ESA & Funding
Arizona ESA Sports and PE Equipment: Helmets, Cleats, and Limits (2026)
What sports and PE equipment Arizona ESA covers — protective gear, cleats, uniforms — the PE plan that makes it approvable, which category to file it under, and how spending limits really work.
8 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.
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!
Bautista Kajukenbo MMA
Our mission is to build the well rounded martial artist that can navigate life using martial arts as the platform to deliver tenets from the Bible. And spread the good word of Jesus as we build an ohana to serve people in this world God has created. Our Tiny Dragons, Little Dragons, and Dragon Warrior classes are a great opportunity to start your Family’s Kajukenbo journey. Along with Kajukenbo we offer Lady Dragons(Women’s self defense), Muay Thai, Boxing, individual fitness training, and tai chi for the senior dragons (coming soon) Kajukenbo is more than just learning martial arts techniques, it’s a way of life. Ready for a fun-filled experience? Get your gear and mark your calendars. We can’t wait to see you soon!
2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness, Glendale AZ
🥋 More Than Martial Arts. We Build Stronger People. 2KnuckleSports is a family-first Mixed Martial Arts Dojo built on discipline, respect, accountability, 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. Ages 3+ children, teens, and adults: ✅ Build lasting confidence ✅ Develop discipline and self-control ✅ Become physically and mentally stronger ✅ Learn real-world self-defense ✅ Grow into respectful leaders Our faith is not separated from everyday life. We train with faith in Jesus Christ, striving to lead with humility, courage, self-control, and service. Because what is built on the mat should show up at home, at school, at work, and throughout the community. This is more than training. This is transformation. Schedule your FREE Private Lesson or Free Class today and experience the difference at 2KnuckleSports MMA & Fitness in Glendale, AZ
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."**
Class fees are the easy part. Where Arizona ESA families get stuck is the gear: helmets, cleats, mouthguards, shin guards, a gi, gymnastics grips, swim equipment. Is protective equipment covered? Under what category? How much per year? And what separates an approved submission from a denial?
This is the equipment companion to the Arizona ESA Sports & Athletics Guide.
Not legal, tax, or financial advice. Confirm current rules with the ESA Parent Handbook before purchasing.
The rule that governs all of it
Sports equipment isn't approved because it's sports equipment. It's approved when it is required for a physical-education course your student is enrolled in or that you've documented in their education plan.
Three things have to be true, and you should be able to show all three:
- There's a PE plan or an enrolled class. A one-page physical education plan naming the activity, goals, schedule, and required equipment — or an enrollment confirmation from the program.
- The gear is required, not optional. Equipment a program mandates is the strongest case. A nicer version of gear you already own is the weakest.
- It's for the enrolled student. Not a sibling, not a parent, not the family.
Write the plan before you buy. A plan dated after the receipt is the most common weakness reviewers find.
What generally qualifies
- Required protective equipment — helmets, mouthguards, shoulder pads, shin guards, headgear, protective cups
- Sport-specific footwear that isn't street shoes — cleats, wrestling shoes, gymnastics grips
- Required uniforms and instructional attire — a jiu-jitsu gi, a leotard, a swim cap and goggles for a swim course
- Equipment the course requires — a racket, ball, bat, or resistance bands for a documented conditioning course
What generally doesn't
- Competition and tournament entry fees — paying to compete isn't instruction
- Travel, hotels, and team-travel costs
- Team spirit wear and spectator gear
- General family fitness equipment — treadmills and home gyms are a hard sell without a documented, individualized need
- Duplicate gear for a sibling not on the plan
- Replacing gear you simply grew tired of
Gray-area items — a bike, a kayak, a specialty machine — are exactly what pre-approval exists for. Ask before you spend.
Which category does the gear go under?
- The class, lesson, or coaching → Tutoring and Teaching Services
- The equipment itself → Supplemental Materials, tied to the PE plan
Don't file gear under the class fee to keep one tidy submission — the reviewer sees a service invoice that doesn't match the items. Full breakdown in Which ESA Expense Category Do I Pick?.
Is there a spending limit on PE equipment?
There is no single published dollar figure parents can point to, and anyone quoting one confidently is guessing. What reviewers apply is a reasonableness test against the documented activity:
- Gear matching the level and volume of the activity is routine.
- A large one-time purchase for a once-a-week beginner class draws attention.
- Repeat purchases of the same item in one year need an explanation — outgrown, broken, or a second required set.
Keep receipts and a short note on why each item was needed. If you replace something mid-year, document the reason at the time, not during an audit. See the ESA audits guide.
Worked examples
Flag football, first season. Mouthguard, cleats, and the league-required protective set, bought alongside an enrolled league class. The PE plan names the league, season dates, and the league's required equipment list. Straightforward.
Gymnastics plus a home beam. The class fee goes under tutoring and teaching services; grips and a leotard are supplemental. A full-size home beam is a gray area — pre-approve it. See ESA Gymnastics and Tumbling.
Jiu-jitsu. Tuition is clean; the required gi is reasonable supplemental gear. Tournament registration is not covered. See ESA Jiu-Jitsu in Arizona.
Swim lessons. Lesson fees under tutoring and teaching services; a required cap and goggles are supplemental. A backyard pool is not an ESA expense. See Can I Use ESA for Swim Lessons?.
Competitive dance. Class instruction is covered; competition fees and costumes generally are not. See ESA Dance and Ballet in Arizona.
A five-line PE plan template
Copy this, fill it in, date it before you buy, and keep it with the receipts.
- Student and grade:
- Activity and provider: (e.g., flag football, [league name], Sept–Nov 2026)
- Learning goals: motor skills, conditioning, teamwork, rules of play
- Schedule: e.g., one 60-minute session weekly plus home practice
- Required equipment: list each item and why the program requires it
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arizona ESA pay for cleats and protective gear?▼
Is there a dollar limit on ESA sports equipment?▼
Which category does sports gear go under in ClassWallet?▼
Are tournament and competition fees covered?▼
Do I need a PE plan before I buy equipment?▼
Can I buy a treadmill or home gym equipment with ESA funds?▼
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.