School Options

Education Options in Arkansas

The Reform Alliance is here to help Arkansas’ K-12 students get the quality education they deserve, regardless of their location, family income, disability and or special needs.

Studies show that by allowing students to learn in the environment that suits them best, you are improving the outcomes for all students by reducing crime, and increasing the likelihood of the student graduating high school and enrolling in college. Take a look at the different learning environments available in Arkansas:

Private Schools

Private schools operate by charging students a tuition, of which directly goes towards the schools funding. These schools may have detailed admissions processes.

There are funding opportunities available for private schools through the Educational Freedom Account (EFA), Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids (PIAK), in addition to regular scholarships and ACE Scholarships that can be utilized to offset the cost of private school tuition.

Public Schools

Public schools are funded by tax dollars, and are free to K-12 students. There are multiple types of public schools, which are traditional, magnet, and charter. All three offer general education opportunities to K-12 students.

You can join a public school via an Intra-District Transfer, which allows a student to transfer to a school within their resident school district, or an Inter-District Transfer, which allows a student to transfer to a school outside of their resident district. Both types of transfers have a May 1st application due date.

Intra-District Transfer

Allows a student to transfer to a school within their resident school district
Deadline is May 1st (Application)

Inter-District Transfer

Allows students to transfer to a school outside their resident district
Deadline is May 1st (Application)

Charter Schools

Charter schools are publicly funded, tuition-free, and are independently managed. Charter schools offer families the choice to enroll their students in a school with a more flexible curriculum and teaching methods in comparison to traditional public schools. Charter Schools operate under the requirement that they remain accountable to maintain specific education standards, while practicing autonomy to innovate and tailor their education to meet student needs, so long as they present proven results with these methods.

Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are a form of public school that operates with larger district boundaries, and offers a specialized curriculum with a focus in a specific area of study, like science, performing arts, etc. These schools are meant to attract students with specific interests and offer an education that goes beyond their typical school district boundaries, which allows for larger demographic diversity. Magnet schools may require an entrance exam or audition as a part of the application process.

Virtual Schools

Virtual schooling offers an at-home or remote education for K-12 students that may benefit from a quieter, closer-to-home schooling environment. Public school virtual learning is tuition free to students, while a virtual private education may require a fee or tuition.

Microschools

A micro school offers a flexible and individualized environment usually serving the needs of students from multiple families in a small class environment. Microschools are generally small, private schools, and may offer flexible schedules and programs that meet the needs of students and families in the community.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling allows for families to educate their K-12 students from the comfort of their home. Co-ops, extracurricular leaves and other collaboration may also be available to your student depending on what your community offers.

Learn More About Our Districts

Understanding the Types of Schools in K-12 Education

Given the multiple options you can choose from for your students’ schooling environment, it can be hard to gather all the information you need to make an informed education decision. That’s why we’re here to provide you with the tools and resources you need, and to also answer any questions that you may have!

Hear from Arkansas families about their experiences partnering with the Reform Alliance.

Tuition & Scholarships

Though some schooling environments require fees or some form of tuition, there are scholarships and financial assistance available to those who need it. Find out if you qualify for tuition assistance, or learn about how you can apply for scholarships via the button below!

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