Arizona’s Universal School Vouchers Go Unused by Low-Income Families

Arizona’s school voucher program, known as Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs), is drawing attention as families navigate their educational options. While lower-income parents express interest, significant gaps exist in actual usage, revealing contrasting realities in the state’s educational landscape.

Alma Nuñez, a cashier from South Phoenix with three children, became intrigued about the voucher initiative after attending a community event. Angelica Zavala, a home cleaner from West Phoenix, first learned about the program through former Governor Doug Ducey, who touted it as a means for families to afford private education. Similarly, Fabiola Velasquez discovered the program through advertising, prompting conversations at home about its potential benefits.

Despite a general interest among working-class parents, ProPublica’s analysis of Arizona Department of Education data highlights disparities in voucher usage. The analysis indicates that lower-income families are less likely to take up these options, with usage being significantly lower in poorer neighborhoods compared to their wealthier counterparts. For instance, in a West Phoenix ZIP code with a median income of $46,700, only one voucher is estimated to be used for every 100 school-age children, in stark contrast to a more affluent area where usage dramatically increases.

The challenge for lower-income families lies not in awareness of the program but in practical obstacles. Many did not know how to navigate the application process, and even those who did found that the logistics of attending high-quality private schools posed significant hurdles. These schools are often concentrated in wealthier areas, making daily transportation complicated and costly.

Transportation remains a critical issue. Private schools typically lack the free bus services public schools offer, forcing families to consider expensive alternatives. Zavala, for example, applied to St. Matthew Catholic School, only to decide against it due to transportation challenges and uncertainties about academic improvements.

Additionally, financial burdens complicate matters further. Arizona’s typical voucher value, ranging from $7,000 to $8,000 annually, often falls short of private school tuition, which usually exceeds $10,000. This financial gap makes access even more elusive for families already stretching their budgets.

Nuñez, Zavala, and Velasquez ultimately opted to invest their efforts in public schools instead of pursing vouchers. They have become active participants in their local schools, organizing events and advocating for improvements within the public education system. Their commitment reflects a collective decision to prioritize public education over private options.

As Arizona’s first-in-the-nation “universal” voucher program continues to evolve, its impact on educational equity remains under scrutiny. While initial intentions aimed at helping lower-income families, the current trends appear to favor those with greater financial means, raising questions about the program’s efficacy in delivering on its promise.

Experts argue the program could benefit from restructuring, including means-testing vouchers to better serve low-income families and addressing the geographic disparities that limit access to quality education. The challenge moving forward will be ensuring that all families, regardless of income, can truly exercise their school choice.