LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Education announced Wednesday that the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program has reached the 3% participation cap for the 2024-2025 school year.
"We’re thrilled to announce that the Education Freedom Account program has empowered the families of over 14,000 students to make the best educational choice for their children!" the Arkansas Department of Education said. "This strong participation is a testament to the power of school choice in Arkansas."
The voucher program uses state funds collected through taxes to allow families to cover private school tuition and fees.
The EFA program is in its second year and was introduced under Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' LEARNS Act. It was implemented to help Arkansas families choose where their kids attend school rather than relying on "random geography."
"At this time, we want to share that the 3% participation cap for the 2024-2025 school year, as defined by law, has been reached," the Arkansas Department of Education said. "This milestone marks a significant step forward in expanding educational opportunities across the state."
During the 2023-2024 school year, 5,407 student applications were funded, and over 100 schools were approved to participate.
According to the Arkansas Department of Education, families who couldn't secure a spot will be placed on a waiting list.
"For families who were unable to secure a spot, there’s good news: they will be placed on a waiting list and will be first in line when the program expands to include all Arkansas students for the 2025-2026 school year," the Arkansas Department of Education said. "This expansion will open the door for even more families to access a growing range of educational options."
Eligible students for the 2024-2025 school year included the following:
- First-time kindergarteners
- Students coming from “D” or “F” schools or “Level 5” districts
- Students coming from the Succeed Scholarship Program
- Homeless students
- Current or former foster care students
- Students with disabilities
- Children of active-duty military
- Veterans
- Military reserves
- First responders
- Law enforcement officers
All students will be eligible to join the program starting in 2025-2026.
Click here to sign up and join the waitlist.
