In preparation for the launch of the Course Choice program for the 2026–2027 school year, the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is introducing a new, streamlined application process for providers. To reduce administrative burden, ADE has combined the Course Choice and Digital Learning Provider applications into a single process. Applications for new course choice or digital providers are due by August 31, 2025.

Digital Learning Providers currently on the approved list do not need to reapply; however, they must submit an updated list of course offerings to maintain their approved status. ADE will contact currently approved providers directly with further instructions on how to submit this information.

•Complete the Application
•Review a PDF of the Application Questions 

What is Course Choice?
Established by the LEARNS Act, Course Choice expands access to courses for high school students beyond what is offered at their resident school. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, this program will increase opportunities for students to develop personalized educational pathways and graduate with the skills they need to become enrolled, employed, or enlisted.

Under Arkansas Code § 6-16-1702, which defines Course Choice, students enrolled at a public Arkansas school in grades 6-12 may:
•Take courses not offered at their resident school.
•If enrolled in a school rated “D” or “F,” take any course that meets graduation requirements in addition to courses not offered locally. 

Who can offer classes through Course Choice?
•Colleges and universities
•Businesses or entities offering authorized vocational or technical courses
•Approved digital learning providers
•The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts
•Other educational entities authorized by the State Board
•Public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools (if rated A, B, or C) that want to offer courses to students outside their own district. 

For more information, please refer to the Course Choice Provider Guide.

What is an Approved Digital Provider?
Established by the Digital Learning Act (ACA § 6-16-1403), approved digital learning providers are eligible to partner with districts to deliver digital courses to students in grades K-12.

•Public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools that provide digital learning courses to their own students without the assistance of an external digital learning provider are not required to seek approval as a digital learning provider.

•Public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools that provide digital learning courses to students other than their own students without the assistance of an external digital learning provider are required to seek approval as digital learning providers. 

•Digital Learning Providers should become familiar with the new Quality Matters certification requirements. 

For more information, please refer to the Approved Digital Provider webpage.