Arkansas opens applications for expanded education freedom account program

The Arkansas Department of Education has announced the opening of the application cycle for the third year of the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. This initiative, established under the LEARNS Act, aims to provide students with the opportunity to attend schools that best suit their needs. The program is now open to all families for the 2025-2026 school year.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders commented on the program's expansion, stating, "There is an education freedom revolution sweeping America, and Arkansas is proud to lead the way by offering universal education freedom for every single child in the state." She noted that over the past two years, the EFA program has successfully assisted thousands of children in finding suitable schools.

ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva emphasized the importance of choice in education: "We know that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t meet the needs of all students and families. Families deserve the opportunity to choose the best school for their child, no matter their zip code."

For participation in this program, students must be eligible to enroll in a public school and reside in Arkansas. During the 2023-2024 school year, 5,548 students and 97 private schools were involved in the EFA program. The current year saw an increase in participation with 14,297 students and 128 private schools.

Interested families can apply by visiting ArkansasEFA.com. Additional information is available at https://dese.link/efa.

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