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ETC & the Arkansas LEARNS Bill - Educational Freedom Accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

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) plans to make funding universal beginning in the fall of 2025, meaning every Arkansas student will be 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 opens March 3, 2025  www.dese.link/efa

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 2025-26 will be $6864 total ($1716 quarterly disbursement)   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 business days of the request.  The reimbursement deadline for the current school year is June 30.  Next year “reimbursements” are expected to be more limited.  The ADE wants participants to use the Marketplace.

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 (2025/2026). 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.

  • Because funds are dispersed on a quarterly basis, ETC will bill on a quarterly basis.  

  • 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.)  

  • For simplicity sake we will do away with separate supply, professional service, and lab fees.  All fees will be budgeted from the tuition price.  

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

  • Musical Instruments

  • Field Trips and purely social activities

  • Expenses for students in Missouri or Oklahoma

Participation Requirements are relatively minimal.  

Homeschooling families must still fill out the Notice of Intent to Homeschool for the 2025/2026 school year between June 1 and August 15, 2025. 

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]