Arkansas Families Celebrate Education Opportunities at School Fair
On January 25, 2025, the Wally Allen Ballroom at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas will transform into a dynamic hub of educational opportunities during the Little Rock School Fair. This event, organized by the Reform Alliance, aims to bring together families and educators to showcase the numerous schooling options that have emerged in the state following a significant year for education.
With a growing number of parents seeking alternatives to traditional educational paths, this fair offers an all-in-one venue to connect with over 60 vendors, including local districts, individual schools, tutors, and various education service providers. Families will encounter a variety of educational frameworks, including public charter schools, private institutions, online learning platforms, homeschooling co-ops, and microschools.
The fair will also emphasize the benefits of the recently enacted LEARNS Act, which allows families to utilize 90% of state education funding—approximately $6,850 per student—directly for educational expenses. This groundbreaking policy not only supports tuition at private schools but also facilitates various educational needs such as tutoring, therapy, and the procurement of learning materials. As a result, many service providers participating in the fair are poised to offer insights into how families can best leverage these new options.
Attendees can look forward to a day filled with information and fun. While parents gather valuable insights and have their questions answered by educators, children will have access to a variety of engaging activities including a photo booth, face painting, music entertainment, a balloon artist, and complimentary snacks.
"Polling data shows that many Arkansas families are eager to learn more about their educational options but often don't know where to begin," said Emmy Henley, the managing director of the Reform Alliance. "This event is that starting point. Families can engage in meaningful discussions with educators, explore a variety of educational opportunities, and make informed choices that cater to their child’s unique needs—all in one place."
The leadership of the Reform Alliance is committed to enhancing educational avenues and advocating for quality education for all children. The organization envisions a community where families are empowered to choose the educational paths that align with their values and aspirations for their children.
Everyone interested in attending the fair is encouraged to register for free through the event’s website, littlerockschoolfair.com. Details are also available in Spanish for non-English speakers, ensuring increased accessibility for the diverse community of Little Rock. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation, an influential entity in promoting educational choice, is also backing this initiative. Their ongoing efforts include the organization of National School Choice Week that occurs every January, as well as the development of resources designed to assist families in navigating their educational choices effectively.
As the fair approaches, anticipation grows around how it will serve to connect families with resources and services that will enhance their children’s education. By gathering in one place, parents can gain firsthand knowledge about the various schooling options, ultimately leading to decisions that best suit their family’s educational goals.