RISN ROOTS

TUITION

ESA & Self-Pay

Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)
RISN Roots Schoolhouse welcomes families who participate in Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program.
ESA funds may be used by eligible families to cover qualified educational expenses, including curriculum, instructional support, and approved educational services associated with enrollment at RISN Roots Schoolhouse.

Families are responsible for:

• Applying for and maintaining ESA eligibility

• Submitting expenses through the ESA portal

• Ensuring purchases comply with ESA program guidelines

Learn more about Arizona ESA and apply here:
👉 https://www.azed.gov/esa
 

Families who do not participate in the ESA program may enroll through self-pay tuition. Self-pay tuition covers the same instructional support, curriculum, and schoolhouse experience provided to ESA families.

Self-pay families benefit from:
 

• Transparent monthly or term-based tuition

• Curriculum included

• No ESA paperwork or reimbursement process
  
  A Note to Families

• RISN Roots Schoolhouse operates as a private learning program. While we support ESA families, participation in ESA does not imply endorsement, administration, or oversight by the Arizona Department of Education. Families remain the primary educational decision-makers for their child.

• If you have questions about whether ESA or self-pay is the right fit for your family, we’re happy to walk through options with you.

HOW WE LEARN

Curriculum Included

At RISN Roots Schoolhouse, our educators bring both professional experience and personal intention to the classroom. Our instructional team includes former district educators who are passionate about continuing the work they love in an alternative learning environment—one designed to better serve children, families, and the way students truly learn.

Core Curriculum

We provide core academic instruction as required by Arizona law, including:

• Reading

• Grammar

• Mathematics

• Social Studies

• Science

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These foundational subjects are taught through engaging, developmentally appropriate methods that support comprehension, confidence, and long-term understanding.

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Flexible & Responsive Curriculum

To best meet the needs of our students, RISN Roots Schoolhouse reserves the right to adjust or change curriculum selections from semester to semester. This flexibility allows us to respond thoughtfully to student growth, learning styles, and group dynamics while maintaining strong academic standards.

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Purpose-Driven Learning

RISN Roots Schoolhouse operates under the umbrella of RISN Homestead, which holds the belief that people thrive when they live with purpose. In addition to core academics, students are exposed to meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that reconnect them to foundational life skills—such as stewardship of animals, gardening, crafts, and practical skills that have been gradually lost across generations.

These experiences are woven into the learning environment to support responsibility, confidence, problem-solving, and a deeper sense of connection to the world around them.

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY

Weekly Schedule & Community Options

RISN Roots Schoolhouse currently meets on:

• Tuesdays

• Wednesdays

• Thursdays

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Families seeking additional learning or community days are welcome to explore other homeschool opportunities that meet at Saguaro Canyon Church. Participation in outside programs is optional and fully managed by the family.

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Additional homeschool community options include:

• Christian Heritage Homeschool Co-op
  Meets Mondays
  Independent and not affiliated with RISN Roots Schoolhouse or RISN Homestead
  👉 https://www.christianheritagehomeschool.org/

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• CHET-SE (Christian Home Educators of Tucson – Southeast)
  Meets Fridays at Saguaro Canyon Church
  Independent and not affiliated with RISN Roots Schoolhouse or RISN Homestead
  👉 https://www.chetseaz.com/

CONNECTION

Our Structure & Community Partnerships

RISN Roots Schoolhouse operates under the nonprofit umbrella of RISN Homestead, a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to education, stewardship, and community well-being. This structure allows us to focus on accessible, mission-driven learning while reinvesting directly into programs that serve families and children.

Our schoolhouse is housed at Saguaro Canyon Church, an independent 501(c)(3) that shares our commitment to supporting families and strengthening the local community. This partnership provides a safe, welcoming space and reflects a shared desire to serve - not only through education, but through compassion, collaboration, and outreach.

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Because of these nonprofit partnerships, limited scholarship opportunities may be available as funding allows. Scholarships are considered on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of supporting families who align with our values and demonstrate need.

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We are always happy to discuss tuition options, community support, and potential scholarship availability with families seeking the right fit.

Ecosystem

A Living Learning Ecosystem

At RISN Roots Schoolhouse, students are an active part of the church and broader community ecosystem. Learning extends beyond the classroom into real-life contribution—where what is created has meaning and purpose. From sewing and handcrafts to caring for animals, collecting eggs, making soaps, and growing vegetables, students experience the full cycle of stewardship and responsibility. Whenever possible, what is made is designed to go home with the student, reinforcing pride, skill, and connection. Any excess is shared through local farm stands or farmers markets, helping children see how their work supports community, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. This model fosters a deep understanding of care, contribution, and sovereignty, reflecting the belief that living in balance with creation and community was always the intention.

Outside Exploration

Field Trips

RISN Roots Schoolhouse offers quarterly field trip opportunities designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and strengthen community connection. Once per quarter, families are encouraged to gather for a planned group field trip or meet-up, providing students with shared experiences and hands-on learning in real-world settings.

Field trips may include experiences such as:

• Local farm and ranch tours

• Universities and educational institutions

• Community-based learning sites

• Other age-appropriate enrichment opportunities

Participation in field trips is optional and coordinated in advance. These experiences allow students and families to build relationships, explore new environments, and connect classroom learning to the world around them.

Fresh Flavors, Simple Recipes

Food & Nutrition

RISN Roots Schoolhouse does not provide breakfast or lunch, but we strongly encourage full tummies to support focus, energy, and a positive learning experience.

Please pack a healthy lunch and at least one nutritious snack for your child each day. We understand that children get hungry throughout the day, and we intentionally include multiple snack breaks to keep engagement high, energy balanced, and moods positive.

To support families, we’ve created a Healthy Snacks & Meals Planner, which includes:

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• Snack and lunch ideas

• A weekly meal planner

• A grocery list for easy preparation

See our Healthy Snacks & Meals Planner for guidance and inspiration.

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We take allergies and food sensitivities seriously. Families must disclose all known allergies on enrollment forms so we can make reasonable accommodations and communicate appropriately. While we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, student safety and awareness are a priority.