We’ll help you
find the right school.
APPLY NOW!
Personalized guidance to explore public, charter, private, and homeschool options and get funding.
*School Choice Arkansas will reply in 1-2 business days
In Partnership with the Arkansas Dept. of Education
〰️
In Partnership with the Arkansas Dept. of Education 〰️
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 $7,000 a year in state funding.
Not Sure Where To Start? Watch This
Outschool.org’s school choice parent support team breaks down the process for changing your child's schooling in Arkansas into simple steps. We'll guide you through every school choice process in the state and make sure you are all set for a great school year.
“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 homeschool options — all in one place.
The EFA Helps Families Overcome Cost Barriers to Homeschooling and Private Schools
Every K–12 student in Arkansas is eligible for $7,000 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 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.
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.
HOMESCHOOL
Tuition-Free + Open to All
Good news: Any Arkansas student can apply to charter schools, they are public and do not require testing for admissions. Charter schools also offer unique programs in areas like science, arts, and tech.
CHARTER SCHOOLS
Extra Help for Private School Costs
If your family qualifies, the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids (PIAK) scholarship can give you $6,200–$6,900 per year for private school — and students with disabilities may qualify for over $13,000 when combined with EFA funds.
Good news: You may be eligible if your income is under ~$62,000 for a family of four.
PRIVATE SCHOOL
Public School Transfers = More Flexibility Than You Think
Did you know you can apply to send your child to a public school outside of your assigned district? Thanks to Arkansas’s public school choice laws, you can explore new environments that might be a better fit — and we’ll help with the paperwork.
PUBLIC SCHOOL
We Will Help You Find A New School & Apply For Funding
School Choice Arkansas is here to provide step-by-step guidance — from exploring charter, private, and public schools to securing funding and enrollment support.
*We respond in 1 business day
Still have questions?
Here are the answers families ask us most — and if you need more help, we’re here.
About School Choice
-
A: You can choose from traditional public schools (including schools outside your home district), public charter schools, private schools, microschools, virtual programs, or homeschooling. Our School Finder tool can help you explore all of them in one place.
-
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.
-
A: Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that have more flexibility in how they teach. They often focus on specific subjects like STEM, arts, or language immersion.
EFA & Funding
-
A: Yes. Starting in 2025, all K–12 students in Arkansas can apply for an Education Freedom Account, regardless of income.
-
A: You can use them for private school or microschool tuition, homeschool curriculum, tutoring, technology, and other approved education expenses.
-
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.
-
A: Yes, but returning families get priority and the process is simpler the second time around. Funds also roll over if not fully used.
-
A: No — it’s not a loan. It’s a state-funded scholarship program. You never have to pay it back.
Choosing a School
-
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.
-
A: Absolutely. Many schools welcome tours or info sessions. We can help you schedule visits or find virtual events.
-
A: Some private schools specialize in serving students with learning differences. We can help you find schools that are equipped to support your child.
The Process
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.