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Arkansas Homeschool Funding

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Last updated: October 8, 2025

Arkansas Homeschool Funding

LEARN(S) Education Freedom Accounts (EFA): amounts, eligibility, and how to apply.

AR
Funding guide
State programs

Main program

Program name: Education Freedom Account (EFA)

Admin: Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), Division of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) — Office of School Choice & Parent Empowerment.

Typical award

Amount (2025–26): $6,864 (non-Succeed) or $7,627 (Succeed) per student, deposited quarterly ($1,716 or $1,906.75).

Disbursement: ESA funds spent through ClassWallet (pay participating schools/vendors or submit eligible reimbursements).

Amounts are set annually by ADE and shown on the official “Information for Families” page.

Who qualifies

  • Residency: Arkansas resident with a K–12 student eligible for public school in AR.
  • Age/grade: K–12; kindergarteners must meet state age cutoffs.
  • Education setting: Participating private or micro school or home school (purchases must be eligible and made via ClassWallet).

Timeline

  • Application: Annual; 2025–26 is open for new & returning families.
  • Funds: Deposited quarterly to the student’s EFA; typical reimbursement processing ≈ 14 business days after valid submission.

Overview

Arkansas’ Education Freedom Account (EFA) is an education savings account created by the LEARNS Act. Families apply each school year and, once approved, can use funds for eligible educational expenses in private/micro schools or while homeschooling. Applications run through the state’s EFA portal; spending and reimbursements are handled in ClassWallet.

Programs

Education Freedom Account (EFA)

  • Type: Education Savings Account (ESA)
  • Award (2025–26): $6,864 (non-Succeed) or $7,627 (Succeed); paid quarterly via ClassWallet.
  • Uses (examples): Tuition/fees, curricula & instructional materials, tutoring/therapies, assessments, certain technology, uniforms, transportation, and other eligible educational expenses.
  • Admin: ADE/DESE — Office of School Choice & Parent Empowerment; spending via ClassWallet.

LEARNS: EFA overview · Information for Families · EFA Application Portal

Higher award tier (“Succeed”)

  • Type: EFA tier with higher annual amount.
  • Award (2025–26): $7,627 total ($1,906.75 quarterly).
  • Notes: Criteria and amounts are set by ADE; see the Families page for current-year figures and details.

See Families page (current amounts & timing)

Eligibility

  • Universal (2025–26): All Arkansas K–12 students eligible to attend public school may apply.
  • Residency: At least one parent/guardian is an Arkansas resident.
  • Education setting: Choose a participating private/micro school or homeschool with eligible purchases via ClassWallet. Homeschoolers should also file the state Notice of Intent (NOI).
  • Exclusivity: Students cannot be concurrently enrolled full-time in a public district/charter while using EFA.

How to apply

  1. Open the EFA application portal and create/log in to your account.
  2. Submit the student application for the current school year and select your education setting (private/micro or home school).
  3. When approved, activate ClassWallet to pay approved vendors/schools or submit eligible reimbursements (keep clear receipts).
  4. Track quarterly deposits and resolve any documentation requests promptly.

Go to EFA application portal   Open ClassWallet

Covered expenses

  • Private/micro school tuition & fees
  • Uniforms
  • Testing & assessments
  • Instructional materials & curricula
  • Tutoring services / educational therapy
  • Supplemental supplies
  • Specific technology devices (program-eligible)
  • Transportation costs (as allowed)
  • Dual-enrollment/college course fees (if eligible)
  • All purchases must meet EFA rules & vendor requirements.

See the “Information for Service Providers” page for the official eligible-expense categories and documentation requirements.

Deadlines

MilestoneDateNotes
Application portal Open for 2025–26 New & returning families apply each school year.
Quarterly deposits 4× per school year Funds deposit to the student’s EFA each quarter.
Reimbursements ≈ 14 business days Typical processing time after a valid request.

Docs & forms

Official sources

FAQs

Can funds cover extracurriculars and enrichment?
Some enrichment is eligible when it fits program rules and is purchased through a participating provider (or reimbursed with proper documentation). Check eligible categories on the Service Providers page and confirm vendor participation before purchasing.
How long do reimbursements take?
Reimbursements are typically deposited within about 14 business days after a valid request, though timeframes can be longer during peak periods.
Can I homeschool and use EFA?
Yes. EFA supports students in private/micro schools or home school. Homeschool families use ClassWallet for eligible goods/services and should file the state NOI each year.

Contacts

EFA Program support

Email: ade.efa@ade.arkansas.gov
Phone: 501-683-1876

Arkansas DESE

Department website

Law & regulations