Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today joined Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva at Harvest Time Academy in Fort Smith, where children of veterans, reservists, first responders, law enforcement officers, and previously D-rated schools Students who attended school can now apply for the Education Freedom account program.
Today, April 1, the department began accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The EFA program serves as the linchpin of Governor Sanders' learning law-based parent empowerment program. The 2024-2025 school year will be the second year of implementation.
“As a mother of three children, I know that every child in this state learns a little differently. The Educational Freedom Account says that when it comes to where a child attends school, , we recognize that parental choice, not random geography, should be the primary determining factor,” Governor Sanders said. “We are proud to prioritize Arkansas heroes and their families with this year’s expansion.”
“We are pleased to expand eligibility for the EFA program to these additional categories of students,” said Jacob Oliva, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Education. “For most parents, public schools will be the first and best choice for their children, but a one-size-fits-all approach cannot meet the needs of all students and families. Parents want choice and , they deserve it. The EFA program provides that, and more kids will now be eligible for that opportunity.”
Eligible students for the 2024-2025 academic year are:
・First kindergarten child
· Students in “D” or “F” schools or “Level 5” districts.
・Students in the Succeed Scholarship Program
・Homeless students
・Current or former foster care student
・Students with disabilities
・Children of active military personnel
・Veterans
· Military Reserve
· first responder
· law enforcement officer
During the 2023-2024 academic year, 5,407 student applications were funded and more than 100 schools were approved to participate.
An application window will also open on April 1 for schools and service providers who wish to apply to participate as providers. To access both the parent and provider applications and learn more about the program, visit https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/office-of-school-choice-and-parent-empowerment/education- Visit freedom-accounts. .
In another effort to expand quality education options for Arkansas families, ADE today also released an updated and improved charter school application. Charter applicants must submit their applications by June 14th. Once submitted, the department will review the application and provide feedback. The applicant must then submit her final version by Aug. 9, and the Charter Approval Committee will review the application this fall. The panel's decision is then subject to review and approval by the State Board of Education. To access the new charter application, visit https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/office-of-school-choice-and-parent-empowerment/charter-schools.