Arkansas EFA Guide: Using Funds for Tutoring, Enrichment, and Private Music Lessons
How Arkansas families can use EFA funds through ClassWallet for flexible learning.
Rose Park
updated 10/23/25 • 4 min read
Families in Arkansas now have more flexibility than ever when it comes to their children’s education. Through the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, parents can use state-provided funds to pay for approved educational services such as private school tuition, homeschool curriculum, or enrichment lessons like music lessons or language classes.
Managed through ClassWallet, the program makes it easy to use funds securely and track spending in one place. Here’s how it works and how you can start making the most of your EFA funds.
What Are EFA Funds?
The Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, created through the Arkansas LEARNS Act, gives families more choice in how their children learn. Instead of being limited to a traditional public school, eligible students can use EFA funds for approved education options that best fit their needs.
Each participating student receives about $6,800 per year for the 2025 to 2026 school year. These funds can be used for private school tuition, tutoring, homeschool materials, music lessons, or other learning services approved by the state.
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How the ClassWallet System Works
Once a family is approved for the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, they get access to their funds through ClassWallet. This is a secure online platform that helps families manage and spend EFA funds easily and safely.
ClassWallet offers three main ways to use the funds:
- Marketplace purchases: Families can shop for approved educational items like books, instruments, technology, or supplies directly through vendors listed in the ClassWallet marketplace.
- Direct pay: Tuition or service fees, such as payments for schools or tutoring services, can be sent directly to approved vendors.
- Reimbursement: Families who pay out of pocket for an approved expense can upload receipts to receive reimbursement.
It is important to make sure each vendor is approved in ClassWallet before making a purchase. The system tracks spending automatically, so families can easily see how much of their funding remains throughout the school year.
What You Can Spend EFA Funds On
Tutoring and enrichment lessons
Private school tuition and fees
Curriculum and learning materials
Testing fees and educational therapy
Eligible expenses include academic testing, speech or occupational therapy, and other services that support a student’s progress.
Always check the approved vendor list in ClassWallet before making a purchase. Spending on non educational items or unapproved vendors could result in the payment being declined or delayed.
Keep in mind: EFA funds cannot be used for non-education items such as food, cleaning materials, or personal accessories. For the full list of eligible and restricted expenses, visit the School Choice Arkansas EFA page.
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Step by Step: How to Get Started
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Apply for the program
Visit the Arkansas Department of Education EFA page to check your eligibility and submit an application. You will need to provide student and household information to confirm that you qualify. Applications will reopen in January 2026, so mark your calendar and apply early when the window opens.
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Wait for approval
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive instructions on how to access your funds through ClassWallet.
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Set up your ClassWallet account
Follow the email invitation from ClassWallet to create your account. From there, you can view your available funds and start exploring approved vendors and schools.
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Add schools or vendors
Search for your school, tutoring service, or other approved providers in ClassWallet. If a provider is not listed, you can request approval before making a payment.
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Submit payments or receipts
Use the ClassWallet portal to make direct payments or upload receipts for reimbursement. Remember to keep clear records of each expense.
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Track your spending
ClassWallet automatically updates your balance after each transaction, making it easy to plan ahead and stay within your annual funding amount.
Best Practices for Families
1. Keep your receipts
2. Check vendor approval before paying
3. Plan your spending early
4. Stay updated
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Rose Park
Rose Park is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where she studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees before co-founding Lesson With You. As a pianist, Rose was a prizewinner in many international piano competitions and performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Japan.