Learn what Arkansas voters have to say about education in Arkansas

Friday, March 5

In Arkansas, 72% of voters say ...

Parents should choose education options

Last week, a poll conducted by Cygnal, an award-winning national public opinion and predictive analytics firm, revealed more than half (51 percent) of Arkansas voters feel that Arkansas public schools are not meeting the needs of all children.

Although many school officials and lawmakers have expressed that the best solution is to stick with traditional public school models and increase funding for public schools, only 30% of Arkansas voters agreed. More than 65 percent said lawmakers should invest in both traditional education methods and new education options or allow parents to customize their child's education.

Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that parents should be able to choose the education option that best fits their children's needs (72% agree) and that they should be the primary decision-makers when it comes to their children’s education (66% agree).

View the full results

Research shows positive impact on public schools

On Feb. 25, researchers from the University of Arkansas Office for Education Policy and EdChoice released a fiscal impact statement regarding HB1371, The Arkansas Child Academic Opportunity Scholarship and Grant Act. The study revealed the proposed tax-credit scholarship program would generate a positive estimated net fiscal benefit of $773,000 to Arkansas public school districts.

The study projected that any reduction in funding to districts would more than offset the reduction in variable costs for those students, leaving a positive return for public schools in the amount of $900 per student in the program.

“It’s a common myth that programs like this will negatively impact public school finances,” said Emmy Henley, managing director of The Reform Alliance. “The reality is this innovative, parent-driven program helps alleviate budget concerns at public schools while giving families who have been historically marginalized access to options that better serve their children’s needs.”

The statement also projects that state taxpayers would experience net fiscal savings worth $2.3 million, or $2,600 for each scholarship student.

Read the report

Arkansas Succeed Scholarship success stories

“Since moving Katie to a school specifically geared towards children with developmental and learning disabilities (Compass Academy), she has THRIVED. She brought her work home last Friday and actually sang and danced as she showed us all of her work where she had gotten A+’s!! Her confidence is back, her smile is back, and she is learning again!!”- Beth, parent

The legislature established this overwhelming popular program in 2015 without a single dissenting vote.

38 schools across Arkansas participate
665 scholarships have been awarded
Scholarship cap for 20-21 is $7,018 per student
97% parent satisfaction rate from survey

We are proud to administer the program for the state with 100% of all state funding going directly to scholarships. All administrative costs of managing the scholarship for the state is paid for through a private philanthropic grant.

Click here to read more success stories from real students who have benefitted from this amazing education freedom program.

Education Headlines

Covid 'Relief' Through 2028

The 1.9 trillion dollar emergency relief bill being pushed through the U.S. congress will apparently last through 2028.

These funds will go to funding teachers unions.

Click here to read more.

Making it Count: The Productivity of Public Charter Schools in Seven U.S. Cities

A study by the University of Arkansas found that Charter schools nationally outperform traditional public schools with less funding across the board.

Click here to read more.

Panel endorses new charter school for LISA Academy

Lisa Academy will be introducing a new charter school program. The semi virtual option will allow students to find the best education fit for them.

Click here to read more.

Education bills of interest to our network

HB1371 - 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.
SB89 - Changes the IEP requirements for the Succeed Scholarship and establishes a lottery program for selection if applications exceed available scholarships.
HB1446 - Opens the Succeed Scholarship to all children of active duty military members.
HB1171 - Any student transferring schools using the Public School Choice Act is automatically eligible for interscholastic activities.
SB25 - Schools do not have to count a student for the 3% cap of public school choice if a student has gone to the district for preschool.
HB1237 - Schools would have an option to provide virtual options permanently. The school year would be amended to not start before the Monday before Labor Day, and schools would have the option to implement an alternate school calendar.
HB1464: Provides a mechanism for parents to bring their concerns over instructional material and activities in the classroom to the district/school administration.

We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring every K-12 student in Arkansas has equal access to a world class education. Our mission is to create a network of parent and community leaders so every policy decision and every conversation about education starts and ends with how it impacts our kids.

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