St. Joseph School

The state of Arkansas passed a bill called The LEARNS Act that allows families to choose the best school for their children regardless of income. Families can apply for an Education Freedom Account (EFA) to be used for tuition and fees up to $6,856 per student (from $6,672 in Year 1). Current EFA students will remain eligible in Year 2. The student eligibility criteria (new in 2024/25*) has been expanded for the 2024-2025 school year to include:

• First time kindergarteners

• Students enrolled in “D” public schools*

• Students enrolled in “F” public schools (or Level 5 districts)

• 2023/24 Succeed Scholarship students

• Homeless children

• Current or former foster care children

• Students with disabilities under IDEA

• Children of active-duty military

• Children of veterans and military reservists

• Children of law enforcement officers and first responders (firefighters, emergency medical providers, emergency management officials)*

Note: home school students will also be eligible in addition to private school students

St. Joseph School has been approved to participate in the Education Freedom Account (EFA). If your child is eligible to apply for an Education Freedom Account, the application is available on the ADE website. The 2024/25 EFA application process is expected to open in the Spring. The exact timeline will be communicated in the coming months. For latest information, visit: https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/office-of-school-choice-and-parent-empowerment/family-efa-details.

If you have questions about the EFA Program, please contact Amy Heathscott, Registrar, at aheathscott@sjbulldogs.org, or 501-513-6808.