ESA & Funding
Can I Use ESA for Gymnastics? (2026 Arizona Guide)
Yes as structured instruction. Arizona ESA covers recreational and developmental gymnastics classes at credentialed gyms; competitive-team fees are not covered.
4 min read · Updated
Arizona programs: Homeschool Sports & Athletics in Arizona
Directory listings that match this guide. Tap a card to call, email, or visit the program's site.
10th Planet Scottsdale
10th Planet Scottsdale is North Scottsdale's home for high-level No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with programs for kids as young as four through adults. Our Kids Jiu Jitsu program blends games, conditioning, and technique to build confidence, discipline, self-defense skills, and emotional regulation in a fun, supportive environment, ideal for after-school or homeschool enrichment. We are an approved Arizona ESA vendor through ClassWallet, so families can apply their ESA funds directly toward our regular Kids Jiu Jitsu program at our existing class times, no separate class or extra paperwork required. A typical week includes multiple kids classes plus adult No-Gi and striking sessions at our Scottsdale facility, which also features an on-site sauna and cold plunge recovery suite. We welcome beginners and experienced students alike, with a no-contract, no-registration-fee membership policy. Families love our friendly instructors, welcoming community, and the confidence their kids build on and off the mats.
212 Athlete
Adrian Gomez is a former ASU and University of Washington pitcher, Adrian owns 212 Athlete and has been in the East Valley for over 13 years and produced over 400+ college commit baseball players. Adrian served a mission for his church in Guadalajara Mexico and has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. Adrian Gomez hopes players build confidence both on and off the mound.
2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness Surprise/El Mirage
As a family-first dojo, we are a community dedicated to improving lives and uniting families through mixed martial arts. Our mission is to develop confident leaders with strong character through mixed martial arts, fitness, discipline, and mentorship. Every class is designed to help students grow physically, mentally and emotionally while learning valuable life skills such as respect, perseverance, integrity and self-control. We proudly serve children, teens, adults and families throughout Surprise, El Mirage and the surrounding communities because we believe strong families build strong communities. Whether your goal is to gain confidence, improve fitness, learn self-defense, compete, or simply become the best version of yourself, you'll find encouragement, accountability, and a place to belong.
Abide Physical Therapy
At Abide Physical Therapy, our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-informed care that restores movement, reduces pain, and empowers every patient with the confidence that their body has the ability to heal and thrive. We are committed to placing patients first, pursuing clinical excellence, leading with integrity, and serving every individual with hope and compassion throughout their healing journey. Abide Physical Therapy was built on the belief that healthcare should provide more than symptom relief—it should educate, encourage, and empower. As a follower of Jesus Christ, Dr. Michelle established Abide with a desire to bring truth, hope, and healing into the lives of others through exceptional physical therapy care. Abide is proud to partner with Arizona's **Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program** to provide specialized physical therapy services for children, adolescents, and young adults. Our practice is uniquely different from traditional physical therapy because we emphasize advanced **hands-on manual therapy** combined with individualized exercise, movement training, and patient education. Every treatment session is one-on-one, allowing our clinicians to identify the root cause of movement challenges and develop personalized treatment plans that help patients recover more efficiently. We work closely with families to improve strength and coordination, motor skill development, balance, functional mobility, sensory and autonomic regulation, confidence, and independence. Whether treating orthopedic conditions, developmental delays, neurological disorders, hypermobility, or other physical disabilities, our goal is to help every individual participate more fully at home, in school, and within their community. Education is central to everything we do. Families often tell us they appreciate understanding *why* their child is experiencing certain symptoms and *how* treatment will help. By explaining what is happening within the body, we help reduce fear, build confidence, and empower families to become active partners in the healing process. At Abide, we believe exceptional care combines clinical expertise with genuine compassion. From early morning through evening appointments, our clinicians are dedicated to providing individualized care that gives every patient hope, restores confidence in movement, and reminds them that healing is possible. Our greatest privilege is walking alongside families as they pursue their loved one's fullest potential. We are honored to serve Arizona's ESA community and remain committed to providing specialized, hands-on care that helps every patient move better, feel better, and thrive.
Adaptive Group Fitness Program
Our Adaptive Fitness Program is an interactive group fitness class designed specifically for teens and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants build strength, improve mobility and cardiovascular health, develop healthy lifestyle habits, and gain confidence—all while forming meaningful friendships in a supportive, inclusive environment. Led by owner Julian Klein and co-coach Trish Grothe, an autistic coach and mother of a child with autism, our program is built on both professional experience and lived understanding.
Arizona Mobile Swim
At Arizona Mobile Swim, we believe swim lessons are about so much more than learning strokes. They're about giving families confidence, helping kids stay safer around the water, and meeting each child exactly where they are. We offer private, one-on-one swim lessons because every swimmer learns differently. Whether a child is nervous around the water, has special needs, has struggled in group lessons, or is simply ready to build stronger skills, we tailor every lesson to that individual swimmer. Our goal isn't to force every child through the same program, it's to teach in a way that makes sense for them. Our lessons are play-based, evidence-informed, and focused on building real water competency in a positive, encouraging environment. We partner closely with parents and celebrate every milestone, whether that's putting their face in the water for the first time or swimming independently. Lessons take place either at one of our host pools or in your own backyard pool through our mobile program. What makes us different is simple: we genuinely care about the families we serve. We believe every child deserves individualized instruction, every parent deserves honest guidance, and every lesson should leave a swimmer more confident than when they arrived. It's a privilege to be part of each family's village, and we don't take that responsibility lightly.
Arizona Olympian Gymnastics
We create a safe, supportive environment where kids can grow, build confidence, and fall in love with the sport of gymnastics. From their very first forward roll to mastering advanced skills, we're here to help every child develop strength, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement. Our owner, Ryan, was homeschooled from preschool through college and is a strong supporter of Arizona's homeschool community. We are proud to welcome homeschooling families to Arizona Olympian Gymnastics and are happy to help guide parents through the ESA process, including providing any required documentation. As a USA Gymnastics member club, we fully comply with ESA guidelines. Ryan also serves on the USA Gymnastics Arizona State Committee, helping support and strengthen gymnastics throughout our state. We would love the opportunity to welcome your family to Arizona Olympian Gymnastics. If you have any questions about our programs, homeschooling, or ESA funding, please don't hesitate to reach out—we're always happy to help.
Arizona Set Point
Our mission is to assist those who have chosen not to be in the public school system. Inviting them to continue their socialization skills and passion for volleyball &/or fitness. Volleyball has become a big part of the youth community, and we love the approach we have and offer to ages 9-17u in their training. Whether it is the basic fundamental skills or advanced position specifics, we have the coaching for your athlete! We offer weekly clinic trainings along with private lessons and special events. We are NOT a volleyball club. We are strictly a training facility focusing on helping build your child's skills and confidence for on and off the volleyball court. Please let us know how we can help your family!!
Art in Motion Dance Company
This fall, Art in Motion Dance Company is excited to welcome dancers ages 3–18 for another season of learning, growth, and fun! Whether your child is stepping into the studio for the very first time or returning for another year, every class is designed to help dancers build confidence, develop strong technique, and create lasting friendships in a positive and encouraging environment. At Art in Motion, I believe every dancer deserves a place to shine. My classes focus on helping each student grow at their own pace while making dance an experience they look forward to every week. I can’t wait to welcome both new and returning families this August and make this fall season one to remember!
2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness, Glendale AZ
🥋 More Than Martial Arts. We Build Stronger People. 2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness is a family-first dojo built on discipline, respect, accountability, faith, and earned progress. Through Nikidokai, our exclusive martial arts system available only at 2KnuckleSports, students develop practical self-defense skills through striking, grappling, fitness, and traditional Mixed Martial Arts training. Programs for ages 3 through adults: ✅ Build lasting confidence ✅ Develop discipline and self-control ✅ Become physically and mentally stronger ✅ Learn practical, real-world self-defense ✅ Develop leadership, respect, and accountability ✅ Train in a positive, family-focused environment Our faith is not separated from everyday life. We train with **faith in Jesus Christ**, striving to lead with humility, courage, self-control, service, and respect for others. Because what is built on the mat should carry over into home, school, work, family, and the community. This is more than training. This is transformation. ⭐ Start with our $45 Starter Course Your Starter Course includes: 🥋 2 Private Lessons 🥊 1 Group Class 🎯 An opportunity for our instructors to learn your goals and help place you in the right program ✅ No experience necessary ✅ Ages 3+ ✅ Arizona ESA Direct Vendor It’s a great opportunity for your family to experience 2KnuckleSports before deciding on the right membership program. 📍 2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness — Glendale, AZ 👉 Get started here: https://2knucklesportsglendaleaz.com/intro 2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness, Glendale, AZ Your Family First Dojo Philippians 4:13
A2Z Sports Training
At A2Z, we develop the complete athlete,body, mind, and character. Rooted in biblical principles of discipline, perseverance, excellence, and community, our programs help young people build confidence, overcome challenges, and pursue their God-given potential through sports. We emphasize proper mechanics, injury prevention, measurable progress, and a positive, encouraging environment where faith and family values are celebrated. Many of our coaches are former athletes and long-time A2Z families who now pour into the next generation.
AZ Dynasty Athletic Gymnastics AllStar Cheer Dance Training Facility
**AZ Dynasty Athletics** is a family-owned Christian-based cheerleading, gymnastics, tumbling, dance, and Trampoline & Tumbling (TNT) training center dedicated to developing confident, disciplined, and respectful young athletes in a positive, encouraging environment. Since 2014, we have been committed to providing quality instruction with a "Quality Over Quantity" philosophy, ensuring every athlete receives personalized coaching and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our programs serve children starting age 3 years old and up of all experience levels—from beginners discovering a new passion to competitive athletes striving for excellence. We offer Recreational Tumbling, Cheerleading, Dance, Trampoline & Tumbling (TNT), and All-Star Cheer programs with flexible scheduling for homeschooling families, including daytime class options when available. A typical week focuses on progressive skill development, strength, flexibility, coordination, teamwork, leadership, and goal setting. Athletes learn proper technique through structured lesson plans while building confidence and lifelong friendships. Families appreciate our small class sizes, experienced certified coaching staff, positive atmosphere, and emphasis on character both inside and outside the gym. As a Christian-friendly organization, we believe athletics can be a powerful tool for teaching perseverance, integrity, respect, responsibility, and encouragement. We strive to create an environment where every child feels welcomed, valued, and inspired to do their very best. Families love AZ Dynasty because we treat every athlete like family. Whether your child wants to stay active, improve athletic ability, prepare for school sports, or compete at the highest levels of cheer and gymnastics, our coaches are passionate about helping each athlete succeed while making the journey fun and rewarding. We welcome homeschool families from throughout the West Valley and invite you to come experience why so many families choose AZ Dynasty Athletics as their home for youth sports and athletic development. **Programs Offered:** * Recreational Cheer * Recreational Tumbling * All-Star Cheer (Non-Travel, Limited Travel & Travel) * Trampoline & Tumbling (TNT) * Dance * Open Gym * Private Lessons **"Building Strong Athletes. Building Strong Character. Building Confidence for Life."**
For the full list of what ESA does and doesn't cover — with a 20-row quick-answer table — see the Arizona ESA Approved Purchases hub.
Short answer: yes, as structured instruction. Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds cover gymnastics as physical education when the child is enrolled in instructor-led classes at a credentialed gym. Recreational classes, developmental classes, and homeschool PE gymnastics blocks all qualify. Competitive-team season fees, travel meets, and leotards for competition are handled differently and often denied.
For the ESA overview, start with the Arizona ESA Homeschool Guide.
What Clears
- Recreational or developmental gymnastics classes at a USA Gymnastics-member gym or a similarly credentialed program
- Homeschool PE gymnastics classes designed for daytime homeschool students
- Private instruction with a credentialed coach
- Tumbling and parkour classes with instructor-led curriculum
The provider needs an appropriate credential (USA Gymnastics, USAG safety certification, or business accreditation / signed attestation for the gym) and the class needs to be recurring and structured.
What Gets Denied
- Competitive-team season fees and travel-meet entries — these get flagged as league/tournament fees, which are on the denial list
- Leotards, warm-ups, and team apparel for competition
- Family open-gym passes and drop-in bounce sessions
- Gymnastics birthday parties and one-off events
Grey area: some gyms bundle "team coaching" with instruction. If the invoice is itemized as instructional coaching hours (as opposed to team dues), the instructional portion is often approved. Ask the gym to write the invoice that way.
How Payment Works
Two paths, same as every other ESA expense:
- ClassWallet Direct Pay if the gym is a registered ClassWallet vendor
- Reimbursement with the itemized invoice
Larger Arizona gymnastics facilities have become ClassWallet vendors as the homeschool market has grown. Smaller studios often issue itemized reimbursement invoices.
Cost in Arizona
- Recreational class (weekly, 45–60 min): $80–$140/month
- Homeschool daytime PE class: $70–$120/month
- Private coaching: $60–$100/hour
- Tumbling / parkour classes: $85–$150/month
FAQ
Can I use ESA for gymnastics classes? Yes — recreational and developmental classes at a credentialed gym are ESA-eligible as PE.
Can I use ESA for competitive-team fees? Not for team dues, meet fees, or travel expenses. Instructional coaching hours can be itemized separately.
Does ESA cover a leotard or grips? Not competition apparel. Practice apparel is generally treated as everyday clothing and denied.
Can I use ESA for a birthday party at a gymnastics gym? No. One-off recreation isn't educational.
Does ESA cover parkour or tumbling classes? Yes on the same terms as gymnastics — instructor-led, recurring, credentialed provider.
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ESA for gymnastics classes?▼
Can I use ESA for competitive-team fees?▼
Does ESA cover leotards or grips?▼
Still have ESA questions?
Ask the Arizona ESA Assistant - a chat grounded in ADE policy, ClassWallet rules, and Arizona homeschool law. Try one of these, or type your own.
- Can I use ESA funds for Bible curriculum in Arizona?
- How long does ClassWallet reimbursement take?
- Do I need a curriculum to buy school supplies with ESA?
- What documents do I need for a ClassWallet reimbursement?
Not legal, tax, or financial advice. Always confirm current rules with the Arizona Department of Education.
Part of the ESA & funding hub
Arizona ESA Guide
How Empowerment Scholarship Accounts work, what they pay for, and how to apply through ClassWallet.
More from the ESA & funding hub
- Arizona ESA Guide (2026): Eligibility, Funds, and How to Apply
Arizona ESA in 2026: every K-12 student qualifies, ~$7,000-$8,000/year for curriculum, tutoring, microschool, hybrid, online, and more. Eligibility, funds, how to apply.
- Arizona ESA-Approved Bible Curriculum: 2026 Family Guide
Use Arizona ESA funds for Bible-based homeschool curriculum. How approval works, which Christian publishers qualify, and how to buy through ClassWallet in 2026.
- Christian Homeschool Sports in Mesa & the East Valley (2026 Guide)
Christian homeschool sports and athletics in Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler - homeschool league teams, martial arts, gymnastics, baseball, swim, and training, plus how Arizona ESA pays for them.
- How to Use ESA for Homeschool Curriculum in Arizona (2026 Guide)
How to use ESA for homeschool curriculum in Arizona: the 4-step process, ClassWallet vs Direct Pay vs Reimbursement, publisher-by-publisher approvals.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Confirm current rules with the Arizona Department of Education before acting.
