Change Your Child’s Schooling With Our Help
Explore public, charter, private, and homeschool options, and learn about EFA funding
*School Choice Arkansas will reply in 1-2 business days
Check out the deck from the School Choice Arkansas Virtual School Fair held on 4/23.
School Choice Arkansas is a free service from Outschool.org and the Arkansas Dept. of Education that helps Arkansas families explore school options and apply for $7,208 a year in state funding through the EFA program.
“As more families across Arkansas embrace the possibilities of school choice, I’m incredibly thankful for the support and collaboration of the Outschool.org team. Their steadfast dedication to empowering families, no matter their path, advances our shared mission to ensure every child finds the learning environment where they can grow, thrive, and succeed.
— Dr. Smith, Arkansas Dept of Education
Find public, charter, private, and ESA-eligible resources and providers — all in one place.
HOMESCHOOL
We’ll Help You Get Started + Apply For Funds
Homeschooling gives you the freedom to teach your child in a way that works best for them — and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
School Choice Arkansas will help you file paperwork, choose curriculum, and even apply your EFA funds toward costs like supplies and tutoring.
The EFA Helps Families Overcome Cost Barriers to Homeschooling and Private Schools
Every K–12 student in Arkansas is eligible for $7,208 per year through the Education Freedom Account (EFA) — a state-funded program designed to make education more flexible and accessible for families like yours.
Whether you’re considering private school, a microschool, or homeschooling, this program helps cover the cost. It’s real, approved by the state, and we’re here to guide you through it — for free.
How It Works —
School Choice Arkansas Makes It Simple
Explore your options with our School and Vendor Finder or talk with someone on our team about what’s available.
Step 1
Step 2
Get guidance on choosing the right fit — public, private, charter, microschool or homeschool.
Step 3
We will guide you through the application and enrollment forms.
Questions?
Here are the answers families ask us most — and if you need more help, we’re here.
About School Choice
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A: You can choose from traditional public schools (including schools outside your home district), public charter schools, private schools, microschools, virtual schools, or homeschool. Our School Finder tool can help you explore all of them in one place.
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A: Yes! Arkansas’s Public School Choice law allows you to apply for schools outside your assigned district. We can help you with the forms and deadlines.
You can apply for an intra-district (a new school in the same district) and inter-district (a new school in a new district) for no cost.
The application window is January 1 - June 1 for students who want to attend a new school the following August. Exceptions can be made for active-duty families.
To submit a School Choice Transfer Application, fill out this form
Note: You will need the permission of the receiving school district and the home school district.
By July 1, families will be notified if their transfer request has been approved.
To see schools within your district and in nearby districts, use our School Finder
Athletics - there are rules about transferring and maintaining your eligibility to play a varsity sport
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A: There are 1,100 Charter Schools in Arkansas
They are tuition-free public schools that operate with more flexibility and freedom than traditional public schools
There are two kinds of charters in Arkansas:
Open-enrollment Charter Schools are run by a government entity, an institution of higher education, or a tax-exempt non-sectarian organization. These schools can draw students from across the state
District Conversion Charter Schools are a public school that has been converted into a charter school and can only enroll students that are within the school district’s boundaries
They often have a specific focus or theme like STEM, arts, or language immersion.
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A: There are three statewide online public schools in Arkansas that are tuition-free.
EFA & Funding
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A: Yes. Starting in 2025, all K–12 students in Arkansas can apply for an Education Freedom Account, regardless of income.
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A: You can use them for private school or microschool tuition, homeschool curriculum, tutoring, technology, and other approved education expenses.
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A: The funds are managed through a secure state system. Once approved, you’ll be able to direct the funds to approved schools or expenses through your online EFA portal.
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A: Yes, but returning families get first priority and the process is simpler the second time around. You simply complete a short survey in the ClassWallet platform. Funds also roll over if not fully used.
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A: No — it’s not a loan. It’s a state-funded scholarship program. You never have to pay it back. Your funds roll over each year if you do not exhaust them.
Choosing a School
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A: We offer one-on-one guidance and a free School Finder tool to help you compare your options based on location, grade level, and your child’s unique needs.
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A: Absolutely. Many schools welcome tours or info sessions. We can help you schedule visits or find virtual events.
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A: Some private schools specialize in serving students with learning differences. We can help you find schools that are equipped to support your child.
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A:
You can browse schools within your district or in nearby districts using our School Finder.
Complete the School Choice Transfer Form by June 1, which requires you to get permission from your home and new districts.
If your child is enrolled in athletics, make sure you ask the receiving district how your child can maintain eligibility.
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A: The application window is January 1st - May 1st for students who want to attend a new public school beginning in August. Exceptions can be made for active-duty families. Families will be notified if their transfer request has been approved by July 1st.
The Process
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A: Not at all — especially when you have us helping. We’ll walk you through the process, help you collect documents, and make sure everything’s submitted correctly.
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A: Typically just proof of Arkansas residency (like a utility bill or driver’s license) and proof of your child’s age (like a birth certificate).
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A: Yes. Many families explore multiple paths — for example, applying to charter schools while also submitting an EFA application for private options. We’ll help you navigate it all.
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A: Don’t worry — you can still apply when the window reopens. We’ll send you reminders so you never miss an important date again.
More Schooling Options
CHARTER SCHOOLS
Tuition-Free + Open to All
Good news: Any Arkansas student can apply to the more than 100 open-enrollment charter schools. They are public, available regardless of your public school district zoning, and do not require testing for admissions. Charter schools also offer unique programs in areas like science, arts, and tech.
Public School Transfers = More Flexibility Than You Think
Did you know you can apply to send your child to a different public school in your district or outside of your district? Thanks to Arkansas’s public school choice laws, you can explore options that might be a better fit — and we’ll help with the paperwork (due June 1st).
PUBLIC SCHOOL
We Will Help You Find the Right School & Providers and Apply For Funding
School Choice Arkansas is here to provide step-by-step guidance — from exploring ESA-eligible providers and resources or choosing a charter, private, or public school that’s the right fit for your child. We can also help you get funding and enrollment support.
*School Choice Arkansas will reply in 1-2 business days