Sierra Vista Family Embraces Homeschooling Through Arizona's ESA Program

The Moores, a former military couple, say the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts have been life-changing for their two sons, but they worry about misuse of the program.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An out-of-focus, dreamlike photograph in soft, warm hues depicting the blurred silhouettes of educational materials and technology in a cozy, home-based learning space.A homeschool environment fostering personalized education and family values for this former military couple and their two sons.Sierra Vista Today

Chris and Heidi Moore, a former Army officer and Chief Warrant Officer, have embraced homeschooling their two sons in Sierra Vista, Arizona through the state's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. The ESA program allows families to use state education funds for homeschooling or private school. The Moores say the program has been transformative for their family, providing a personalized education rooted in faith and discipline. However, they are concerned about reports of misuse within the ESA program and hope the Department of Education will implement better controls to prevent abuse.

Why it matters

The ESA program in Arizona has grown to over 100,000 students, representing a significant shift in how families approach education. While the Moores have found great success with homeschooling through the program, concerns about misuse could threaten the future of the initiative and impact families like theirs who rely on it.

The details

Chris and Heidi Moore, a former Army officer and Chief Warrant Officer, have built a life in Sierra Vista, Arizona centered around family, faith, and education. After serving in the military, they decided to homeschool their two sons, Nicholas and Lewis, using Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. The ESA program allows families to use state education funds for homeschooling or private school tuition. The Moores' classroom is a converted sitting area filled with laptops, books, and a rigorous curriculum covering eight subjects per day, including a foreign language. While the boys had been doing well in public school, Heidi felt called to homeschool in order to provide the best education and keep her children close. The Moores bring discipline and structure from their military backgrounds to their homeschooling approach, and they also weave in their Catholic faith through daily routines like attending Mass and learning Latin. Despite their commitment to homeschooling, the Moores see the ESA program as a stepping stone and plan to continue this approach through middle school before deciding on high school.

  • The Moores decided to homeschool their sons in December 2024.
  • The Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program now has more than 100,000 students across the state.

The players

Chris and Heidi Moore

A former Army officer and Chief Warrant Officer who have embraced homeschooling their two sons in Sierra Vista, Arizona through the state's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program.

Nicholas and Lewis Moore

The Moores' two sons, ages 12 and 11, who are homeschooled by their parents using the ESA program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was really calling on me. That this is something that I should do to keep my children close and...provide the best education that I could for them.”

— Heidi Moore, Mother

“Horrified. I don't know how people could think that was right. The ESA community I'm in—we're all shocked.”

— Heidi Moore, Mother

“It hurts the youth in the long run. And that would be too bad, because...these children are thriving in this environment.”

— Chris Moore, Father

What’s next

The Department of Education has indicated it will be reviewing the ESA program's internal controls to address concerns about potential misuse and ensure the program continues to benefit families like the Moores.

The takeaway

The Moores' story highlights the transformative impact the ESA program can have on families who embrace homeschooling, but also underscores the need for robust oversight to prevent abuse and protect the program's long-term viability.