If you’re an Arkansas parent exploring alternatives to traditional public school, you’re probably wondering: Can I afford this?
Good news. Arkansas offers two distinct scholarship programs that can help cover educational expenses. Whether you’re considering private school, homeschooling, or a hybrid approach, understanding these options could open doors you didn’t know existed.
Let’s break down what’s available and how to access it.
Two Paths, Different Purposes
Arkansas currently supports families through:
- Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) – State-funded accounts for flexible education spending
- PIAK Scholarships – Private donations supporting income-eligible families at approved private schools
Think of EFAs as education debit cards. PIAK scholarships work more like traditional tuition assistance.
The right choice depends on your family’s income, where your child currently attends school, and how you want to structure their education.
Education Freedom Accounts: Maximum Flexibility
The EFA program gives families roughly $6,856 per student (2025-26 school year) to spend on approved educational expenses.
Who qualifies?
Any K-12 Arkansas resident not enrolled full-time in public school. No income restrictions. Yes, you read that correctly—this program is open to all families.
What can you buy?
Private school tuition, homeschool curriculum, tutoring, educational therapy, testing fees, even transportation. The spending categories are broad, giving you room to design education around your child’s needs.
The catch?
Your child must take an annual standardized test. You’ll reapply each year. And if applications exceed funding, priority goes to returning students, those with special circumstances, and students in lower-rated school districts.
Apply through the Arkansas Department of Education portal. Applications run from March through January in three-week windows.
Recommended Reading:
PIAK Scholarships: Private School Support
If private school is your goal but household income is tight, PIAK might be your answer.
Who qualifies?
Families earning at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (about $62,400 for a family of four). Your child must have attended public school recently—unless they’re entering kindergarten, have a disability, or just moved to Arkansas.
How much?
Elementary/middle school students receive up to $6,200. High schoolers get up to $6,900. Funds go directly toward tuition at participating private schools.
The application?
Submit tax returns and verify your qualifying condition through the online portal. Schools handle testing requirements for grades 3-10.
Which Program Fits Your Family?
Consider EFAs if you want spending flexibility or don’t meet PIAK’s income threshold. Choose PIAK if you’re focused solely on private school tuition and qualify based on income.
Both programs require annual reapplication. Both have accountability measures. Neither locks you into a single educational path forever.
For detailed program rules, visit the Arkansas Department of Education’s School Choice office.
The question isn’t whether you can afford educational choice. It’s which funding path gets your child where they need to go.
