Arkansas School Choice
Arkansas supports school choice for families through the Arkansas Educational Freedom Accounts Program and the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Scholarship. The Education Freedom Account (EFA) provides up to $6,800-$7,700 annually to all Arkansas K-12 students starting in 2025-2026 for private school tuition, homeschool curriculum, and educational expenses. The PIAK tax-credit scholarship serves income-eligible families with additional funding for private school tuition.
Arkansas Educational Freedom Accounts
Arkansas Educational Freedom Accounts (EFA), initiated by the LEARNS Act in 2023, is a statewide Arkansas school choice program. The program is designed to provide all K-12 students in Arkansas with access to Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) by 2025. This program aims to empower families to use these funds for a broad spectrum of educational expenses, offering the means to access alternative educational resources that align with their children’s unique needs.
Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Scholarship
Arkansas has another school choice program through its Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Scholarship Program. This tax-credit scholarship initiative allows businesses to receive tax credits for their donations. These donations then fund scholarships for students to attend private schools. This program depends on business donations rather than automatic public funding.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Family
Different school choice programs serve different family needs. Here’s guidance to help identify which options may align with your circumstances:
Families Seeking Private School Tuition Assistance
Primary Options: Education Freedom Account (EFA) available to all Arkansas K-12 students with no income restrictions, providing up to $6,994 per student annually. PIAK Scholarship for income-qualified families (at or below 200% FPL) may provide up to $6,200-$6,900. ACE Scholarships provides partial tuition assistance ($3,000-$4,000) for low-income families as a supplement.
Homeschooling Families
Must use the EFA starting in 2025-2026. File a Notice of Intent to homeschool with your local school district by August 15 and apply for the EFA through the Arkansas Department of Education. Funds can be used for curriculum, supplies, tutoring, testing, technology, and other approved educational expenses.
Families Seeking Free Public Alternatives
Charter Schools offer tuition-free specialized educational approaches with no income requirements. Public School Choice Transfers allow access to traditional public schools outside your assigned district at no cost.
Low-Income Families
May qualify for both EFA (no income limits) and PIAK scholarships. Students with IDEA-identified disabilities may combine both programs to maximize funding.
Students with Special Needs
EFA funds can be used for disability-related educational services and therapies. Students with IDEA-identified disabilities may receive both EFA and PIAK scholarships to help cover additional costs. Important: When you accept EFA funding, your child may no longer be entitled to free appropriate public education (FAPE), including special education and related services, from your public school district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the EFA for homeschooling?
Yes. Homeschooling families may use EFA funds starting in the 2025-2026 school year. You must file a Notice of Intent to homeschool with your local school district by August 15 and apply for the EFA. Funds can be used for curriculum, supplies, tutoring, testing, technology, and other approved educational expenses.
Do charter schools charge tuition?
No. Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that receive public funding and do not charge tuition or enrollment fees.
Can I combine the EFA with other scholarship programs?
Generally, no. Students cannot combine the EFA with other tax-credit scholarships or receive EFA funds while enrolled full-time in public school. Exception: Students with IDEA-identified disabilities may combine the EFA with the PIAK scholarship.
What if my family income is too high for PIAK but I still need help with private school tuition?
The Education Freedom Account (EFA) has no income limits and is available to all Arkansas K-12 students. With funding up to $6,994 per student, the EFA provides substantial tuition assistance regardless of family income.
When should I apply for school choice programs?
EFA: March-August | PIAK: Opens in April | Public School Choice: January 1-May 1 | Charter Schools: Varies by school | Homeschool Notice: File by August 15
Do I need to have attended public school to qualify for the EFA?
No. As of the 2025-2026 school year, there is no prior public school attendance requirement. All Arkansas K-12 students are eligible regardless of previous educational setting.
What can I purchase with EFA funds?
Private school tuition and fees, curriculum materials, tutoring, educational supplies, testing fees, technology devices (excluding TVs and gaming systems), transportation to educational providers, college credit course fees, and services for students with disabilities.
How do I access my EFA funds?
EFA funds are managed through ClassWallet, a digital payment platform. After approval, you receive a ClassWallet account to view your balance and make purchases from approved vendors. Funds are distributed quarterly.
What happens to unused EFA funds?
Beginning in 2024-2025, unused EFA funds may roll over from year to year up to a maximum amount determined by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Can my child participate in public school activities if we use the EFA?
No, EFA students cannot be enrolled full-time in public school. However, Arkansas law allows homeschool students to participate in certain public school activities including sports and extracurriculars. Check with your local district.
Are there testing requirements for EFA students?
Yes. EFA students must participate in state-mandated assessments or federally-required testing. Private schools participating in the EFA program must ensure students take required assessments.
Can I apply for both EFA and charter schools?
Yes, you may explore multiple options simultaneously. However, if you accept EFA funding, you cannot enroll full-time in a charter school. You must choose one or the other.
What if my child has special needs?
EFA funds can be used for disability-related services and therapies. Students with IDEA-identified disabilities may combine EFA and PIAK scholarships. Charter schools must provide accommodations under federal law. Important: Accepting EFA may mean losing entitlement to FAPE from your public school district.
How do I choose between homeschooling and private school with the EFA?
Consider your child’s learning style, family schedule, and availability of quality private schools. Homeschooling offers maximum flexibility; private schools provide professional teachers and structured environments. Both are eligible EFA uses.