Governor says Year 2 eligibility for Education Freedom Account participants is open

Gov. Sarah Sanders said Monday (April 1) that a new cohort of eligible students could begin the application process for Education Freedom Accounts, the voucher program constructed under her LEARNS Act education overhaul that allows public school funding to follow students to other options, including private school or homeschooling.

Year 2 eligible children include those whose parents are veterans, military reserve members, first responders, and law enforcement officers, as well as students who previously attended D-rated schools.

The department began accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year on Monday (April 1).

“I’m a mom of three, so I know that every child in our state learns a little bit differently. Education Freedom Accounts recognize that parents’ choice, not random geography, should be the primary determining factor in where a child goes to school,” Sanders said. “I’m proud that we are prioritizing Arkansas’ heroes and their families in this year’s expansion.”

During the 2023-2024 school year – the first year of Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) – 5,407 student applications were funded. More than 100 schools were approved to participate, according to the Sanders’ administration. EFAs allow families to access up to 90% of the prior year’s statewide foundation funding, which was $7,413, in the previous year. They can use that money for a variety of non-public school options, such as private schools, parochial schools, or home schooling.

First year eligible students included those with a disability, homeless students, foster children or former foster children, participants in the Succeed Scholarship Program, children of active-duty military personnel, new kindergarten students, and those enrolled during the previous school year in a school with an “F” rating.

During the 2023 legislative session, a fiscal impact statement estimated the costs of EFAs at $46.7 million in Year 1 and $97.5 million in Year 2. The Department of Education had estimated that 7,000 students would participate in the first year and 14,000 in the second year.

Gov. Sanders has submitted a $97.5 million budget item for EFAs in the upcoming fiscal session. In Year 3, EFAs become universal for any student. A budget estimate for the third year has not been released. Education officials and state lawmakers have said that if Year 3 produces more demand than lawmakers have budgeted for Education Freedom Accounts, students would be awarded funding on a lower pro rata basis than the expected 90% of foundation funding.

“We are pleased to extend EFA program eligibility to these additional categories of students,” Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva said. “For most parents, public schools will be the first and best choice for their child, but a one-size fits all approach does not meet the needs of all students and families. Parents want and deserve options. The EFA program provides that, and now additional children will be eligible for those opportunities.”

For the 2024-2025 school year, eligible students include 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