We're excited to welcome new and returning families to the 2025-2026 Arkansas Education Freedom Account (EFA) program! We know the application process can feel overwhelming, so we want to make sure you understand exactly how approvals work and what to expect.

FAQs

Find Answers to common questions about the program, test results, system issues, and more here. We hope this helps clarify your concerns.

All families, new and returning will be required to create an account and submit an EFA application for the 25-26 school year. New and returning families can begin the application process by clicking on the application link at https://dese.link/efa. The primary parent or guardian will need to create an account with FACTS. If you already have a FACTS account, simply log in using your existing credentials. For new users, create an account first, then log in through the application portal.

Once logged in, the primary EFA contact will complete the application by providing personal and demographic information. The next section of the application will collect student data, allowing families to add multiple students under the same family login.

• Renewal applicants will be asked to answer a few questions about their current experience in the program but will not need to upload additional documents.
• New applicants will need to complete the full application and provide proof of Arkansas residency and verification of student date of birth (such as a birth certificate or other official document."

Typically, applications take up to 10 days to process. However, due to the high volume of applications expected in the first Priority Window, approvals may take longer during the initial review period.

How Applications are Processed

Applications are not reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, they are evaluated and approved based on funding priority categories within designated application priority windows. Once a priority window closes, all submitted applications are reviewed together, with priority given to students in higher funding categories.

We remain optimistic that all Arkansas families who choose to participate in the EFA program will receive funding. However, if the number of applications exceeds available funding, those in the highest priority groups will be awarded first until all funds have been allocated. Any remaining eligible students will be placed on a rolling waitlist and will be considered for funding as openings occur, based on both their priority category and the date their eligibility was approved.

Who Gets Funded First? (Funding Priority Categories)

When applications are processed, they are reviewed in the following order:

Priority 1: Returning EFA Participants - Students who are continuing in the EFA program.

Priority 2: Students with Specialized Needs - Students who require additional educational support.

• Succeed Scholarship recipients
• Students with a disability under IDEA
• Homeless or foster students

Priority 3: Students from Underserved Educational Environments - Students previously enrolled in a school rated D or F in the previous academic year.

Priority 4: Military, First Responders, & Law Enforcement Families - Students who are, or whose parents are:

• Active-duty military
• Veterans
• Arkansas National Guard members
• Law enforcement officers
• First responders

Priority 5: Early Education Students - First-time kindergarten.

Priority 6: New Students Without a Priority Qualification - Students who do not fall into any of the above categories.

Application Processing Windows

To make the process as smooth as possible, applications will be reviewed and approved within the following three-week Priority Windows:

• Priority Window A: March 3-March 23
• Priority Window B: March 24-April 13
• Priority Window C: April 14-May 4
• Priority Window D: May 5-25

The application portal will be closed from May 26-June 1.

• Priority Window E: June 2-June 22
• Priority Window F: June 23-July 13
• Priority Window G: July 14-August 3

The program will continue processing applications in three-week Priority Windows until January 31, 2026.

If you have any questions about your application status, funding priorities, or next steps, please don't hesitate to reach out - we are here to help and truly appreciate your patience. As Arkansas moves forwards in expanding educational opportunities, we want you to know that the Office of School Choice is committed to building a streamlined, transparent, and efficient process designed to meet the needs of Arkansan families with care and responsiveness. We are deeply grateful for your trust and partnership in this journey and look forward to seeing more students thrive with greater access to the education that best fits their needs. Thank you for being part of this exciting step toward empowering parents and transforming education in Arkansas!

Key Points to remember:

The application will open at 8am CST on Monday, March 3, 2025.

If you need to contact the EFA office, email us at ade.efa@ade.arkansas.gov or call us at 501-683-1876

If you need support from ClassWallet, reach out to our support team at 877.969.5536 or help@classwallet.com

Related Links

FACTS Customer Service

ClassWallet Portal

List of Approved VendorsService Provider Information

Webinars (More links coming soon!)

- EFA Private School Meeting - January 21, 2025

- Private School Families Webinar - January 23, 2025

Who do I contact for help with the EFA program?

Office of School Choice and Parent Empowerment
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
One Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-683-1876
Email: ade.efa@ade.arkansas.gov