ESA & STO Scholarships
Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA)
Valley Lutheran is an approved ESA school through the Arizona Department of Education.
ESA allows Arizona families to use a portion of state education funding toward private school tuition. Most ESA awards for students in grades 1–12 fall between about $7,000 and $8,000 per year, depending on grade level and eligibility.
​
For planning purposes, many families estimate approximately $7,500 per student.
​
To qualify for ESA funding, the student must reside in Arizona.
Learn more about the ESA program here: https://www.azed.gov/esa
​
Private Christian High School Tuition in Phoenix
Full tuition for the 2026–2027 school year is $13,650 before ESA or STO scholarships are applied.
​
Most Valley Lutheran families pay far less than the published tuition after scholarships are applied.
2026–2027 Tuition: $13,650
Average Family Cost (2025–2026): $2,530 per student - using STOs
Payment Option: Spread the balance over 10 monthly payments
​
Arizona families may reduce tuition through ESA funding or School Tuition Organization (STO) scholarships. Tuition includes all school fees except for the shuttle service and yearbook.
​
School Tuition Organizations (STOs)
STOs are nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships funded through Arizona tax credit donations.
Our families work with approximately 15 different STOs. Click here to download the STO Worksheet. The worksheet includes important details such as application deadlines, website links to apply, etc.​
​
Click here to download the STO Worksheet
​
What Families Typically Pay
Valley Lutheran is committed to making a Christian high school education accessible to families.
We work closely with parents to help them take advantage of the scholarship opportunities available.
During the 2025–2026 school year, the average Valley Lutheran family paid $2,530 out-of-pocket per student after STO scholarships were applied.
​
Families may spread their remaining balance over 10 monthly payments.
​
Questions About Financial Assistance?
Not sure which option applies to your family?
Our Business Office can help you understand ESA and STO opportunities and estimate what tuition may look like for your family.
Schedule a short call with our Business Office: Click here to schedule
Audrey Langley
Business Office
602-230-1600 ext. 111
Email Audrey
​
Free Parent Workshops
Free Zoom workshops for parents are available through ACSTO. These sessions explain STO scholarships and ESA funding and help families understand how to apply.
Register for an upcoming workshop here.
​