LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Education is pleased to announce that the application cycle for year four of the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program is now open. This is the second year of universal eligibility for the program.
Arkansas remains committed to ensuring every family can access high‑quality educational opportunities. The Education Freedom Account program strengthens that commitment by giving parents the gift to choose their child's education pathway. With universal eligibility entering its second year, the state is building on strong momentum by prioritizing parent empowerment, maintaining clear accountability, and upholding responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
“Education Freedom put parents in the driver’s seat of their child’s education because no one understands a student’s needs better than their family,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Expanding the program to universal eligibility last year opened more doors for every student to learn in the environment where they can succeed. When parents are empowered with choices, students are positioned to thrive in the classroom and beyond."
“We know that a one‑size‑fits‑all approach doesn’t meet the needs of Arkansas students and families,” said Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva. “Every student has unique strengths and challenges, which is why offering multiple education pathways is essential. By supporting the Education Freedom Account program, we are empowering parents to choose the learning environment that best fits their child's needs, and the number of families enrolled proves the program's success.”
To participate, students must be eligible to enroll in a public school and be a resident of Arkansas.
Arkansas saw strong engagement in the EFA program last year, with more than 44,000 students using state-funded accounts to access learning options that fit their needs. For the 2025–2026 school year, families could choose from over 166 private schools and more than 2,500 approved vendors, reflecting continued growth in high‑quality choices. With rising participation, Arkansas remains a national leader in EFA participation, ensuring families can find the right learning environment for their child, regardless of zip code. Largely credited to EFAs, Arkansas ranks third in the nation for education freedom.
Governor Sanders signed Arkansas LEARNS into law in 2023, establishing the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, among several other initiatives. Through EFAs, families in Arkansas seeking to enroll their children in private, parochial or homeschool settings can receive financial assistance.
To apply, please visit www.arkansasefa.com. Returning students can complete the renewal process at https://classwallet.com/. More information is available at https://dese.link/efa.
