Arkansas Homeschool Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Arkansas Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes

1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Education

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: No

Attendance Age Requirements: 5-17

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Arkansas

Arkansas has flexible homeschool laws, giving families freedom to choose the right path for them. You don’t need any credentials to homeschool your child, and there’s no specific curriculum to follow. There are no state requirements for recordkeeping and no required annual assessments or evaluations.

TIP: You must file a Notice of Intent (NOI) for each academic year you intend to homeschool.

Notice of Intent for Homeschooling in Arkansas

While homeschool laws in Arkansas are very flexible, they have one important requirement: the Notice of Intent to Home School (NOI). This verifies that all school-age children are receiving some form of education, and it protects you legally. It can also be used to allow the Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education to provide an official verification letter confirming a child was homeschooled.

When should families submit their NOI? 

• Every family must file a new NOI for each academic year they intend to homeschool. The notice must come from the family, not an umbrella school or other homeschool organization.
• Submit one form per family, regardless of how many children you homeschool.
• The period for submitting NOIs is from June 15th to August 15th for the academic year ahead. 
• If you submit your NOI after August 15th, the local school district may require a five-day waiting period before you can withdraw your child from school. This can be waived at the discretion of the school superintendent or board.
• You can submit an NOI at any time during the school year if you wish to begin homeschooling, but the five-day waiting period may still apply.

How do families submit their NOI form?

• You may submit your form online. Arkansas recommends completing this form on a laptop or desktop computer, not your phone, tablet, or other mobile device.
• Or, you may print a copy of the form and deliver it directly to your local school district. You can do this by hand, via mail, or via email. We recommend using a delivery method that confirms receipt, such as certified mail or email with a read receipt.
• Be sure to keep a copy of your NOI form for your own records.
• If you move to a new school district, you must provide the district with a copy of your NOI form within 30 days.

What information is collected on the Arkansas NOI?

The Arkansas NOI form is fairly simple to complete and doesn’t require a lot of information. You’ll need to know the name of the public school district you reside in (find it here if you’re not sure). Then you’ll provide basic identifying details like parent/guardian name, address, and contact information.

TIP: For each child you’ll be homeschooling, you’ll need to provide their legal name, date of birth, gender, grade level for the upcoming academic year, and the name and address of the last school they attended (if any). 

The form also collects information about any interscholastic activities (like sports or clubs) you wish your children to participate in through their local school. You can also opt to have your child participate in state-funded or privately-funded testing activities. This section of the form is optional for those who don’t plan to use those benefits.

Note: Though the form contains room for notarization, this is NOT required when you complete it. That section is simply provided for individual circumstances that might require it. You may leave this section blank unless told otherwise.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Mandatory School Ages in Arkansas

Arkansas requires all children ages 5 to 17 to enroll in public, private, or parochial school, or be homeschooled. Children who turn 5 on or before August 1st each year must enroll in school or participate in homeschooling.

Children must attend school until they turn 18, at which point they may legally choose to stop attending school or being homeschooled.

Arkansas Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements

Arkansas does not have any specific record requirements for homeschoolers. This allows home educators more flexibility, but it also means they should consider how they’ll help their children document their education for future needs. 

Consider assembling a portfolio for each school year, showing the subjects they studied or curricula they completed, outside classes and activities they participated in, and so on. Include samples of their work as well. 

Should homeschool students complete a Student Success Plan?

The Arkansas public school system starts using a Student Success Plan with every student beginning in 8th grade. The law defines it as “a personalized education plan intended to assist students with achieving readiness for college, career, and community engagement.”

In other words, this document helps students plan for their future. The document is updated annually and includes four main parts:

• Pathway to Graduation: The courses and other learning opportunities a student needs to earn their diploma or complete their education.
• Accelerated Learning Opportunities: Ways a student can focus on subjects that are of special interest or in which they excel.
• Academic Deficits or Interventions: Areas in need of improvement and plans for meeting those needs.
• Career Planning: Future goals, including potential higher education or vocational training, career path, etc.

Homeschoolers are NOT required to complete a Student Success Plan unless they plan to apply for the Concurrent Challenge scholarship program (see below). However, students and parents may find these forms helpful in mapping out educational plans for high school and beyond. Find out more about Student Success Plans for homeschoolers here.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Arkansas Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations

Since 2015, Arkansas has not required homeschooled students to participate in any state or standardized testing. You can decide to have your children take these tests, but you may have to pay any fees associated with them.

Homeschool students can use the one-time, state-funded PSAT (10th grade only) or ACT (11th grade only). This gives them a chance to take these tests one time at no cost to families. However, homeschooled students are not required to take these tests. If you want your child to take one of these tests, you must indicate it on the NOI form for that academic year.

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Arkansas

There are no required vaccinations for homeschooled students in Arkansas. However, students who wish to attend classes at their local school may require vaccinations or proof of exemption. Take a closer look at the Arkansas school vaccination laws here.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Public School Access for Homeschoolers in Arkansas

Sometimes you want your homeschooler to attend a specific class at your local school. For instance, when students are older, home educators might feel less able to help them with subjects like math or science. In this case, you might decide to have your child attend the local public school for education on this topic.

TIP: In Arkansas, local public schools will accept homeschoolers who live in their district for individual classes without requiring them to attend the full school day. 

Public schools cannot charge a fee for the class unless all public school students are also required to pay, as in the case of a materials or lab fee. (Public schools have the right to limit enrollment if it would cause financial problems.) 

Homeschool students who take one or more classes at their local school receive an official final grade and transcript for each class. Though they aren’t subject to attendance requirements, a school may choose to drop a student from the course if they have multiple unexcused absences.

Can homeschool students participate in the Arkansas Concurrent Challenge scholarship program?

Arkansas’s Concurrent Challenge program allows high school students to take college courses alongside their regular classes. Students may be eligible for scholarships to cover the costs–up to $125 per eligible course. Homeschool students may also apply for these scholarships after completing a Student Success Plan. Learn more about this program here.

Resources for Homeschool Families in Arkansas

You don’t have to take your homeschool journey alone! Many organizations and programs exist to give homeschool families the support they need.

Homeschooling allows you the freedom to step off the highway of learning and take a more scenic route along a dirt road.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Arkansas

Becoming part of a homeschool group or co-op (short for cooperative) is a fantastic way for families to interact with other homeschoolers. Numerous homeschool groups and co-ops arrange field trips, courses, seminars, and other events for homeschoolers. Children and home educators will also find friendships, assistance, and guidance. We recommend checking online when you begin your search for a homeschool group or co-op.

The Education Alliance offers a terrific roundup of local homeschool groups in Arkansas. Check it out here.

Arkansas Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Homeschool families can benefit greatly from the resources and support homeschool organizations and associations provide. Homeschool associations are typically more formal than traditional groups or co-ops and may require membership fees. These entities often offer access to events, information, resources, legal assistance, and advocacy efforts. Here are two options to get you started:

• Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Home School Office: This team is here to answer your questions about homeschooling in Arkansas. Their site includes lists of curriculum resources, Arkansas’s K-12 Academic Standards, and more.
  
• The Education Alliance: As a division of the Family Council, a conservative organization dedicated to upholding traditional values, The Education Alliance is Arkansas’ largest homeschool organization. They offer a wide variety of services.

Back to Top

Back to Top

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Arkansas

Arkansas homeschooled students can participate in interscholastic activities. However, a local district may require homeschool students to provide proof of academic eligibility, just as they do for traditional public school students. This could involve minimum test scores on certain standardized tests.

Students who participate on these teams must also meet the same requirements as their public school counterparts. This might include tryouts or auditions, permission slips, codes of conduct, transportation to and from events, activity fees, and more.

TIP: Starting in 8th grade, if a student withdraws from public school to be homeschooled, there is a 365-day waiting period before they can participate in interscholastic activities like sports teams.

To learn more, talk with your local district or homeschool support group or review the Arkansas Home School Rules, Section 9.

What other sports options do homeschoolers have?

Many homeschool groups and co-ops have their own sports leagues and classes, so ask your local organization what’s available. You can also try these options.

Group Name & Website	What Sports They Cover	What Area in Arkansas
YMCA Youth Sports	Baseball, soccer, volleyball, flag football, karate, basketball, gymnastics	Hot Springs, Memphis, Warren and Bradley Counties, Greenville
NFL Flag	Flag football	Throughout Arkansas
Little League	Baseball, softball	Throughout Arkansas
Tri-State Homeschool Athletic Association	Basketball, baseball, cross country, track & field, volleyball	Northwest Arkansas
Faulkner County Homeschool Athletics Association	Basketball, volleyball	Faulkner County

Arkansas Homeschool Field Trips 

Arkansas is full of gorgeous state parks, any one of which would make a great place to explore and learn outdoors. For instance, Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public. Places like the Historic Arkansas Museum or the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock love to welcome homeschool groups and often offer special programs and classes just for them. 

Want to benefit from the group discounts many locations offer? Team up with other families through your local homeschooling groups and organize a joint trip to capitalize on the savings. 

Field trips are among the best advantages of homeschooling since you can fit them in whenever they make sense in your curriculum. 

Back to Top

Back to Top

Homeschooling Special Education

Arkansas law clearly states that students identified as needing special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are eligible to receive the same services that students at private schools get through the school district.

“For purposes of this section, eligible children with disabilities identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq., in home school settings shall be given the same consideration afforded to students in private school settings for special education services as provided for in that act.” § 6-15-507

That is good news for families who need special services for their homeschooled children.

Back to Top

Arkansas Homeschool FAQ

Is Arkansas homeschool friendly?

Arkansas helps streamline the homeschooling process by having minimal requirements. As long as you complete your Notice of Intent to Homeschool (NOI) form by August 15th for each academic year, you aren’t required to complete any other records or participate in standardized testing.

Arkansas parents and guardians don’t need any academic qualifications to homeschool their children. They aren’t required to provide reasons for homeschooling and also aren’t subject to review or evaluation by local or state organizations. This gives families more flexibility and choice regarding their children’s education.

Home educators may choose their own curricula, texts, and other materials. However, they’re responsible for the costs involved in homeschooling. Arkansas does not provide any educational materials or funding to homeschool families, and these costs are not tax-deductible.

What happens if I move to another location in Arkansas during the school year?

If your move keeps you within the same local school district, you’re only required to notify the district of your new address and contact information.

TIP: If you move to a new school district, you must send a copy of that year’s NOI to the new district’s superintendent within 30 days of establishing residency.

Those who move outside of Arkansas should review the homeschool requirements in their new state, which might be very different. Home educators are always responsible for ensuring they comply with all educational requirements.

How do Arkansas homeschoolers get a diploma?

Arkansas does not provide official diplomas to homeschool students. The only exception is for students who enroll and complete their senior year in a public school (at least nine months before graduation) and meet all requirements.

Students 16 and older may choose to take the GED (High School Equivalency Diploma) exams. Learn more about taking the GED in Arkansas here.

Some curriculum programs and homeschool programs offer their own diplomas. Talk with your local homeschool support group to learn more about these options.

Can you opt out of state testing in Arkansas? 

Arkansas does not require any state testing for homeschoolers, so there’s no need to opt out of anything. If you want your children to take any standardized state tests, you may be responsible for any associated costs.

What homeschool programs are available in Arkansas? 

The Arkansas DESE Home School Office lists suggested Homeschool programs. These are not required or recommended by the state but can be a good place to start.

Can you start homeschooling in the middle of the year in Arkansas? 

You can start homeschooling at any time. However, suppose you submit your Notice of Intent to Homeschool (NOI) form outside of the submission period of June 15th to August 15th. In that case, you may be required to wait five days before withdrawing your child and beginning homeschooling. This is at the sole discretion of the local school district.

Are any students in Arkansas not eligible for homeschooling?

Children currently under disciplinary action from a local district may require permission from the superintendent or school board if they wish to be homeschooled. This includes students who have exceeded the district’s policy on unexcused absences. 

Parents/guardians don’t require permission to withdraw and homeschool a child under disciplinary action in these circumstances:

• When the disciplinary action is completed (for instance, when a school suspension ends) OR at the end of a school semester, whichever comes first
• If the child has been expelled through the end of the school year

Is unschooling legal in Arkansas? 

Unschooling, which allows a child to lead their own educational path in the direction that interests them, is legal in all 50 states, including Arkansas. Parents interested in unschooling must still follow all homeschool requirements.

How do I enroll in public school after homeschooling in Arkansas? 

Students can switch from homeschooling to public school at any time during the school year. The local district is responsible for reviewing your homeschooling records and determining the appropriate grade level and courses for the student. They may require you to provide transcripts or a student portfolio showing curricula they’ve studied, samples of work, and test scores. The school may also require students to complete standardized tests to help determine placement.

TIP: If you wish to withdraw your child from public school at any time and return to homeschooling, you’ll need to complete a new NOI form. The five-day waiting period may apply.