor Ducey delayed the reopening of schools until Aug. 17th, when districts could begin in-person instruction if local health authorities agreed. Districts opting for full-time distance learning are required to offer “free on-site learning opportunities” for students who need it for supervision during the day or other support.
Additionally, Arizona State University, a national leader in innovation compiled a comprehensive list of excellent digital learning resources for students in the wake of COVID-19.
4th Grade Math Proficiency:
8th Grade Math Proficiency:
12th Grade Math Proficiency:
4th Grade Reading Proficiency:
8th Grade Reading Proficiency:
12th Grade Reading Proficiency:
Graduation Rate:
Average SAT Score:
Average ACT Score:
Public School Enrollment:
Percent Enrolled in Charter Schools:
Average Student Funding:
Katie Hobbs (D)
First term began in 2023 (two-term limit, for a maximum of eight years)
Katie Hobbs had a strong teachers union backing to clinch the job and is the first Democrat to hold the office for Arizona since 2009. This has some concerned that the state’s phenomenal progress on education choice may suffer but we’re hopeful bi-partisanship will win the day and that Governor Hobbs understands that parent power is in full gear in Arizona and needs to be protected and advanced.
A very pro-education freedom State Superintendent Thomas Horne once again will serve in this position, winning over teachers union-based Kathy Hoffman in an incredibly tight race. His presence may just help the pro-education freedom legislature counterbalance any negative efforts the new Governor might wage.
“Arizona’s constitution contains a Blaine Amendment. The Arizona Supreme Court previously struck down a voucher program. However, that Court later let stand a Court of Appeals decision upholding the Empowerment Scholarship Account program.” (Institute for Justice)
Arizona’s commitment to transparency is clear, and this is a benefit to students and families. School report cards are highlighted on the main page of the state DOE website. Report card data is thorough and comprehensive, and every school is assigned a summative rating based on student academic measures.The report includes important data such as student enrollment, teacher qualification, student achievement, and per pupil expenditures.There is also a helpful feature to compare schools so parents can see how theirs lines up against others in the state. Information about educational options are also easily accessible from the homepage.
Arizona holds school board elections during the general election cycle, which gives parents more power in their decision making because of higher voter turnout.
Katie Hobbs (D)
First term began in 2023 (two-term limit, for a maximum of eight years)
Katie Hobbs had a strong teachers union backing to clinch the job and is the first Democrat to hold the office for Arizona since 2009. This has some concerned that the state’s phenomenal progress on education choice may suffer but we’re hopeful bi-partisanship will win the day and that Governor Hobbs understands that parent power is in full gear in Arizona and needs to be protected and advanced.
A very pro-education freedom State Superintendent Thomas Horne once again will serve in this position, winning over teachers union-based Kathy Hoffman in an incredibly tight race. His presence may just help the pro-education freedom legislature counterbalance any negative efforts the new Governor might wage.
“Arizona’s constitution contains a Blaine Amendment. The Arizona Supreme Court previously struck down a voucher program. However, that Court later let stand a Court of Appeals decision upholding the Empowerment Scholarship Account program.” (Institute for Justice)
Arizona’s commitment to transparency is clear, and this is a benefit to students and families. School report cards are highlighted on the main page of the state DOE website. Report card data is thorough and comprehensive, and every school is assigned a summative rating based on student academic measures.The report includes important data such as student enrollment, teacher qualification, student achievement, and per pupil expenditures.There is also a helpful feature to compare schools so parents can see how theirs lines up against others in the state. Information about educational options are also easily accessible from the homepage.
Arizona holds school board elections during the general election cycle, which gives parents more power in their decision making because of higher voter turnout.