Arkansas Education Freedom Accounts: Curriculum & Family Guide

A later application is not a guaranteed award

The main 2026–27 application period ran March 9–June 1. The state describes possible later review of applications submitted after June 29 when funding is available. Confirm both eligibility and an actual funded award before committing to a curriculum. The state’s family information and current handbook are the source for documentation and recipient requirements.

Use the handbook for the current school year

A curriculum purchase must fit the program’s qualified expenses and provider requirements. Check the school year printed on the handbook, the specific product and any approval needed before purchase. For a subscription, record how long access lasts; for a bundle, separate instructional materials from other items. Retain approval and the itemized purchase record rather than relying on a publisher’s funding badge.

Arkansas Education Freedom Accounts (EFA)

Arkansas EFAs support private education and eligible home-education expenses, including curriculum, tutoring and therapies.

Program sources reviewed September 17, 2026

Who can qualify

Eligibility, priority and available funds determine awards. The state family information and current handbook explain student and provider requirements.

Award and budget

Check the award in the current family portal. An application does not guarantee funding, and the amount should be confirmed before purchasing.

How home education fits

The state explicitly includes homeschool curriculum among EFA uses. Home-education participation and provider purchasing requirements still need to be satisfied.

Curriculum and permitted expenses

Examples include homeschool curriculum, tutoring, therapies and private-school tuition. Use the current expense and provider rules for an individual product.

Applying and using funds

The main 2026–27 application period ran March 9–June 1. The state describes possible later review of applications submitted after June 29 if funds are available.

• Official Arkansas guidance

Federal scholarships starting in 2027

Arkansas has made an advance election to participate in the Education Freedom Tax Credit (also called the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit) for 2027. The Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC/FSTC) is separate from the state options above. ECCA refers to its earlier legislative proposal.

IRS participation list, as of 2026-09-14: advance election recorded. An advance election does not establish an approved SGO list, an open student application or an awarded scholarship. Check the Education Freedom Tax Credit guide and how to find an SGO for the next steps.

Can I assume all Arkansas EFA funds are available for curriculum?

Budget from the individual award and the expenses your child must cover. Ask the administrator which curriculum category applies and how that expense is paid; the account’s maximum is not necessarily an uncommitted spending balance.

Can Arkansas homeschool families use these options?

The EFA page explicitly lists homeschool curriculum as an eligible expense category. Families still need to satisfy home-education and EFA obligations and use the authorized purchasing process. Late applications may depend on remaining funds.