Parents of K-12 students across the state of Arkansas have been stunned to learn everyone has the freedom to send their child to any school of choice within their district (if there is room), send them to a private school or homeschool them which comes with many additional options.

The LEARNS Act, along with multiple bills which were signed into law, allow parents to finally educate their child/ren in a manner that best fits their needs and learning styles. This was a huge win for parents wanting school choice, which became a large issue during the Covid lockdowns. The biggest battle now is how to spread the word to those who do not keep up with Arkansas law or social media.

EVERY CHILD QUALIFIES FOR SCHOOL CHOICE!

So, what does this mean for parents who want to send their child to private school or homeschool? First you must apply at this website for the Educational Freedom Account. When approved for the choice you selected, funds will be distributed quarterly into your child’s class wallet starting in September. You will pay for curriculum or the vendor (school, institution or service) through that website. Money can be used for anything related to education including therapies and specialists and if there is not a vendor listed, you can purchase the curriculum or items personally and be reimbursed, but you must ensure the items qualify for reimbursement. Click here for current approved private schools

For those who want to homeschool but work full-time, Arkansas has one of the freest states to allow multiple options to educate your child. Parents can use the funding to enroll the child in a small microschool that has been approved as a vendor, send them to a part-time or full-time educational co-op, or as many parents have done, use an online school program. Many parents also have family members watch their child during the day and homeschool them in the evening. The options are endless if you want to keep your child out of public or private schools. (list of current approved vendors)

So, what’s the catch? Until the government tries to do a power grab and implement intrusive restrictions, the only catch is that your child must be tested annually. The approved tests are vast and nationally accredited and can be done online or administered at home, if you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Many homeschool groups and co-ops also schedule and proctor tests for parents who do not want their child to do an online test or can’t proctor the test themselves.

For parents and students concerned with playing sports at their local district, the legislative body already fixed that problem. Homeschoolers can already play with their local district and those who attend private schools that do not have a AAA sports team, your child can now play with your local district. (read Act 644 here)

For parents keeping their children in public schools, you also have been finally given the power to address the school board when all other avenues of resolution have failed. Senate Bill 90, now Act 902, gives every citizen and parent of that district to address the school board on any educational subject for at least 3 minutes.

Parents and caregivers, the power is in your hands. Know your options and tell everyone how to get their child the education that best fits their needs. The Educational Freedom Accounts will only help improve the education in Arkansas, if they are used.

Missy Bosch

Missy is the author of “Crushed, but Not Broken”, a story detailing her daughter’s diagnosis and her family’s fight with CNS HLH. She has a passion to improve education and help children with disabilities receive the education and respect they deserve. Missy and her husband are AF veterans and have 4 children.