Arkansas lawmakers will consider a proposal next month to allocate more than $309 million to the state’s school voucher program as debate continues over its rising cost.
The Educational Freedom Account program, created under the 2023 LEARNS Act, provides state funding to families for approved education expenses, including private school tuition, homeschool curriculum, tutoring and other services.
The program is now open to all K-12 students in Arkansas, marking its second year of full eligibility after being phased in during its early years.
State education officials say nearly 48,000 applications have been received for the current year, with more than 44,000 students participating.
Under the program, each student can receive up to 90% of the previous year’s per-student public school funding. For the 2026-2027 school year, that amount is set at up to $7,208 per student.
Funds are distributed in different ways depending on use, including direct payments to private schools or reimbursements for approved expenses. Unused funds may carry over year to year within certain limits.
The governor’s proposed budget includes more than $309 million for the program, matching this year’s total spending after lawmakers approved additional funding throughout the year. The proposal also includes an additional $70 million in surplus funds to account for expected growth.
The increasing cost has drawn concern from both Democrats and some Republican lawmakers, particularly regarding potential impacts on other areas of the state budget and public school funding.
Supporters argue the program gives families more control over their children’s education and note that funding for public schools has also increased in recent years.
Applications for the upcoming school year are currently open and will be reviewed in phases through June 1.
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