Tuition resources.
More ways to make Summit possible.
A Summit education is an investment in your child’s academic foundation, confidence, relationships, and future. Families may have access to Arizona private school scholarships and other resources that can help make tuition more affordable.
From tax credit scholarships to Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program, understanding the options available to your family is a good place to start.
Arizona scholarship opportunities.
Start with the options available to your family.
Arizona offers several programs that may help families offset the cost of private school tuition. The two most common for Summit families are scholarships awarded through School Tuition Organizations (STOs) and Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program.
These are separate programs with different eligibility requirements and rules. Families should explore their options carefully and verify current requirements directly with the organization administering each program.
School Tuition Organizations.
Tax credit scholarships for private school tuition.
Arizona School Tuition Organizations, commonly called STOs, are nonprofit organizations certified by the Arizona Department of Revenue to receive qualifying tax credit contributions and award scholarships for students attending qualified Arizona private schools.
Families apply directly to individual STOs for scholarship consideration. Eligibility requirements, application periods, award criteria and available funding vary by organization.
Some scholarships are based on financial need or other eligibility requirements. Arizona law also permits STOs to consider donor recommendations within specific legal requirements, but a recommendation does not guarantee an award.
Where to begin.
STOs frequently used by Summit families.
There are many certified STOs in Arizona, and families may explore and apply to multiple organizations when eligible. The following are among those most frequently used by Summit families. View the complete Arizona Department of Revenue list of certified STOs.
Institute for Better Education (IBE)
IBE offers several scholarship programs for eligible Arizona private school students, including individual tax credit and corporate scholarship opportunities.
Arizona Leadership Foundation
Arizona Leadership Foundation provides corporate tax credit scholarships for qualifying students, including programs for eligible low-income and disabled or displaced students.
AZ4Education Scholarship Foundation
AZ4Education is a certified Arizona School Tuition Organization providing K–12 tuition scholarships funded through individual and corporate tax credit contributions.
Arizona Private Education Scholarship Fund (APESF)
APESF provides tuition scholarships to eligible students attending Arizona private schools through Arizona’s individual and corporate tax credit programs.
These organizations are listed because they are frequently used by Summit families. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of eligibility or funding. Scholarship programs, requirements, deadlines and award decisions are established independently by each STO.
Empowerment Scholarship Account.
Empowerment Scholarship Account.
Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account, commonly known as ESA, is a state-administered program that provides eligible Arizona students with funds that may be used for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition.
The ESA program is administered by the Arizona Department of Education. Eligibility, funding, allowable expenses, application procedures and program requirements are determined by the state and are subject to change.
Families considering ESA should use the Arizona Department of Education as their primary source for current information and program requirements.
An important distinction.
ESA and STO scholarships cannot be used at the same time.
Families should carefully consider which funding path is right for them.
Under current Arizona ESA rules, a student receiving ESA funding cannot also receive a tuition tax credit scholarship from an STO during the same applicable period.
Because program rules can change, families should confirm current requirements with the Arizona Department of Education and any STO they are considering before accepting funds.
Summit tuition assistance.
Additional support may be available.
As an independent, nonprofit school, Summit is committed to helping make an exceptional education accessible to families with demonstrated financial need.
Need-based tuition assistance may be available to eligible Summit families and is dependent on available funding. Families interested in Summit tuition assistance should review the current application process and requirements.
Preschool families.
Resources for our youngest learners.
Funding options for preschool can be different from those available for K–8 students. Some families may qualify for preschool scholarship opportunities, including programs available through Quality First.
Our Admissions team can help prospective preschool families identify a good place to begin exploring available resources.
Your next step.
Find the path that works for your family.
Every family’s situation is different. We encourage families to explore the resources available to them, apply early when appropriate, and verify eligibility and requirements directly with each program.
Have questions about Summit tuition or how outside scholarship funds are applied to your account? Our team is happy to help with Summit-specific questions.
Frequently asked questions.
Questions about tuition resources
Can my child receive both ESA funding and an STO scholarship?
Generally, no. Under current Arizona ESA rules, students receiving ESA funding cannot also receive a tuition tax credit scholarship from an STO during the same applicable period.
Because state requirements can change, families should confirm current rules directly with the Arizona Department of Education and their STO before accepting funds.
Can I apply to more than one STO?
Yes. Families may apply to multiple School Tuition Organizations, and each STO has its own application, eligibility requirements, deadlines and award process. Applying does not guarantee that a scholarship will be awarded.
Which STO should I apply to?
There is no single STO that is right for every family. Summit families receive scholarships from a variety of organizations, including IBE, Arizona Leadership Foundation, AZ4Education Scholarship Foundation and Arizona Private Education Scholarship Fund (APESF).
Families may also explore the complete list of certified STOs maintained by the Arizona Department of Revenue.
Can someone recommend my child for an STO scholarship?
Some Arizona STO programs allow donors to recommend a student when making a tax credit contribution, subject to applicable laws and the STO’s policies. A recommendation does not guarantee that the student will receive a scholarship.
Check directly with the STO for its current rules and procedures.
How much ESA funding will my child receive?
ESA funding varies based on the student and applicable state funding formulas and requirements. Because funding amounts and program rules may change, Summit does not publish estimated ESA awards on this page.
Families should consult the Arizona Department of Education for current ESA funding information.
Does Summit determine whether my child qualifies for ESA or an STO scholarship?
No. ESA eligibility is determined through the Arizona Department of Education, while STO scholarship eligibility and awards are determined by each independent School Tuition Organization.
Summit can help answer questions about tuition and how approved outside funding is applied to your Summit account.
When should I apply for scholarships or tuition assistance?
As early as possible. Application periods, deadlines and available funding vary by program and organization. Families should review current requirements directly with each STO, the Arizona Department of Education and Summit for any applicable tuition assistance.
Important information
The information on this page is provided as a general resource for Summit School families and prospective families and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax, financial or eligibility advice.
Summit School does not administer Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program or independent School Tuition Organizations and does not determine eligibility, scholarship awards, tax-credit eligibility, funding amounts, program requirements or tax consequences associated with these programs.
Program rules, eligibility requirements, funding amounts, application procedures, deadlines and applicable laws may change. Families and donors are responsible for verifying current information directly with the Arizona Department of Education, Arizona Department of Revenue, applicable School Tuition Organization and, when appropriate, a qualified tax, legal or financial professional before making decisions based on these programs.
Participation in or application to any program listed on this page does not guarantee eligibility, funding or a scholarship award.
See where your child's journey could lead.
Every Summit student has a different starting point, different strengths, and a different path forward.
Come see how small classes, experienced educators, individualized learning, hands-on experiences, and a connected Preschool–8th Grade community in Ahwatukee create an education designed to grow with them.
Questions about tuition or financial options? Contact our Admissions team.