More and more families across the country are taking advantage of state-funded education programs designed to give them greater choice in how their children learn. Today, over 18 states offer school voucher or education savings account (ESA) programs that allow parents to use public funds for private and online education—including curriculum, tutoring, and virtual school enrollment. However, every state’s program looks a little different, so it’s important to research what’s available in your area.

At NorthStar Academy, we’re thrilled to be an approved provider for Arkansas’s new Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, a part of the Arkansas LEARNS initiative. Arkansas now joins states like Arizona and Florida, which have been national leaders in school choice thanks to their wide-reaching, low-barrier voucher programs. These states make it possible for homeschool and online learning families to access high-quality, accredited education with fewer restrictions. Whether you’re in Arkansas, Arizona, Florida—or one of the many other states offering school choice benefits—there may be state funds available to help support your child’s education. NorthStar Academy accepts funds from these programs, and we encourage families to explore their state’s options to see if they qualify.

What Does the Arkansas EFA Offer?

Through the Arkansas LEARNS Educational Freedom Account (EFA) program, you may qualify to receive $1,716 per quarter (starting in the 2025–2026 school year) to help pay for educational expenses—including online courses with NorthStar Academy for 4th-12th grade students.

Once approved, your funds can be used to cover:

💻 Online courses at NorthStar Academy
📚 Curriculum and academic materials
🚌 Educational field trips
🧠 Tutoring and testing
📖 Some outside books and resources

This is a huge win for families looking to enrich their homeschool experience or explore new learning opportunities without stretching their budget.

How Does It Work?

We’ve made it simple for families to use their funds with us:

• Can I pay directly using Class Wallet funds?
  ✔️ Yes! Register for courses and contact the office for an invoice.
  
• Can I be reimbursed for tuition or fees?
  ✔️ Yes. You can reach out to our office for a receipt request.
  
• What if my total cost is more than what’s in my Class Wallet?
  • Consider our 60/40 Payment Plan.
  • You can also enroll in one or two courses at a time.

Also worth noting—Arkansas requires standardized testing for EFA participants. Fortunately, NorthStar offers MAP Testing, which is accepted by the state and available to our students at no extra cost in many cases.

Why Choose NorthStar Academy?

✅ Christ-focused curriculum that integrates faith into every subject
✅ Dual-accredited through ACSI and Cognia for trusted academic quality
✅ State-aligned learning in a Christ-centered environment
✅ Global classroom connects students across multiple continents
✅ Builds essential skills in time management, communication, and executive functioning
✅ Flexible, supportive online model designed to meet your family’s schedule
✅ Prepares students for college, career, and lifelong purpose

At NorthStar, students don’t just earn credits—they grow in faith, confidence, and connection within a global Christian learning community.

Not in Arkansas? There’s Hope!

Arkansas isn’t alone. States like Arizona and Florida have similar voucher programs. If you’re outside Arkansas, we encourage you to check your State Department of Education’s website  and ed.choice.org for updates, as more states continue to adopt school choice legislation. Another great resource to hear more on State Voucher Programs is through our 🎙️podcast: How State Voucher Programs Can Expand Your Educational Choices.

Ready to Get Started or Have Additional Questions?
Visit nsa.school or email us at [email protected] for help enrolling or requesting Class Wallet invoices.

*State voucher and school choice programs are created and managed at the state level, and program details may change frequently. We encourage families to research their specific state’s current policies and eligibility requirements through official state education websites or trusted sources like EdChoice.org. Always verify the latest information before making enrollment or funding decisions.