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LEARNS Act Program Description

The Arkansas LEARNS Act Educational Freedom Account program allows students enrolled in Christian schools to receive state funds applied to tuition and fees at participating schools.  The program rules and guidelines do not interfere with our Christian foundation and principles, from admissions, curriculum, and programming. We are still able to rest on our Christian foundation and values throughout our school, from teachers to chapel to service projects.   

The Arkansas Department of Education has created a program for Educational Freedom Account (EFA) funding. The EFA, made possible through the Arkansas LEARNS Act legislation, may be used by eligible families  to cover private school tuition, fees, uniforms and some other required expenses.  

For the 2026-2027 school year, the total amount per student after fees is $8,338, or $2,084.50 per student per quarter. For K-6 students, this means the remaining amount owed to the school is $282.50 per quarter per student (without any discounts* applied). This means the out-of-pocket amount for your K-7 tuition is $1,130 per child. 

Current Family Re-Enrollment

Families who participated and received funds in the 2025-2026 school year are eligible to receive funding again simply through re-enrolling in the program. Arkansas Department of Education will reach out to you via email in late February with instructions on completing the 2026-2027 re-enrollment. 

New Family Enrollment

New families interested in applying for the funds will be able to complete applications beginning March 3.

 

Eligible student populations include:

Any student enrolling in K-12. 

Helpul Information

ACE Scholarships

First Academy has partnered with ACE Scholarships to provide scholarships to families demonstrating financial need.


WHAT ARE ACE SCHOLARSHIPS?


ACE provides donor-funded K-12 scholarships based on household/family income and availability of funds. Standard ACE awards are $3,000 for K-8 and $4,000 for high school, capped at 50% of private school tuition, yet may vary dependent upon unique circumstances. All eligible families are encouraged to apply. Award amounts are based on family size and income level. More information for the restrictions can be found on their website.


WEBSITE: https://www.acescholarships.org/become-a-scholar/arkansas/


APPLICATION: https://portal.acescholarships.org/


WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION DEADLINES?


•    OPEN: Monday, February 2, 2026
•    CLOSE: Tax Day April 2026
 

AWARD DECISIONS ARE MADE JUNE 2026.
 

WHY ACE?


To continue to ensure First Academy tuition remains affordable for all families, we have decided to partner with ACE so that the combination of LEARNS Act EFA vouchers and potential scholarships from ACE should cover all school tuition and expenses. Please note that FA does not award the scholarship or EFA vouchers; those are separate organizations and programs that have their own rules and guidelines that we all follow.