Admission
Affording TNS

Arkansas LEARNS Act

The New School intends to participate in the Arkansas LEARNS Act to receive funds from the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program for the 2024-25 school year. This Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) program provides a pathway in which public funds will be directed for eligible students to private/independent school tuition.

What could this mean for your student(s)?

The LEARNS Act/EFA enables families with eligible students to cover private school educational expenses with public funds. The LEARNS Act/EFA provides each eligible student with funding for independent/private school tuition of approximately $6,800 for the 2024-2025 school year.

What students are eligible for this funding?

For the 2024-2025 school year, eligible students have at least one parent who is a resident of Arkansas, and meet one of the following criteria: 
  • Enrolling in Kindergarten for the first time in '24-25
  • Students who in the previous year were enrolled in an “F” rated school  or “Level-5” district
  • Students who in the previous year were enrolled in the Succeed Scholarship Program
  • Students with a disability
  • Students experiencing homelessness
  • Current or former foster care students
  • Child of active-duty military personnel, veteran, or military reservist
  • Child of law enforcement
  • Child of first responder
For the 2025-2026 school year, all Arkansas students will be eligible.

Complete an Application

To determine student eligibility to receive EFA funds, please complete an application with the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). If the ADE approves your application, you will be eligible to direct approximately $6,800 to your tuition and limited expenses.
The New School Board of Trustees is committed to ensure that accepting EFA funds WILL NOT:
  • Impact or influence our school's mission, independence, or operations.
  • Change our admissions criteria for acceptance to the school.
If you would like to learn more about the Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) and complete the application, you may visit the state website below. 
Northwest Arkansas' Premier Independent Day School
Empowering students age one through grade 12