Homeschooling in Arkansas just got easier with the LEARNS Act. This program offers families $6,864 each year to cover educational costs. Every K-12 student can benefit, making it a great option for many families.
With approximately 25,000 homeschooled students, Arkansas has a significant homeschool community that benefits from understanding available funding options (NCES estimates, 2023). As of 2024, 12 states have enacted universal or near-universal Education Savings Account (ESA) programs, with Arizona's program alone serving over 75,000 students — making state-funded homeschooling more accessible than ever (EdChoice, 2024).
Can I get paid to homeschool in Arkansas?
Yes! Arkansas offers $6,864 each year for homeschool families through the Children's Educational Freedom Account, known as the LEARNS Act. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, all K-12 students can access this funding, regardless of income. The money can be used for things like curriculum, tutoring, therapy, and tech.
What funding is available for Arkansas homeschoolers?
Arkansas has the Children's Educational Freedom Account program, or LEARNS Act ESA. This program started in 2023 and will be available to all students from 2025-26. Funds go into a family-controlled ClassWallet account. You can spend on approved educational expenses, and you'll receive the same amount as private school families—no cuts for homeschoolers.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify, you must have a Notice of Intent to Homeschool filed with your local Education Service District. All K-12 students in Arkansas are eligible from 2025-26 onward.
How much funding can you receive?
You can expect $6,864 per student each year. This amount is given in four payments of $1,716. If your child has special needs, you may get about $7,627 annually, which breaks down to $1,906.75 quarterly. Make sure you have the right documentation to qualify for the extra funding.
What can you spend ESA funds on?
You can use ESA funds for:
- Curriculum & textbooks (print, digital, or online)
- Tutoring services from approved providers
- Educational therapy (like speech or behavioral)
- Testing fees (standardized tests, AP exams)
- Educational technology (like tablets or software)
- Tuition for microschools or private schools
- Up to 25% of your award for transportation and extracurricular activities.
What ESA funds cannot cover
Some things aren't allowed with Arkansas ESA funds:
- Transportation over 25%
- Extracurriculars over 25%
- Paying yourself to teach
- Non-educational items (like household supplies)
- Vacations, even to educational places. Keep these limits in mind when planning your spending.
How to apply for the Arkansas ESA
To apply, file your Notice of Intent to Homeschool. Then, create your account at the Department of Education ESA portal. You'll get details on how to manage your ClassWallet account.
Managing your classwallet account
Arkansas uses ClassWallet for ESA funds. Here's what to do:
- You'll receive login info via email after your contract is approved.
- Browse approved vendors before you buy.
- If you need extra funds, link a backup payment method. For purchases, search by vendor name or category. Keep all receipts for your records.
Annual testing requirement
As an ESA participant, you must complete annual standardized testing. Choose from approved tests like the Iowa Test or Stanford Achievement Test. You'll need to submit your test results to the Department of Education. No minimum score is required, but you must show you completed the testing.
Multi-child family strategies
If you have multiple kids in the ESA, each child gets their own account with $6,864. You can't transfer funds between them. For shared curriculum, document which child uses what. Keep track of all purchases with separate folders for each child.
Important considerations before accepting ESA funds
The Arkansas ESA is generous, but it has some trade-offs.
- Testing Requirements: You must do annual testing, unlike traditional homeschoolers.
- Documentation Burden: You'll need to track expenses and submit reports.
- Spending Constraints: The 25% caps on transportation and activities can feel limiting.
- Program Changes: Since it's new, rules may change. Stay updated on any adjustments.
The bottom line
Arkansas's LEARNS Act ESA gives homeschool families $6,864 annually for educational expenses. It requires more documentation and testing, but it can be a great financial support. Start by filing your Notice of Intent and then set up your ClassWallet account. With some planning, you can make the most of your Arkansas homeschool funding.
