ESA Application · State Checklists
ESA application checklist by state: Arizona, Iowa, Florida, Wyoming, and Tennessee
There is no universal ESA application checklist. Each state program has its own portal, required documents, and eligibility criteria. This guide gives you state-specific checklists for Arizona, Iowa, Florida, Wyoming, and Tennessee, plus a comparison table and key things to know before you apply.
Last verified: · Sources: Arizona ADE; Iowa DOE; Step Up for Students; Wyoming DOE; Tennessee DOE
ESA programs by state: quick comparison
| State | Program name | Administrator | Annual amount | Application portal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) | Arizona Department of Education + ClassWallet | Varies; majority of per-pupil funding | ADE ESA portal → ClassWallet |
| Iowa | Students First ESA | Iowa Department of Education | Varies by program year | Iowa DOE Students First portal |
| Florida | Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) | Step Up for Students | Varies based on prior school district funding | Step Up for Students portal → MyScholarShop |
| Wyoming | Wyoming ESA (K–12 ESA) | Wyoming Department of Education | $7,000 annually, quarterly payments | WDE ESP portal |
| Tennessee | Tennessee ESA Pilot | Tennessee Department of Education | Varies by program year | Tennessee DOE ESA portal |
Arizona ESA application checklist
Arizona’s ESA program is one of the largest in the country, with over 100,000 students enrolled in 2025–26. The application goes through the Arizona Department of Education’s ESA portal, and after approval, families manage spending through ClassWallet.
- Valid Arizona proof of residency
- Student's birth certificate or equivalent identification
- Proof of prior public school enrollment OR qualifying disability documentation (depending on eligibility category)
- Parent or guardian identification
- Online application through ADE ESA portal
- After approval: complete ClassWallet account setup
- Review current-year ADE ESA handbook for spending rules
Arizona tip:
After approval, read the current-year ADE ESA handbook before spending any funds. The handbook defines allowable expenses and the ClassWallet workflow. Download it from the ADE website — rules can change each school year.
Iowa Students First ESA application checklist
Iowa’s Students First ESA is administered by the Iowa Department of Education. Iowa uses an approved provider list, which means post-approval spending only works with listed vendors, schools, and service providers.
- Proof of Iowa residency
- Student name and date of birth
- Prior school enrollment or withdrawal information
- Online application through Iowa DOE Students First portal
- After approval: verify providers on the approved provider list before purchasing
- Check current-year Students First guidance for spending categories
Iowa tip:
Check the approved provider list before signing any contract with a tutor, school, or curriculum vendor. If the provider is not on the list, you may not be able to use ESA funds to pay them.
Florida FES-EO application checklist
Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) is administered by Step Up for Students, not the Florida Department of Education directly. Applications open during enrollment windows — check the current-year Step Up for Students website for exact dates.
- Proof of Florida residency
- Student's birth certificate or equivalent
- Proof of prior public school enrollment OR qualifying alternative eligibility
- Parent or guardian identification
- Application through Step Up for Students' online portal
- After approval: set up account with Step Up for Students
- Review MyScholarShop for approved marketplace purchases
- Confirm school or vendor is approved before purchasing
Florida tip:
Florida has multiple scholarship programs. Make sure you are applying for the right one for your child’s situation. FES-EO is different from FES-UA (the disability-focused program) and other Step Up programs.
Wyoming ESA application notes
Wyoming’s ESA deposits $7,000 per eligible student annually, paid in equal quarterly installments starting July 1. Application goes through the Wyoming Department of Education’s ESP portal. Key to know:
- Applications opened April 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. MDT (check current cycle dates)
- Wyoming has a 30-day receipt submission rule after approval
- Allowable and Disallowable Expense Guidance PDF is published by WDE
Tennessee ESA application notes
Tennessee’s ESA program is a pilot program operating in specific counties. Applications are tied to the state’s enrollment cycle. Tennessee’s statute requires department approval for certain expense categories and documentation of purchases — check the current-year family handbook before applying to understand the post-enrollment spending rules.
Before you apply: five questions to answer first
- Is my child eligible? — Eligibility varies by state: income, disability, prior public school enrollment, or other criteria.
- What schools or providers are approved? — Some states require approved vendors or participating schools.
- What can I spend funds on? — Read the allowable expense list before you apply, not after.
- Is there an application deadline? — Missing the window may mean waiting another year.
- What happens if I want to switch providers or schools mid-year? — Some programs have mid-year change rules; know them before enrolling.