Is the Arizona Private Education Scholarship Fund a legitimate school tuition organization?
Yes! The Arizona Private Education Scholarship Fund is an official 501(c)(3) tax-exempt school tuition organization that was established in 1998. APESF allocates at least 90 percent of its annual revenue to educational scholarships, and makes its scholarships available to students of more than one qualified school. It is governed by a highly qualified Board of Directors who have been significant supporters of private education in Arizona for many years. Please read our Mission Statement for more information.
How is APESF different from other school tuition organizations?
In many ways, all of the Arizona STO’s should be very similar as the Arizona statute that governs this program is quite clear as to how every STO is to operate. The primary differences would be evidenced in how each STO serves its participating donors, schools and families. APESF has been consistent in providing its donors, participating schools and scholarship recipient families, with all of the benefits that the tax credit allows, with a strong commitment to personal service and the development of unique communication strategies. We are not the largest STO, but one of the most personal and emulated.
What is a qualified schoool?
A qualified school is a non-governmental preschool for handicapped students, or a non-governmental primary or secondary school located in Arizona. The school cannot discriminate on the basis of race, color, handicap, familial status, or national origin. The primary school begins with kindergarten and the secondary school ends with grade 12.
Will the Department of Revenue certify school tuition organizations?
No. There is no requirement that the department certify a school tuition organization. However, the taxpayer should ask questions of the organization to determine if the organization (1) is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) allocates 90 percent of its annual revenues to scholarships; and (3) makes scholarships available to students of more than one school.
Where are you located?
We are located in Scottsdale, Arizona on the corner of Frank Lloyd Wright and Raintree Boulevard. Click here for a map to our office.
On average, how many private schools does APESF award scholarships to in a given year?
In 2008, the Arizona Private Education Scholarship Fund awarded scholarships to 45 private schools and was among the top 8 school tuition organizations that awarded grant/scholarships to more than 25 schools in the Valley. Click Here to view a list of qualified schools.