How do I apply?

Applications for the 2025-2026 EFA program will open in early March 2025. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, all Arkansas students will be eligible to participate in the EFA program. The expansion will provide even more families with access to a growing range of educational options.

Expenses

Expenses typical of a public or private school education will most likely be considered eligible. If you have a question about an expense's eligibility, please contact our office.

• For a list of eligible expenses click here.
• For a list of ineligible expenses, click here.
• For a list of reimbursable expenses, click here.
  

FAQs

• Who is eligible?
  • Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, all Arkansas students will be eligible to participate in the EFA program. This expansion will provide even more families with access to a growing range of educational options.
• What is the funding amount for 2024-2025?
  • Eligible students may receive up to 90% of Arkansas' prior year per-student foundation funding amount. For the 2024-25 school year, this represents approximately $6,856 per Education Freedom Account.
• When are students no longer eligible?
  
  • Participating students remain eligible for Education Freedom Accounts until the student meets one of the following criteria:
    • Student enrolls full-time in public school
    • Student graduates from high school
    • Student reaches 21 years of age

Participating families must also adhere to the EFA program's expense eligibility requirements. Violation of the stated EFA program rules is grounds for dismissal from the program.

• Do students need to gain admission into a participating private school before receiving EFA funds?
  • Students do not need to gain admission into a participating private school prior to applying to receive Education Freedom Account funds. No funds will be deposited into a student's account until enrollment in a private school or filing of a Notice of Intent to Homeschool document is verified by ADE staff.

Is there a maximum number of Education Freedom Accounts that will be awarded?

The 2024-2025 Education Freedom Account (EFA) program is empowering the families of over 14,000 students to make the best educational choice for their children! This strong participation is a testament to the power of school choice in Arkansas. At this time, the 3% participation cap for the 2024-2025 school year, as defined by law, has been reached and applications are now closed. For the 2025-2026 school year, there will be no limit on student approvals, subject to available funding as determined by the State Board of Education.

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
Four Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-683-1876
Email: ade.efa@ade.arkansas.gov