Arkansas LEARNS is a comprehensive education reform law that created the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, providing $6,864 annually per student for private school tuition, homeschool curriculum, tutoring, and other approved educational expenses.
What is Arkansas LEARNS?
The Arkansas LEARNS Act (Senate Bill 294) was signed into law in March 2023 by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, representing the state's most significant education reform in decades. LEARNS stands for Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking, and School Safety. For homeschool families, the centerpiece is the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program—an education savings account depositing state funds quarterly for approved educational expenses. After a phased rollout, the 2025-2026 school year marks universal eligibility for all Arkansas K-12 students.
Key Takeaways
- 2025-2026 brings universal eligibility—all Arkansas K-12 students qualify regardless of income or prior schooling
- Standard funding is $6,864 per student annually ($1,716 per quarter), managed through ClassWallet
- Covers homeschool curriculum from any vendor, private school tuition, tutoring, technology, and dual enrollment
- Unused funds roll over annually; homeschool families must still file separate Notice of Intent to Homeschool
Three-Phase Implementation
Arkansas rolled out EFAs gradually. Phase 1 (2023-2024) limited eligibility to 1.5% of public school enrollment, targeting students with disabilities, first-time kindergarteners, foster children, military families, and students from failing schools. Phase 2 (2024-2025) expanded to 3% enrollment, adding students at D-rated schools and children of veterans and first responders. Phase 3—now active for 2025-2026—removes all caps and restrictions. Every Arkansas K-12 student is eligible regardless of household income, prior school enrollment, or academic history.
Eligible Expenses for Homeschoolers
EFA funds work for homeschool curriculum from any vendor—not just ClassWallet marketplace vendors. Purchase from your preferred sources and submit for reimbursement. Approved expenses include curriculum and supplemental materials, textbooks, tutoring services, technology (excluding TVs, gaming consoles, and phones), internet equipment (not monthly service), college dual enrollment, SAT/ACT prep and exam fees, music lessons, and educational enrichment. Up to 25% of funds can cover extracurriculars, PE, and in-state educational field trips. Transportation costs are also eligible up to 25% of total funds.
Important Requirements
Important Requirements
- File Notice of Intent to Homeschool separately
EFA enrollment does not replace homeschool registration (June 1 - August 15, 2026)
- Apply/re-enroll annually at arkansasefa.com
Both new and returning families must complete applications each year
- Annual standardized testing required
Students must take a nationally norm-referenced test each year
- Submit receipts through ClassWallet
Purchases outside the marketplace require receipt upload for reimbursement
How to Apply
Create an account at arkansasefa.com and complete an application for each student. First-time applicants need proof of birth date (birth certificate, passport, or shot record) and Arkansas residency (driver's license, utility bill, or lease agreement). Applications are processed in three-week Priority Windows through January 31, 2026. After approval, you'll receive ClassWallet account access for fund management. Contact the EFA team at ade.efa@ade.arkansas.gov or 501-683-1876 with questions.
The Bottom Line
Arkansas LEARNS EFA provides substantial support for homeschool families—nearly $7,000 annually with flexibility to purchase curriculum from any source, not just approved vendors. The quarterly funding model ($1,716 per quarter) aligns with natural academic planning cycles. Combined with rollover provisions, families can save for larger purchases like computers or dual enrollment tuition. The annual testing requirement mirrors what many compliant homeschool families already do. For Arkansas homeschoolers previously operating without state support, EFA represents a significant new resource worth exploring.
