An Education Freedom Account (EFA) is a state-funded savings account that provides families with public education dollars to spend on approved educational expenses, including homeschool curriculum, tutoring, and educational services.
What is an Education Freedom Account?
An Education Freedom Account is essentially a state-branded Education Savings Account (ESA) that deposits public education funds directly into a parent-controlled account. Instead of funding following a child to a public school, families receive the money to direct toward their chosen educational path. The term "Education Freedom Account" is used specifically in states like New Hampshire, Arkansas, and Texas, while other states call similar programs "Empowerment Scholarship Accounts" or simply ESAs. The core function is identical: giving families flexible funding for personalized education.
Key Takeaways
- EFAs deposit state education funds into parent-controlled accounts for approved educational expenses
- Funding amounts range from approximately $4,000 to $10,000+ per student annually depending on the state
- Can cover curriculum, tutoring, online courses, educational therapy, and many other expenses
- Texas launches its EFA program in the 2026-27 school year with approximately $10,000 per student
States with EFA Programs
Eligible Expenses for Homeschoolers
EFA funds can cover a wide range of educational expenses that homeschool families typically pay out of pocket. These include curriculum and textbooks, online learning programs, private tutoring, educational therapy services, standardized testing fees, educational software, and dual enrollment college courses. Some states also allow transportation costs (usually capped at 25% of funds) and educational extracurriculars. Each state maintains an approved vendor list and specific expense categories, so families should review their program guidelines before making purchases.
How EFA Funds Are Managed
Once approved, families access their EFA through an online portal—typically ClassWallet or a similar platform. Funds are deposited quarterly throughout the school year. Parents make purchases from approved vendors and submit receipts for reimbursement or use a dedicated debit card for direct purchases. Each expense is reviewed to ensure it falls within program guidelines. Unused funds generally roll over to the next quarter, and some states allow accumulated funds to be used for future college expenses.
Applying for an EFA
The Bottom Line
Education Freedom Accounts represent a significant shift in how states support educational choice. For homeschool families, EFAs can offset the costs of curriculum, tutoring, and educational services that were previously entirely out-of-pocket expenses. If you're in a state with an EFA program—or one launching soon like Texas—understanding the eligible expenses and application process is worth the effort. The funding can meaningfully expand what's possible in your homeschool.
