What are Education Freedom Accounts?

Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) in Arkansas are a school choice program established by the LEARNS Act. 

What they are:

  • State-funded accounts that provide money for eligible students to attend private or home schools.
  • For the 2024-2025 school year, the amount is $6,800 per student.
  • Can be used for tuition, fees, uniforms, and certain other education-related expenses.

Who's eligible:

  • In the 2024-2025 school year, 3% of total Arkansas public school student enrollment could be approved for EFAs. Applications are now closed as the cap has been reached.
  • Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, all Arkansas K-12 students will be eligible.

How to apply:

  • Applications will reopen in early spring. You can apply online at efa.ade.arkansas.gov.

Key things to note:

  • EFAs are a controversial topic, with supporters arguing they give parents more control over their children's education and critics expressing concern about the impact on public school funding.
  • The program is still new, so it's evolving and details may change in the future.