Arkansas EFA Private School Funding: Turning Education Dreams Into Reality for Families

How Arkansas EFA Private School Funding Changed Everything

When Sarah Mitchell from Bentonville first toured a small private Christian school for her son Ethan, she fell in love with the warm classrooms, the attentive teachers, and the challenging curriculum. But her excitement faded when she saw the tuition: $9,500 a year.

“We just couldn’t make it work,” Sarah recalls. “We wanted Ethan to have smaller class sizes and a values-based education, but the numbers just didn’t add up.”

Everything changed when Sarah’s friend told her about the Arkansas EFA private school funding program. Suddenly, the dream that felt out of reach became possible.

Through the program, her family received $6,864 for the 2025–2026 school year. This covered more than 70% of tuition, and with some careful budgeting, they were able to enroll Ethan that fall. Not only that, but they used leftover funds from their ClassWallet account to pay for a math tutoring program that boosted his grades and confidence.

Understanding the Arkansas EFA Private School Funding Program

The Arkansas EFA private school funding program is part of the state’s Education Freedom Account initiative, created in 2023 under the LEARNS Act. It allows parents to use state education funds for approved private schools and other educational services instead of being limited to public school options.

For the 2025–2026 school year, the funding levels are:

• Non-Succeed Scholarship students: $6,864 per year, paid quarterly at $1,716

• Succeed Scholarship students: $7,627 per year, paid quarterly at $1,906.75 (Arkansas Department of Education)

These amounts are net of transaction fees, meaning families can spend the entire allocation on tuition and other approved costs.

How ClassWallet Makes Arkansas EFA Private School Funding Simple

All Arkansas EFA private school funding is managed through ClassWallet, a secure online platform.

Here’s how Sarah used it for Ethan:

1. Logged into ClassWallet and found her private school on the approved vendor list.

2. Entered the tuition amount and requested payment directly from her EFA funds.

3. Tracked her remaining balance online, which allowed her to plan for additional tutoring services.

No waiting for reimbursements. No complicated paperwork. Just a direct, streamlined process.

What Can Arkansas EFA Private School Funding Be Used For Besides Tuition?

One of the most powerful aspects of the Arkansas EFA private school funding program is its flexibility. Parents can also use funds for:

• Textbooks and curriculum materials

• School-required uniforms

• Specialized tutoring or enrichment programs

• Special education services

• Technology and internet access for learning

• Standardized test preparation

• Accredited online courses that earn college credit

This means families like Sarah’s can customize their child’s learning experience and even get a head start on college.

Real Results: Academic and Emotional Impact

Within his first year, Ethan’s confidence soared. His smaller class sizes meant more one-on-one attention, and the math tutoring funded through the Arkansas EFA private school funding helped him move from a C to an A in the subject.

“He comes home excited about school now,” Sarah says. “It’s not just grades, it’s his happiness, his curiosity. We’re seeing him thrive in ways we never imagined.”

Why Arkansas EFA Private School Funding Matters for Educational Equity

Historically, private schools have been out of reach for many families, especially those outside major cities or in lower-income brackets. The Arkansas EFA private school funding program changes that.

By covering a substantial portion of tuition, it allows middle-income and working-class families to consider private school options they previously couldn’t afford. Research from EdChoice shows that when parents have the ability to choose their child’s school, satisfaction rates rise and student outcomes often improve.

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Most of Arkansas EFA Private School Funding

1. Check School Eligibility – Make sure your preferred private school is on the Arkansas EFA approved vendor list.

2. Log In to ClassWallet – Create or access your account to manage funds.

3. Submit a Tuition Request – Pay directly from your EFA balance without using personal funds first.

4. Track Remaining Funds – Use leftover money for tutoring, enrichment, or early college credit programs.

5. Plan Ahead – Coordinate with your school on deadlines and additional opportunities.

Expert Insight on Arkansas EFA Private School Funding

According to Laura Simmons, a private school administrator in Fayetteville:

“We’ve welcomed students from families who never thought private education was possible. The Arkansas EFA private school funding program has not only diversified our classrooms but has also allowed students to access enrichment opportunities that set them up for future success.”

Key Takeaways for Parents About Arkansas EFA Private School Funding

• The Arkansas EFA private school funding program can cover most or all of a child’s tuition.

• Managed through ClassWallet, the process is simple and transparent.

• Remaining funds can be applied to tutoring, test prep, or college-level courses.

• The program helps level the playing field, giving more families access to high-quality private education.