School Choice

Contrary to Allegations, the Data Show Little Fraud in Arizona School Choice Program

Education freedom is under attack, including baseless accusations.

J.D. Tuccille | 3.27.2026 7:00 AM

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Arizona's Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has long waged war against the state's school choice programs, reserving particular venom for Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA), which allow much per-pupil education funding to follow students to their preferred schooling. She's been assisted in her crusade by some media outlets which have amplified inaccurate stories about ESAs. But the ESA program remains not just wildly popular but, according to researchers, also well-managed.

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Is a Popular Program Rife With Fraud?

"About 2.0% of dollars spent by ESA account holders is for items that are unallowable under program rules," the Arizona Department of Education announced earlier this month in response to allegations of widespread fraud. "In addition, actual fraud or egregious purchases are at 0.3%, according to the same study."

There's a story behind that announcement, as you might expect. It's the tale of a fight over a very popular school choice program that's despised by a few politicians and their supporters.

As of this week, 102,598 Arizona students use ESAs to pay private school tuition, for curriculum, home education, tutoring, and other education expenses. Instead of being locked to specific brick-and-mortar buildings, 90 percent of per-pupil funding is........

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