Governor Sanders expands eligibility for Education Freedom Account to include more families

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva made a significant announcement on April 1 at Harvest Time Academy in Fort Smith. They revealed that additional families are now eligible for the Education Freedom Account program in Arkansas.

The program, aimed at helping qualifying students pay for private school tuition, has expanded its eligibility criteria. Children of veterans, military reserve members, first responders, law enforcement officers, and students who previously attended D-rated schools are now able to apply for the program.

“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,” said Governor Sanders.

For the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, eligible students include first-time kindergarteners, students from “D” or “F” schools, students 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, and law enforcement officers.

During the previous school year, 5,407 student applications were funded, and over 100 schools were approved to participate in the program. The application window for schools and service providers also opened on April 1.

Additionally, the Arkansas Department of Education released an updated charter school application, with a deadline for submission set for June 14. The Charter Authorizing Panel will review applications in the fall, with decisions subject to review and approval by the State Board of Education.