Short answer
Arkansas EFA funding schedule, 2026-27
Arkansas EFA funds are deposited into ClassWallet quarterly: August and October 2026, then February and April 2027, $1,802 each quarter. The state handbook lists the months; the program's family-support site gives approximate dates of October 28, 2026, February 3, 2027 and April 14, 2027.
Arkansas EFA deposit dates
| Date | What is deposited | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| August 2026 (by Aug 20) | Quarter 1 deposit, $1,802 | All EFA students |
| October 2026 (≈ Oct 28) | Quarter 2 deposit, $1,802 | All EFA students |
| February 2027 (≈ Feb 3) | Quarter 3 deposit, $1,802 | All EFA students |
| April 2027 (≈ Apr 14) | Quarter 4 deposit, $1,802 | All EFA students |
- The handbook says the schedule is "subject to slight change". Approximate days come from schoolchoicear.org, the family-support site the Arkansas Department of Education links to.
- Parents must accept the ClassWallet affidavit before deposited funds become visible.
- Unused funds roll over within the year and into the next year, up to a limit set by the Department.
Source: Arkansas Department of Education: EFA Family Handbook 2026-27 (as of October 21, 2026)
How much is Arkansas EFA worth in 2026-27?
Every EFA student receives the same base amount whether they attend a private school or homeschool.
| Student / category | Amount |
|---|---|
| EFA student, 2026-27 | $7,208 ($1,802 per quarter) |
| EFA student, 2025-26 (for reference) | $6,994 |
- The state reserves 1.85% of the award for ClassWallet transaction fees, so the spendable balance shown in ClassWallet can be lower than the award.
Source: Arkansas Department of Education: EFA Family Handbook 2026-27 (as of October 21, 2026)
After the deposit: how Arkansas EFA money gets spent
Payment requests
A school or provider sends a request in ClassWallet; the parent accepts it and picks a category, then the Department reviews it.
Direct pay (Pay Vendor)
The parent uploads an itemized invoice from an approved vendor under "Pay Vendor"; the Department reviews it.
ClassWallet Marketplace
Shop participating vendors inside ClassWallet. Every order is reviewed; being listed does not make an item eligible.
Reimbursement
Link a bank account and upload an itemized receipt with proof of payment. Allowed, but the Department notes it carries more audit risk than direct pay.
Source: Arkansas Department of Education: EFA Family Handbook 2026-27 (as of October 21, 2026)
Who qualifies and how to apply
- Universal from 2025-26: any Arkansas-resident student eligible for K-12 enrollment, with no income limit. Not open to students enrolled full time in a public, charter or public virtual school.
- Students in grades K-10 take an annual norm-referenced or state test; homeschool results are due June 30.
- Homeschool families file a Notice of Intent by August 15.
- 2026-27 applications ran March 9 – June 1, 2026. The 2027-28 window has not been published; the handbook says dates generally repeat each year.
Source: Arkansas Department of Education: Education Freedom Accounts (as of October 21, 2026)
Arkansas EFA funding FAQ
How much is the Arkansas EFA in 2026-27?
$7,208 per student, deposited as $1,802 each quarter into ClassWallet. 1.85% is reserved for ClassWallet fees.
When are Arkansas EFA funds deposited?
Quarterly: August and October 2026, then February and April 2027. Approximate dates are October 28, February 3 and April 14.
Why can't I see my EFA funds in ClassWallet?
Parents must accept the ClassWallet affidavit before deposited funds become visible.
Do unused Arkansas EFA funds roll over?
Yes, within the year and into the next year, up to a limit set by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Dates and amounts come from the official sources linked above and can change mid-year. Your account portal is the final word for your family. Questions about your own account: Arkansas Department of Education EFA office. GetESAPaid is not affiliated with the program. Maintained by the GetESAPaid Research Desk.