Arkansas EFA School Supplies FAQ
Quick answers for Arkansas families buying school and homeschool supplies with Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds through ClassWallet. For the full walkthrough, see our EFA Program page and our step-by-step ClassWallet guide.
Can I use my Arkansas EFA funds to buy school supplies online?
Yes. Essential School Supplies is an approved Direct Pay vendor for the Arkansas Education Freedom Account (EFA) program, so you can order school and homeschool supplies on our website and pay with your student's EFA funds through ClassWallet. See our EFA Program page for an overview.
Does Essential School Supplies accept ClassWallet?
Yes, through ClassWallet Direct Pay. In ClassWallet, our vendor name is "Essential School Supplies." We are not in the ClassWallet Marketplace yet, so you won't find our products listed inside ClassWallet. You shop on our website and submit your invoice in ClassWallet instead.
How do I pay with my EFA funds through ClassWallet?
Check out on our site with the "ClassWallet Invoice" payment method, download your PDF invoice, then upload it in ClassWallet. In ClassWallet, choose Pay Vendor, select "Essential School Supplies," upload the invoice, choose the expense category, enter the invoice total, and submit. Our step-by-step ClassWallet guide walks through each step with screenshots.
Why do I need to put my student's name on the order?
The EFA program requires the student's name on the invoice. Before you check out, click View cart and type the EFA student's full name in the box on the cart page. It prints on your PDF invoice.
Can I buy for more than one child in the same order?
No. Please place one order per student and submit each invoice from that student's own ClassWallet account. EFA funds can only be used for the student they belong to.
Who approves my EFA purchase?
The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) reviews and approves every EFA payment request, not Essential School Supplies or ClassWallet. ADE decides whether each item qualifies, so we can't guarantee approval.
How long until my order ships?
We ship within 1 business day after payment reaches us. ADE review usually takes about 25 business days (longer right after quarterly deposits), and payment then reaches us through ClassWallet, usually several weeks later. Please allow about 4 to 8 weeks from the time you submit your invoice until your order ships.
What school supplies are EFA-eligible?
General school supplies usually qualify, such as pencils, pens, paper, notebooks, folders, binders, erasers, crayons, markers, scissors, calculators, art supplies, and science materials. ADE makes the final decision on every request, so check the official DESE non-qualifying expense list before you order.
What items are not EFA-eligible?
Storage and organization items, backpacks and other bags, lunch boxes, water bottles, and toys or games without a clear educational purpose are not allowed under the EFA program. Large quantities of the same item may also be reduced or denied by ADE.
What do you sell?
We carry about 100 school and homeschool supplies from brands like Crayola, Elmer's, Pen+Gear, Fiskars, Sharpie, EXPO, Ticonderoga, and Texas Instruments. Shop Art & Creative Supplies, Writing Essentials, Paper & Notebooks, Math & Geometry Tools, Binders, Folders & Classroom Tools, and STEM & Educational Tools.
Do you ship anywhere in Arkansas?
Yes. We ship to addresses anywhere in Arkansas, and we also ship within the United States. Orders ship only. We don't offer local pickup.
How much is shipping?
Shipping is calculated at checkout by weight. It starts at $8.99, and heavier orders cost more. Shipping shows as its own line on your invoice, and so does any applicable tax.
Is there a minimum order?
No. There is no minimum order. The student's available EFA balance must cover the full invoice total, including shipping and any applicable tax.
Can I return items?
Yes. You can request a return within 30 days of receiving your order. Items should be unused and in their original packaging. Email us first so we can confirm the return. Refunds for ClassWallet (EFA) orders go back to the student's EFA account, not to you in cash or to a card.
What if my ClassWallet request says Hold, Incomplete, or Rejected?
Hold or Incomplete means ADE needs more information. Contact the EFA program at help@schoolchoicear.org. If a request is rejected, the funds go back to the student's EFA balance, and you can contact us if the invoice needs to be fixed.
Who runs Essential School Supplies?
Essential School Supplies is a small Arkansas business based in Sidney, Arkansas, run by owner JohnMichael. We sell school and homeschool supplies to Arkansas families, including families using EFA funds.
How do I contact Essential School Supplies?
Email us at jmdp1717@icloud.com or use our contact page. We're happy to help with orders, invoices, and EFA questions.
Still have a question? Contact us.