Arkansas Child Academic Opportunity Scholarship and Grant Act FAQ
The Child Academic Opportunity Scholarship and Grant Act creates new opportunities for Arkansas to harness the power of private philanthropy to improve educational opportunities for low-income and at-risk students.
The act creates a new dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit program for individuals and businesses that contribute toward either flexible private-school scholarship accounts or grants for public schools serving predominantly low-income populations of students.
Public School Frequently Asked Questions
If enacted, taxpayers could begin contributing toward Academic Opportunity grants in January 2022.
In its first year, the program allows for up to $10 million in state income tax credits. Of this total amount, $6 million is reserved for public-school grants and $4 million is reserved for private-school scholarship accounts.
Both these credit caps are subject to their own “escalator clauses.” If 90 percent of either cap is fundraised in a given fiscal year, the cap will automatically grow by 25 percent in the following fiscal year. For example, if $5.4 million is raised against the $6 million public-school cap, that cap would automatically grow to $7.5 million in the following fiscal year.
There is no maximum grant size. As with many other grant programs, grant-makers—designated student support organizations (SSOs), in this case—have the flexibility to determine grant sizes and terms based on specific needs.
Public schools can use grants for a wide variety of educational expenses, including:
- Technology enhancements like wireless access points, computers, or tablets
- Building upgrades for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or roof repairs
- Remote learning intervention platform technology
- Social and emotional well-being programming for students and parents
- Professional development for staff working with diverse populations
- Sensory rooms and equipment for special education services
- Funding for economically disadvantaged public school student populations
Private School Frequently Asked Questions
If enacted, taxpayers could begin contributing toward the Opportunity Scholarship Program in January 2022.
In its first year, the program allows for up to $10 million in state income tax credits. Of this total amount, $6 million is reserved for public-school grants and $4 million is reserved for private-school scholarship accounts.
Both these credit caps are subject to their own “escalator clauses.” If 90 percent of either cap is fundraised in a given fiscal year, the cap will automatically grow by 25 percent in the following fiscal year. For example, if $3.6 million is raised against the $4 million private-school cap, that cap would automatically grow to $5 million in the following fiscal year.
Scholarships are capped at 100 percent of the per-student foundation funding amount determined annually by the state. In 2020-2021, this amount is approximately $7,000. This amount would be made available to families in equal quarterly increments throughout the school year.
Families can use scholarship accounts for a wide variety of educational expenses, including:
- Tuition and fees at an approved private school
- Courses in local public schools
- Educational course materials like textbooks
- Tutoring services
- Testing fees for college-placement exams, industry certifications, or other assessments
- Fees for academically focused after-school or summer educational programs
- Tuition, fees, or materials at institutions at in-state or out-of-state institutions of higher education if students are dual-enrolled in high school and a postsecondary school
2020 Graduations and Resources
- Forrest City High School Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Hardrick hosted a senior cap & gown drive-thru ceremony for all 162 Forrest City High School graduates.
- Bentonville High School will host a summer graduation ceremony on July 17, 2020. The Class of 2020 will receive an email with details.
- Springdale School District had the great idea to have people send in videos congratulating the Class of 2020! We can’t wait to share the finished product with you!
- West Fork Public Schools announced potential dates to hold graduation and prom.
- The Gentry School District will honor seniors by putting up 18×24 banners along the Main Street light poles.
- The Arkansas Christian Academy highlighted their 2020 senior class! Graduation Celebration date to be Announced ASAP
- Catholic High Schools for Boys highlighted their 2020 seniors!
- Gentry Public Schools presented scholarships to seniors virtually.
- A decision on graduation from the Lawrence County School District is forthcoming.
- The Hot Springs School District will host a virtual graduation on May 14 and a traditional graduation on July 30.
- Harding Academy will host graduation on July 2.
- Legacy Academy has postponed all graduation activities and will announce new dates soon.
- Shiloh Christian School shared a special message from their seniors. They are also hosting a drive-through event where seniors can pick up their caps and gowns.
- Trinity Christian School shared a picture highlighting their 2020 senior class.
Teachers Support School Choice, too!
Page three of “Education Matters,” a publication of the Association of American Educators Foundation, highlights the staggering results of their survey that shows teachers strongly support school choice for students.
Arkansans overwhelmingly support education options to empower families!
The Reform Alliance conducted an extensive survey for the citizens of Arkansas. Use the interactive tool below to see the results of this poll and find out what Arkansans really think on the issue!
