When the LEARNS Act was passed in 2023, Arkansans believed that the voucher program would assist struggling students with their academic pursuits, but an annual data release Sept. 30 revealed that the money has largely been given to children already enrolled in private schools. 

Not only this, but in the upcoming school year, students will not need to meet any requirements to apply for a voucher.

In its first two years, the voucher program provided financial aid to attend a private school, or enroll in homeschooling, for students who qualified with one of the following:

1. First time kindergarteners
2. Students coming from “F” schools or “Level 5” districts
3. Students who participated in the Succeed Scholarship Program for the 2022-2023 school year
4. Students with a disability identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
5. Students experiencing homelessness
6. Current or former foster care children
7. Children of active-duty military personnel

As the program moves into year two, 82% of the children receiving vouchers for the 2024-2025 school year did not attend public school in the year prior. 

Originally, plans of a phased approach started the eligibility for vouchers, also known as Education Freedom Accounts,  at 1.5% of the previous year’s public school enrollment. For this year, the eligibility capped at 3% (Official Report), with a waiting list of 3,300 students. However, in the upcoming school year, the expansion surges to 100% eligibility with no qualifications necessary (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette).

The vouchers rely on state tax and district property tax dollars for funding. $34.9 million dollars went to private school tuition, school supplies, and uniforms, with each student averaging a voucher amount of $6,672 last school year. Over $98 million is expected to be spent on this year’s vouchers (ADG). 

The specific amount allotted for each student, in most cases, does not complete the annual tuition payment. With most private schools costing upwards of ten grand or more, families who could not afford private school before the LEARNS Act still cannot afford the full tuition payment, even with the voucher program. No information could be found on how private schools deal with the difference between the voucher amount and the private school’s specific tuition.