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
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