Virtual Tutoring: Arkansas EFA

Who qualifies as a first responder?

According to US Code 34, a first responder includes a firefighter, law enforcement officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician, or other individual who in the course of his or her duties, responds to fire, medical, hazardous material, or other similar emergencies. We include anyone who provides services at the scene of an emergency or before an individual arrives at the hospital.

What is the funding for 2024-2025?

Eligible families may receive up to 90% of Arkansas prior year per student foundation funding amount.

For the 2024-25 school year, this represents approximately $6,856 per Education Freedom Account.

Pay and Purchase Through ClassWallet

To facilitate an efficient, timely, and secure transfer of Education Freedom Account funds, ADE has contracted with ClassWallet, a leading digital wallet and accounts payable platform, for the 2023-2024 school year. ClassWallet has a proven track record of serving families, states and districts, including Arkansas.

Through ClassWallet’s platform, families can track and execute tuition payments to participating private schools. Families will also be able to purchase uniforms and other required expenses on the ClassWallet marketplace. Upon acceptance to receive EFA funds, ADE will provide families with a comprehensive set-up guide that navigates participants through the ClassWallet registration process.

What are the eligible educational expenses for 2024-2025?

Eligible educational expenses for the 2024-25 school year include tuition and fees, curriculum, supplemental materials, uniforms, technology, tutoring, therapy, transportation, etc.

For a list of participating private schools, click here. We are currently accepting applications for new private schools, so not all 2024-25 schools are on this list yet.

How can I apply?

Renewal applications via the online application portal opened on April 1, 2024.

Medical Diagnosis Form for families qualifying with a disability.

When are Students No Longer Eligible?

• Student enrolls full-time in public school
• Student graduates high school
• Student reaches 21 years of age

Participating families must also adhere to the EFA program's expense eligibility requirements. Violation of the stated EFA program rules is grounds for dismissal from the program.

What are the requirements for a home school student to participate in the program?

Homeschool students must meet one of the eligibility requirements listed above to be eligible for an Education Freedom Account in 2024-25. Homeschool students must have a signed Notice of Intent to Homeschool Form on file with the Arkansas Department of Education.

Homeschool families participating in the EFA program are responsible for and required to schedule, pay for, administer, and take the same nationally norm-referenced assessments as private schools in spring 2025 and to report results to ADE. Families may use EFA funds to cover testing expenses.

Here is a list of ADE approved tests.

Students may be exempt due to the existence of a significant cognitive disability. Exemptions may only be granted if: a) an exemption from state testing requirements is documented within a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) within the last three years, or b) the student meets all four criteria listed in the Arkansas Alternate Assessment Decision-Making Tool, as determined by a certified special education teacher or by an approved Education Service Provider that provides therapies or diagnostic services to a student with a disability.

How do I renew my student's participation each year?

Families will be asked to recertify their EFA participating students each spring by indicating if they wish to continue participating in the EFA program or if they wish to withdraw from the program. This recertification process can be completed quickly and easily online.

Will unused EFA funds roll over from year to year?

In 2023-24, any unused funds will be returned to the state on July 1, 2024. Starting with the 2024-25 school year, any unused funds may roll over from year to year up to a maximum amount determined by ADE.

Do students need to have gained admission into a participating private school before receiving EFA funds?

Students do not need to gain admission into a participating private school prior to applying to receive Education Freedom Account funds. No funds will be deposited into a student's account until enrollment in a private school or filing of a Notice of Intent to Homeschool document is verified by ADE staff.

Is there a maximum number of Education Freedom Accounts that will be awarded?

For the 2023-2024 school year, a maximum of 1.5% of the 2022-2023 school year total Arkansas public school student enrollment may be approved for Education Freedom Accounts; this amounts to approximately 6,000 scholarships. For the 2024-2025 school year, 3% of total Arkansas public school student enrollment may be approved, and by the 2025-2026 school year, there will be no limit on student approvals, subject to available funding as determined by the State Board of Education.