Report: Arkansas EFA homeschoolers outscore private school students on national tests
New test results from Arkansas show homeschool students using Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds scored nearly 10 points higher on average than private school students using the same program, with homeschoolers achieving the high 60s to low 70th percentile in reading and math. The Arkansas Department of Education monitors performance under the LEARNS Act, with provisions for improvement plans if students struggle, while program supporters attribute the results to smaller student-teacher ratios in homeschooling environments.
New standardized test results from Arkansas reveal that homeschool students participating in the state’s Education Freedom Account (EFA) program outperformed their private school counterparts by nearly 10 points on average. According to Jerry Cox, president of the Education Alliance, homeschoolers scored in the high 60s to low 70th percentile in reading and math, while private school students fell in the low 60s to high 50s. Both groups exceeded the national average of the 50th percentile, with Cox emphasizing that the results validate homeschooling as an effective educational option rather than a direct competition with other methods. The EFA program provides public funds for students to attend nonpublic schools, including homeschools and private institutions, with mandatory participation in nationally recognized testing. Around 16,000 of the 44,000 students in the program are homeschoolers, reflecting a broader trend of approximately 32,000 homeschool students across Arkansas. Cox suggested that smaller student-teacher ratios—often one-to-one or one-to-few in homeschooling—may contribute to the performance gap, as traditional settings typically involve one teacher for 15 to 20 students. The LEARNS Act includes safeguards for underperforming students, allowing the Arkansas Department of Education to require improvement plans and monitor progress. Cox noted that educational success extends beyond grades, highlighting that some students may thrive in alternative settings due to issues like bullying. The program’s flexibility and individualized attention are cited as key factors in its effectiveness, according to supporters. Cox, who has experience as a public and private school teacher, also homeschooled his four sons and enrolled them in private school. He urged parents to explore all educational options, emphasizing that the EFA program offers a viable alternative for families seeking personalized learning environments. For more information, the Education Alliance can be contacted at ArkansasHomeschool.org or by calling 501-375-7000.
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