STO4KIDZ Makes Private Education Possible
Simplify your financial aid process with our All-In-One application! By submitting a single application, your child will be considered for all four categories of STO tuition aid awards we offer.
Application Windows For Each Academic Year:
Submit only one application per student, per academic year.
April 18th - June 1st, OR
November 1st - December 1st
Applicant Checklist
Apply
Online Application can be submitted ONLY between April 18th - June 1st, OR November 1st - December 1st each year, and MUST be renewed annually for the upcoming school year.
- One application per student, per school year only.
- Do not submit multiple applications for the same student.
- Have all documents ready to upload before starting your application.
- Each application is reviewed for eligibility for ALL four award types available (Individual Original, Switcher, Corporate Low Income, and Corporate Disabled/Displaced.)
- Incomplete application will not be reviewed for tuition aid award.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATIONS INCLUDE:
Parent/Guardian Financial and Student Supplemental Form/Documents.
- Household Members and Income Information: In accordance with the USDA’s definition of household income, a household is a group of individuals, related or unrelated who share housing, expenses, and income. Income means income before any deductions. Please refer to this link provided by USDA: (Click Here for more information) Please include ALL household members, including children, students attending college but away, and individuals without income. * Incomplete financial information results in delayed processing of your application.
For Tax Filers:
- The first two pages of the previous year’s Federal Tax Return Form (see example 1040 pages 1 and 2).
(e.g. If you are applying for the 2024/25 school year, upload your 2023 tax document) - If self-employed, ALSO upload Schedule C (sample), and Schedule E (sample).
(uploaded form must not require a password to view) - If you filed an extension, please include a copy of your IRS extension paperwork. You will have until October 15 to email your taxes to Info@sto4kidz.org. (Your student's application is considered incomplete until then)
- If your student has attended an Arizona private school in the prior year, or is NEW to Private School, MUST ALSO upload the applicable supporting document to be eligible for the STO awards.
For Non-Tax Filers:
- View below and upload the required supplemental financial documentation.
- If your student has attended an Arizona private school in the prior year, or is NEW to Private School, MUST ALSO upload the applicable supporting document to be eligible for the STO awards.
Supplemental Financial Documentation For Non-Tax Filers
- Social Security benefit statements
- Welfare benefit statements (DES)
- Retirement benefit statements
- Proof of child support or alimony
- If household income has changed, you must also upload the last two (2) most recent consecutive pay-stubs for all income earners in the household
- If applicable: rental income, pension income, or additional income
- If necessary, you may upload a letter further explaining your financial situation
STUDENT SUPPLEMENTAL FORMS/DOCUMENTS (If applicable)
- Public/Charter School Attendance Verification Form
- Past STO Award Verification Form
- Displaced Student Verification Form
- Student Transfer Verification Form (Verify student transfers and required documentation e.g., home-schooled students transitioning to an AZ private school, students discontinuing ESA accounts, or students relocating to AZ prior to enrolling in an eligible private school).
- Copy of the Arizona military order
- Copy of IEP/MET document
What to Expect After Applying
- After submitting your application, an automated copy will be sent to the email listed on the application. To update your information, email info@sto4kidz.org. Avoid submitting multiple copies of your student's application; applications expire on May 31st each school year.
- Email application-related communications to info@sto4kidz.org. Please note that an application does not guarantee an STO award, but we strive to assist every applicant. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- STO4KIDZ must verify your student's enrollment and tuition balance with your private school. If your child receives a tuition discount, list the amount due after the discount. You must permit your child's school to release this information. Submission is your acknowledgment.
- You will be notified via email each time your student receives a tuition award. Please refrain from inquiring about the status of your application before August 30th. Thank you for your support. (An automated copy will be sent to the email listed on the application.)"
Tools For Success - Resources
STO4KIDZ offers a range of free resources and tools to aid you in successfully obtaining tax credit recommendations for your child(ren).
- STO Workshops and Events. Knowledge is power. View calendar and register here.
- Applicant Dos & Don'ts
- Videos Library
- Sample Ask Letters. Sparks ideas on putting together your letter.
- Personalized Fundraising Page sample. [Click HERE To get started] We will develop your page to solicit for recommended contributions (24-hour turn around to share your page)
- Preliminary Registration form. Use this form ONLY IF you want to solicit for recommended tax credit contributions at least one year in advance of your student enrolling in a private K-12 school. Complete and email the form to info@sto4kidz.org and contact us with any questions so we can provide you the necessary tools to ensure your success. (NO application is necessary at this stage)
Share The News
Parents/guardians play a key role in raising contributions. Share the materials and resources to help. Ready, Set, Go!
NOTE: A school tuition organization cannot award, restrict, or reserve scholarships solely on the basis of a donor’s recommendation. A taxpayer may not claim a tax credit if the taxpayer agrees to swap donations with another taxpayer to benefit either taxpayer’s own dependent. A.R.S. 43-1603 (C). Any designation of your own dependent as a potential recipient is prohibited.
STO4KIDZ Awards Timelines:
Individual Donor Recommended awards (Original and Switcher) are distributed monthly beginning August 31st through April 30th of each school year.
Corporate Low-Income and Disabled/Displaced awards are distributed twice a year (at the beginning of each semester, pending funds availability)
Application Timelines For Each Academic Year:
April 18-June 1 OR November 1-December 1
One application per student is required for each academic year and must reapply annually.
We’re here to help.
Browse our most frequently asked questions.