STO4KIDZ Empowers Families with Educational Options
Dream of a private school for your child, but worry about costs?
Whether they need specialized learning or the best fit for their potential, financial hardship shouldn’t be a barrier.
We’re here to help you secure tuition aid and shape your child’s future.
Application Windows For Each Academic Year:
April 18th - June 1st, OR
November 1st - December 1st
How It Works
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.
How to Apply
Individual Tax Credit
Solicitantes
Important Notice
To protect donor privacy and comply with Arizona STO regulations, STO4KIDZ is unable to share or discuss individual donor contribution details. Donor records are confidential and not accessible to applicants or schools. We are only able to share overall information, such as the total number of donor recommendations received and the total scholarship funds available for awards. Thank you for helping us protect our donors and preserve this valuable scholarship program for Arizona students.
Applicant Checklist
Every child deserves an education that fits their needs.
STO4KIDZ provides scholarships for families of all income levels—your child simply needs to be enrolled or in the process of enrolling in an Arizona K-12 private school.
Who Can Apply
Every child deserves an education that fits their needs. STO4KIDZ provides scholarships for families of all income levels, your child simply needs to be enrolled or in the process of enrolling in an Arizona K-12 private school.
When To Apply
- April 18th – June 1st, (Primary application window) OR
- November 1st – December 1st
- Applications expire each May 31st and must be renewed annually for the next school year.
NOTE: Applications are online only; status updates will be sent by email. To help us serve all families efficiently, please do not call or email for status updates.
How To Apply
Start by creating your family portal account here.
(A) Apply online if your child is currently enrolled or enrolling in an Arizona K-12 private school this year during one of our application windows. You’ll need to provide Financial Documents (except for foster students) and a Student Supplemental Document.
(B) Start early! Planning to enroll your child in a private school? Create your family account and submit a Preliminary Registration to start fundraising and receiving donor-recommended tax-credit contributions for your child up to 1–2 years before enrollment.
- Request your FREE Toolkit – Everything you need to begin fundraising now. Secure support early with tools designed to help you succeed!
- Once your child is enrolled, apply for financial aid between April 18 – June 1. We will then start releasing the funds as tuition awards.
🎓 Maximize Your Child’s Tuition Aid with Tax Credit Scholarships
Arizona lets individuals and corporations redirect their state taxes, at no cost, to support private school tuition. Your child may qualify for scholarships, and by spreading the word to friends, family, and local businesses, you can help grow the support and maximize tuition aid for your child.
- Individual tax credit scholarships, including donor-recommended awards. (Donors may recommend tax credit gifts for your child’s tuition, which result in significantly greater tuition aid.)
- Corporate tax credit scholarships, based on financial need and other eligibility criteria.
💡Important: Your child’s application will be reviewed for possible need-based awards, but donor support is not automatic. In keeping with Arizona STO regulations and our commitment to donor privacy, individual donor information is kept confidential. We can share general totals such as number of recommendations received and available scholarship funds.
📅 Get Informed, Get Funded – Join a Workshop
Whether you’re new or returning, join our Thursday workshops to learn how the program works and unlock more support for your child’s tuition. Need extra help? Schedule a one-on-one appointment and get personalized guidance. Detail here
You’ll get access to:
✅ Complementary toolkit for donor outreach
✅ Expert guidance on qualifying for all STO awards
✅ Strategies to help maximize your tuition assistance
Request Your Tools for Success
Fund Your Child’s Future with Confidence.
STO4KIDZ offers a range of free resources and tools to help you successfully obtain tax credit recommendations for your child(ren).
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 2026/27 school year, upload your 2025 tax document)
- If self-employed, ALSO upload your IRS transcript, tax return, or Schedule C (sample), and Schedule E (sample) (uploaded form must not require a password to view)
- Student applicant name must be listed on the tax form of the parent who applies for STO financial aid.
- If the parent/guardian alternates years claiming the applicant, the parent who claims the child on taxes for the current school year must upload the tax document.
- If the student is not claimed as a dependent and the applying parent is unable to obtain financial documents from the person who did, please complete this form and upload it into the application.
- If you file an extension, please upload your IRS extension approval into the application. Tax documents may be uploaded into the application portal through October 15. Your application will remain incomplete until all required documents have been uploaded and received through the portal.
- MUST ALSO upload applicable Student Supplemental Document(s)
FOR NON-TAX FILERS:
- Download and complete this Statement Income Affidavit to upload along with any applicable document during the application process: Social Security benefit statements – Welfare benefit statements (DES) – Retirement benefit statements – Proof of child support or alimony – Rental income, pension income, or additional income
- 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. You may also upload a hardship letter.
- MUST ALSO upload applicable Student Supplemental Document(s)
STUDENT SUPPLEMENTAL FORMS/DOCUMENTS (If applicable)
- Public/Charter School Attendance Verification Form (1st year in private school)
- Past STO Award Verification Form (Attended a private school in past year(s) and received STO award)
- Displaced Student Verification Form (Has been in foster care at one point)
- 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).
- If applicant was on ESA during prior school year, and has opted out to utilize STO funding, must upload ESA closed account verification .
- 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. The application expires on May 31st each school year, and you must submit a new application for the subsequent year.
- STO4KIDZ must verify your student’s enrollment and tuition balance with your private school. Application submission is your acknowledgment.
- You will be notified via email each time your student receives a tuition award.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Email application-related communications to info@sto4kidz.org. Thou application does not guarantee STO award, but we aim to assist every applicant. Explore our free tools to boost donor recommendations and maximize awards.
- Please refrain from inquiring about the status of your application before August 30th.
Important Notice:
To protect donor privacy and comply with Arizona STO regulations, donor-specific information cannot be shared with applicants or schools. STO4KIDZ may only provide the total number of donor recommendations received and the total scholarship funds available for award.
Thank you for helping us protect our donors and preserve this valuable scholarship program for Arizona students.
STO4KIDZ Awards Timelines:
- Individual (Original & Switcher) and donor-recommended awards are distributed monthly from August to May. (July awards depend on available funds.)
- Corporate (Low-Income & Disabled/Displaced) awards are distributed twice a year, at the start of each semester, based on funding availability.
Share The News
Parents/guardians play a key role in raising contributions. Share the materials and resources to help you. Ready, Set, Go!
Do you have questions like:
What Are the Basis for STO4KIDZ Tuition Aid Awards?
ESA vs. STO Funding: How to Decide?
These questions and many others are answered in our Applicant FAQ's in our resource section.