Arkansas Education Freedom Accounts

The Arkansas Education Freedom Accounts program offers funding to eligible students that can help cover a variety of educational expenses, including private school tuition, curriculum for homeschooling, and more!

• Eligible expenses include tuition and fees, as well as curriculum. This includes tuition and fees at Enlightium Academy, as well as print curriculum purchases for Enlightium’s Book-Based Program.
• Enlightium Academy accepts payment through ClassWallet, so you can make payments directly from your student’s EFA.
• At Enlightium Academy, this scholarship can be used to offset* or completely cover a premium teacher support package at Enlightium Academy, such as the Gold package. Additionally, funds may be able to roll over to the next school year, allowing a family to choose different packages each year (such as the Silver Package one year and the Diamond Package the next).
• Certain eligibility requirements must be met to qualify. All qualifying families are encouraged to pursue this opportunity by applying for the EFA program. This knowledge base page can help you through the steps to apply, as well as the next steps required to use the funds.
• Applications for each school year typically begin in early March and are processed in priority application windows. It is recommended to apply as early as possible.

To take advantage of this opportunity, Enlightium Academy families can follow these steps:

1. Review the eligibility requirements for the EFA program. In general, students must reside in Arkansas and be entering grades K-12. Students must also be at least five years old by August 1st of the contract year.
2. Ensure that you have the required documents to verify age and residency. Typically, your student’s birth certificate or passport can verify their age. Items such as a driver’s license, tax statement, or utility bill are usually acceptable proofs of residency.
3. Apply for the EFA Program.
4. Complete the Notice of Intent to Homeschool. Enlightium Academy students in Arkansas are legally considered homeschool students.
5. Enroll at Enlightium Academy; please speak to our Enrollment Department if you have questions about this.
   1. Note: The enrollment fee can be deferred so that it can be paid directly through ClassWallet. The enrollment fee is still considered due and non-refundable 72 hours after submitting the enrollment form.
6. After your student is enrolled, you will receive an email from billing@enlightiumacademy.com with an invoice for the total tuition and fees, as well as the due dates for each payment. This invoice can be used so that you can pay Enlightium directly through ClassWallet from your student’s EFA.
7. Once Enlightium’s Billing Department has provided you with a breakdown of the tuition and fees, you can log into ClassWallet to make your first payment.
8. Enlightium’s Billing Department will send an email confirmation when the payment is received from the EFA program.

How much will I receive?

The total scholarship amount may change each school year, depending on the funding per pupil provided by the state for public school students. Visit the EFA website for current scholarship amounts and application deadlines.

Will my tuition be scheduled differently if I use the Hope Scholarship?

Yes. Due to additional processing requirements for receiving payments directly through ClassWallet, tuition can either be paid in full or in quarterly installments. Additionally, a voucher processing fee of up to $150 per student, per school year, applies when payments are made through a third-party platform such as ClassWallet.

*What if the EFA doesn’t cover all of my student’s tuition?

Enlightium offers some tuition packages or services that may only be partially covered by EFA funds. The primary parent is responsible for any tuition or fees incurred at Enlightium Academy that are not covered by the EFA.

Since the primary parent on the account assumes full responsibility for any out-of-pocket balances, parents are encouraged to confirm how much the EFA will cover prior to selecting a tuition package.

If your student’s tuition and fees for the school year are greater than the typical award amount for the Arkansas EFA, or if there is a remaining balance after payment is made for the second semester, you must make arrangements with Enlightium’s Billing Department for the remaining balance.

What if we decide to return to public school in the middle of the school year?

Arkansas EFA students may not attend public school full-time. You will need to contact the EFA at ade.efa@ade.arkansas.gov to have your student removed from the EFA program.

Am I still eligible for tuition discounts if I use the Arkansas EFA?

Yes. Enlightium’s standard discounts can be applied to EFA recipients if they meet the eligibility requirements for the discount.

Can I spend my own money and be reimbursed from the Arkansas EFA?

The Arkansas EFA does permit families to request reimbursement for out-of-pocket purchases. Reimbursement requests can be submitted through ClassWallet. Enlightium Academy cannot guarantee reimbursement approval or timing.