Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
AMFRA uses open enrollment—any Arkansas student in grades 9-11 can apply. As a day school, students must be able to commute to the Little Rock campus.
Arkansas' Military-Style School
Arkansas has one military-style school: the Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy (AMFRA), a free public charter that opened in 2023.
Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy
AMFRA in Little Rock is unique—it's designed for students interested in both military and civilian first responder careers (fire, EMS, law enforcement):
- Founded: 2023 (first graduating class expected 2027)
- Grades: 9-11
- Type: Public charter (day school)
- JROTC: Marine Corps
- Cost: Free (uniforms and laptops included)
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
What Makes AMFRA Different
AMFRA combines several elements rarely found together:
- Marine Corps JROTC: Military discipline, drill, and leadership training
- STEM Focus: Pre-engineering, coding, and cybersecurity curriculum
- First Responder Pathways: Career preparation for firefighting, EMS, and law enforcement
- Marksmanship: Indoor air rifle range with competitive teams
- Free Tuition: Open enrollment for any Arkansas high school student
What Arkansas Lacks
Private Boarding Schools: Arkansas has no private military boarding schools. Families seeking boarding typically consider:
- Missouri Military Academy - 4 hours from Little Rock
- Marine Military Academy - 8 hours from Little Rock (Texas)
Youth Challenge: The Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge program at Camp Robinson was discontinued in June 2024 due to staffing issues. At-risk youth seeking Challenge-type programs must now look to neighboring states (Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, or Missouri all operate Youth Challenge academies).
Funding Your Education
Arkansas families have several options for funding military education:
- Education Freedom Account (EFA): ~$6,864 per student (2025-26), universal starting 2025-26. Note: EFA funds are for Arkansas-accredited schools—verify eligibility for out-of-state options.
- 529 Plan: Arkansas allows up to $10,000/year for K-12 private tuition, with state tax deduction for contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AMFRA free?
Yes. Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy is a tuition-free public charter school. Any Arkansas student in grades 9-11 can apply through open enrollment.
Does AMFRA have boarding?
No. AMFRA is a day school—students commute daily and live at home. Families seeking military boarding schools should consider Missouri Military Academy (4 hours) or Marine Military Academy in Texas.
What JROTC program does AMFRA have?
AMFRA operates a Marines Junior ROTC (MCJROTC) program. Students participate in military training and leadership development alongside their academic coursework.
What grades does AMFRA serve?
AMFRA serves grades 9-11. The school opened in 2023, so it's still growing its enrollment and programs.
Is AMFRA focused on military careers only?
No. While AMFRA has a military and first responder focus, it also emphasizes STEM education (pre-engineering and coding) and college preparation. Graduates can pursue any career path—military service is not required.
Does Arkansas have a Youth Challenge program?
No longer. The Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge program at Camp Robinson was discontinued in June 2024. At-risk youth seeking similar programs should look to neighboring states—Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, and Missouri all operate Youth Challenge academies.