Surprise ESA Microschools
Every Arizona ESA-approved Christian microschool in Surprise - 7 programs where families can apply Empowerment Scholarship Account funds directly to tuition. Updated for the 2026-27 school year.
ESA-approved Christian microschools in Surprise
FeaturedLittle Light Academy
Little Light Academy is a two-day microschool designed for students working at a 3rd–5th grade academic skill level, where learning is personalized, hands-on, and meaningful. Through small class sizes, project-based learning, and engaging instruction, students are encouraged to grow academically while building confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. Led by a certified teacher with over 15 years of combined tutoring and classroom experience, Little Light Academy partners with homeschooling families to provide individualized instruction in math, reading, writing, science, social studies, and life skills. Our goal is to create a nurturing learning environment where every child is known, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
FeaturedLittle Risers Schoolhouse
Little Risers Schoolhouse is a faith-based, back-to-basics school located in Surprise. Our mission is to help raise the next generation to know the Lord, in education, and life skills! We begin each day with the pledges, Bible time, and standard-based academics to build a strong educational foundation for every child. After academics, we transition into hands-on life skills learning, where students engage in meaningful activities such as gardening, caring for our farm animals, cooking, sewing, and more. Our goal is to nurture the whole child academically, spiritually, and practically by helping them grow in knowledge, character, and real-life skills. We offer a full-time program Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with before and aftercare available for families who need additional flexibility.
FeaturedYoung Creatives
We offer both classes and Microschool options for students who want to explore creativity based on Christian principles. Students explore painting ,drawing ,multiple media,sculpture,sewing,ceramic painting and other fantastic artisan crafts. We teach students actual fine art skills but break steps down to simple instructions students in a fun and encouraging way. Students are taught to work as a team,stay focused and do their best work. Happy accidents are ways to grow and helps them build perseverance through encouragement . We also offer an online option for students that need that flexibility.
Charchelly’s Culinary Academy
Charchelly’s Culinary Academy At Charchelly’s Culinary Academy, we believe the kitchen is where confidence, creativity, and life skills are built. Our mission is to reconnect children, teens, and families with the heart of the home by teaching real cooking—not just recipes, but the knowledge and techniques that create capable, confident home cooks for life. In a world filled with convenience foods and fast-paced schedules, we are committed to preserving the art of scratch cooking while making learning fun, engaging, and accessible for every student. Founded by Chef Charles, a culinary professional with over 20 years of industry experience, and Chef Michelle, a passionate recipe developer and educator, our academy blends professional culinary training with a warm, family-centered environment. Together, we teach students that cooking is more than preparing a meal—it’s a lifelong skill that builds independence, teamwork, problem-solving, math, science, cultural appreciation, and self-confidence. Our programs serve children, teens, homeschool families, and adults throughout Arizona. We offer weekly culinary classes, homeschool enrichment, birthday parties, private lessons, family cooking experiences, seasonal camps, workshops, and community events. Classes are intentionally kept small so every student receives individualized instruction, hands-on practice, and meaningful mentorship. A typical class begins with kitchen safety, sanitation, and an introduction to the day’s culinary skill. Students then practice professional techniques such as knife skills, measuring, food preparation, seasoning, cooking methods, baking fundamentals, and plating. Every student prepares food from scratch using fresh ingredients while learning the “why” behind each technique. Classes conclude with tasting, reflection, cleanup, and recipe discussions so students leave with both knowledge and confidence they can immediately use at home. Our curriculum goes far beyond simply following recipes. Students develop real-world culinary skills including: * Knife safety and proper cutting techniques * Kitchen organization and food safety * Baking and pastry fundamentals * International and cultural cuisine * Scratch cooking and meal preparation * Sauce making and seasoning * Budget-friendly meal planning * Nutrition and healthy cooking habits * Teamwork, communication, and leadership * Creativity and recipe development What truly makes Charchelly’s Culinary Academy different is our focus on building life skills through culinary education. Every lesson is designed to help students become more independent, confident, and capable both inside and outside the kitchen. We create an encouraging environment where mistakes become learning opportunities, curiosity is celebrated, and every student is empowered to succeed regardless of previous cooking experience. Whether a child dreams of becoming a chef, wants to help prepare family meals, needs practical life skills before adulthood, or simply enjoys creating something delicious, our academy provides a welcoming space where every student can grow. We aren’t just teaching people how to cook—we’re helping build confidence, strengthen families, preserve culinary traditions, and inspire the next generation to create meaningful memories around the table.
Azusa Christian Academy
At Azusa Christian Academy, our mission is to nurture hearts and minds in the light of Christ’s teachings. We are a small K–8 Christian micro school focused on faith-based learning, small class sizes, and individualized instruction. Students are grouped in mixed-grade classrooms and supported through a blend of teacher-led lessons. The program includes daily academics, weekly chapel, and hands-on activities, with a strong emphasis on character, spiritual growth, and meeting diverse student needs in a close, supportive environment.
Refresh Learning Center
We disciple children and inspire lifelong learning. We are a micro school serving K-12, a ministry of Refresh Calvary. We meet 4 days per week with hands-on learning, a focus on reading and letting kids be kids.
Cross Christian Academy
Christian microschool in Surprise, AZ.
How Arizona ESA works in Surprise
Arizona's universal Empowerment Scholarship Account gives every Surprise family roughly $7,000+ per student per year to spend on approved education expenses, including tuition at registered ESA microschools. Funds are administered through ClassWallet and paid directly to the approved Surprise microschool you choose.
Read the full Arizona ESA Guide →