For 2026-2027 EFA Students:
- Reimbursements will only apply to purchases made on or after July 1, 2026.
- Exception: You may be reimbursed for registration or tuition fees that are required before July 1 for courses beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. Registration fees must fees must be paid in order to hold your child's place in ETC classes.
ETC requires that families make first quarter tuition payments by July 15. You may use funds that have rolled over from the previous academic year if your students has any. Alternately, you may pay for the first quarter tuition out of pocket. In this case you will be issued a receipt and can submit it through ClassWallet to receive reimbursement through your child's EFA . To avoid this senario each quarter we suggest that after paying the first quarter tuition you submit second, third and forth quarter tuition invoices for direct payment through ClassWallet after the first, second and third disbursements are deposited into your child's EFA. Then submit the first quarter tuition payment receipt you paid out of pocket for reimbursement when the 4th quarter disbursment is deposited. This will allow you to only be waiting on reimbursement one time a year. We are not able to defer tuition payments until LEARNS disbursments clear your EFA account and then process to ETC, while still meeting the many cost associated with launching a new academic year. |
We completely understand the frustration families are feeling with the EFA/LEARNS delays. Unfortunately, the current delays create challenges not only for families, but also for programs like ETC that are working to responsibly plan and sustain quality educational opportunities for students.
Like most educational organizations, ETC has ongoing responsibilities that continue regardless of when state funds are released, including staffing, facilities, curriculum, insurance, and the many operational costs required to run a program well. Because of this, we operate on a fiscal schedule that requires funding to be in place before services begin. We truly wish the process worked differently for families, and we agree the current delays create unnecessary hardship. We encourage parents to continue communicating concerns directly to the LEARNS office and to reach out to their congressmen, senators, and educational liaisons to help advocate for families and encourage the process to move forward more quickly.
At the same time, we truly would love the opportunity to serve the families God brings to ETC, and we sincerely hope families will still plan on attending this year. Our goal is to serve families well while also ensuring the long-term stability of the program for all students.
ABOUT LEARNS EFA
The LEARNS Bill is legislation that has established an Education Freedom Account (EFA) program in Arkansas to fund a school choice initiative that allows parents to choose and pay for private school or homeschool services.
The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) made funding universal in the fall of 2025, meaning every Arkansas student is eligible. The department has said publicly that
"We remain optimistic that all Arkansas families who choose to participate in the EFA program will receive funding. However, if the number of applications exceeds available funding, those in the highest priority groups will be awarded first until all funds have been allocated. Any remaining eligible students will be placed on a rolling waitlist and will be considered for funding as openings occur, based on both their priority category and the date their eligibility was approved."
New and Renewal Applications are open now https://online.factsmgt.com/grant-aid/inst/4R2K5/landing-page
Because of the way the department is approving applications you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible for the best chance of your student receiving funding.
EFA funding for 2025-2026 was $6864 total ($1716 quarterly disbursement) EFA funding for 2026-2027 is yet TBA. This amount represents the net sum of funds to the student after transaction fees.
Marketplace is the term used to refer to the list of vendors and service providers.
Vendors provide products such as curriculum, school supplies, technology devices, subscriptions, or digital programs or apps.
Service Providers supply “student-facing” (face-to-face) instruction, tutoring or training. ETC is a Service Provider.
Class Wallet is the payment portal that moves funds from your Educational Freedom Account to the vendor or service provider.
Reimbursement forms have been accepted this year and funds are typically deposited within 14-60 business days of the request. The reimbursement deadline for the current school year is June 30.
The current vendor and service provider list is available here.
“Eclectic Teaching Consortium” is listed under the category “Homeschool”.
If you are looking for a vendor or service provider that is not approved to participate in the EFA program, you can send an email to [email protected] requesting that a new participant be considered. Not all vendors and providers will be willing to take part in the EFA program because there are specific rules that govern eligibility for vendor products and services. For example, each individual item or service offered must be submitted to the EFA office for review and approval making the process slow and tedious.
ETC Tuition and Fees can be paid directly through the Marketplace. You do not need to select ETC as your "service provider", the way you would a school. You will receive 4 invoices for each of your children from ETC for the tuition and fees, one each quarter, for the next academic year (2026/2027). You, as a parent of an approved child, will submit that invoice through the payment portal (ClassWallet). The payment for ETC services will be sent directly to ETC.
ETC will bill on a quarterly basis. Payments must be receved by the due date regardless of the timing disbursments or the processing time of direct payments from your EFA.
Billing must be done individually for each student, since that is how EFA funds are awarded and disbursed.
Per student registration fees will replace the annual membership fee. Activities outside of classes will be considered a benefit of enrollment at no additional charge (unless charged by a venue or other outside organization.)
Opting out is an option. No one is required to accept or use EFA funds. Any homeschooler may still pay ETC tuition and fees, and other homeschool expenses, out-of-pocket as we have always done. There are still many options for members to serve by teaching, assisting, facilitating, or monitoring during class hours to earn funds that may be used toward your tuition bill. If your family does not live in Arkansas and will not have access to EFA funds, see a member of our financial department to learn what other tuition assistance options may be available.
Noteworthy products and services that are not covered by LEARNS funding:
Preschool tuition
Expenses for students in Missouri or Oklahoma
Extra-curriculuar activities (which include PE and sports) are limited to 1/4 of the total of a student's EFA annual award. It is the parent's responsibility to keep track of the percentage of your child's extracurricular spending.
Participation Requirements are relatively minimal.
Homeschooling families must still fill out the Notice of Intent to Homeschool for the school year between June 1 and August 15 of each year.
Students receiving EFA funds are required to take a national, norm-referenced test each year. This is the same requirement for private school students. (Exemptions are available for qualifying students).
You can find a list of ADE-approved test options here. >>>
Contact Information for the state office responsible for the Educational Freedom Accounts.
ADE-EFA Office
Phone: 501-683-1876
Email: [email protected]