Preparing for the 2025-2026 EFA Application Period

As you get ready for the 2025-2026 Education Freedom Account (EFA) application period, we want to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible for you. This year, the family application will be hosted by FACTS and will officially open on March 3rd.

First Things First - CURRENT/RETURNING EFA FAMILIES

One important step in this year’s process is linking your existing ClassWallet account with your FACTS application. To avoid delays, we strongly encourage you to retrieve your Student ID from ClassWallet before you begin your application. This ID is required when submitting your FACTS application and will help prevent duplicate ClassWallet accounts from being created.

How to Find Your Student ID in ClassWallet:

·        Log in to your ClassWallet account at app.classwallet.com.

·        Navigate to Account Settings > Personal Settings.

·        Your Student ID will be displayed under Student ID.

Why This Step Matters:

Having your Student ID ready before starting your FACTS application will save time and ensure a smoother submission process. It also helps prevent duplicate ClassWallet accounts, which could delay access to your EFA funds.

If you have any questions or need help locating your Student ID, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team at 877.969.5536 or help@classwallet.com

Complete your Application - NEW AND RETURNING FAMILIES

All families, new and returning, will be required to create an account and submit an EFA application for the 25-26 school year. New and returning families can begin the application process by clicking on the application link at https://dese.link/efa. The primary parent or guardian will need to create an account with FACTS. If you already have a FACTS account, simply log in using your existing credentials. For new users, create an account first, then log in through the application portal.

Once logged in, the primary EFA contact will complete the application by providing personal and demographic information. The next section of the application will collect student data, allowing families to add multiple students under the same family login.

·    Renewal applicants will be asked to answer a few questions about their current experience in the program but will not need to upload additional documents.

·    New applicants will need to complete the full application and provide proof of Arkansas residency and verification of student date of birth (such as a birth certificate or other official document).

Typically, applications take up to 10 days to process. However, due to the high volume of applications expected in the first priority window, approvals may take longer during the initial review period.

How Applications Are Processed

Applications are not reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, they are evaluated and approved based on funding priority categories within designated application priority windows. Once a priority window closes, all submitted applications are reviewed together, with priority given to students in higher funding categories.

We remain optimistic that all Arkansas families who choose to participate in the EFA program will receive funding. However, if the number of applications exceeds available funding, those in the highest priority groups will be awarded first until all funds have been allocated. Any remaining eligible students will be placed on a rolling waitlist and will be considered for funding as openings occur, based on both their priority category and the date their eligibility was approved.

Who Gets Funded First? (Funding Priority Categories)

When applications are processed, they are reviewed in the following order:

Priority 1: Returning EFA Participants – Students who are continuing in the EFA program.

Priority 2: Students with Specialized Needs – Students who require additional educational support:

·        Succeed Scholarship recipients

·        Students with a disability under IDEA

·        Homeless or foster students

Priority 3: Students from Underserved Educational Environments – Students previously enrolled in a school rated D or F in the previous academic year.

Priority 4: Military, First Responders & Law Enforcement Families – Students who are, or whose parents are:

·        Active duty military

·        Veterans

·        Arkansas National Guard members

·        Law enforcement officers

·        First responders

Priority 5: Early Education Students – First-time kindergarten students.

Priority 6: New Students Without a Priority Qualification – Students who do not fall into any of the above categories.

Application Processing Windows

To make the process as smooth as possible, applications will be reviewed and approved within the following three-week priority windows:

·        Priority Window A: March 3 – March 23

·        Priority Window B: March 24 – April 13

·        Priority Window C: April 14 – May 4

·        Priority Window D: May 5 – May 25

The application portal will be closed from May 26 – June 1.

·        Priority Window E: June 2 – June 22

·        Priority Window F: June 23 – July 13

·        Priority Window G: July 14 – August 3

The program will continue processing applications in three-week priority windows until January 31, 2026.

If you have any questions about your application status, funding priorities, or next steps, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we are here to help and truly appreciate your patience. As Arkansas moves forward in expanding educational opportunities, we want you to know that the Office of School Choice is committed to building a streamlined, transparent, and efficient process designed to meet the needs of Arkansas families with care and responsiveness. We are deeply grateful for your trust and partnership in this journey and look forward to seeing more students thrive with greater access to the education that best fits their needs. Thank you for being part of this exciting step toward empowering parents and transforming education in Arkansas!

Have questions?

Phone: 501-683-1876

Email: ade.efa@ade.arkansas.gov