Arkansas Homeschool Information
—Homeschool In Arkansas —
Homeschooling in Arkansas
Find Out What the State Says About Home Education
Arkansas Homeschool
✅ Key Requirements
1. Notice of Intent (NOI)
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You must submit a written Notice of Intent to homeschool to the local school district superintendent:
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Annually by August 15 (for the upcoming year)
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Or at least 14 days before withdrawal from public school if starting mid‑year
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If moving to a new district, within 30 days of establishing residency
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The NOI must include student details (name, birth date, grade), home address, intent around public-school activities/prom courses, and sign responsibility for education
2. No Instructional Hour or Curriculum Mandates
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Arkansas does not require a specified number of school days or instructional hours
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No mandated subjects or curriculum — parents may choose freely
3. No Assessment or Recordkeeping Required
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No state-mandated testing or submission of lesson plans/attendance
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Although not required, keeping portfolios, transcripts, or test scores (e.g. Stanford, Iowa) can help with college admissions or re-entry into public school
🎓 Graduation / Diploma
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Homeschoolers do not receive an official state diploma unless they enroll and complete their senior year (at least 9 months) in a public school
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Parents can create their own transcripts and diplomas, or students may pursue a GED
🏫 Public School Access
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Homeschooled students may participate in public-school extracurriculars (athletics, arts) if:
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Principal is informed in writing within 11 days of the semester start, and
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Academic eligibility is met (e.g., top 30th percentile on a standardized/norm‑referenced test)
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Homeschooled students can also take public school or online district courses as permitted by state law
🧩 Special Circumstances
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A sex offender living in the household legally prohibits homeschooling
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Homeschooled students with disabilities are eligible for evaluations and IEP‑like services, similar to private school students
In Arkansas, enrolling your child in an accredited K–12 online private school, whether in-state or out-of-state, affects your homeschool status depending on who is providing the instruction:
✅ If the online school is a private school (not run by a public district):
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You are still considered a homeschooler under Arkansas law.
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You must submit the Notice of Intent (NOI) each year to comply with state homeschool regulations — even if instruction is fully online.
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Arkansas does not exempt students enrolled in private online schools from homeschool requirements unless the school is physically located and operating under Arkansas private school statutes.
✅ If the online school is part of Arkansas’s public virtual school system:
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Examples include Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA) or Lonestar Virtual Academy.
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Your child is not considered homeschooled, but rather public school-enrolled in a virtual setting.
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You do not need to submit a homeschool NOI in this case.
Arkansas K-12 School Choice
Arkansas K-12 Scholarship Summary
Arkansas does offer a K–12 school choice program, primarily through the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program established by the 2023 LEARNS Act. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
📚 What is the EFA Program?
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Education Freedom Accounts are state-funded “school vouchers” or education savings accounts that parents can use for education outside the traditional public school system—private schools, homeschool, tutoring, curriculum, transportation, and more.
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For the 2024–25 school year, qualifying families could receive up to ≈ $6,800–$6,856 per student. Higher amounts (≈ $7,600) are available for students continuing from the previous “Succeed Scholarship” program.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is rolling out in phases:
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Currently eligible include:
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First-time kindergarteners,
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Students from public schools with an “F” or “Level 5” rating,
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Students with disabilities or IEPs,
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Students experiencing homelessness or in foster care,
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Children of active-duty military (and first responders in some definitions)
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Starting in the 2025–26 school year, the program opens to all Arkansas K–12 students, regardless of background.
Homeschool Resources for Arkansas
Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.
In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.
Homeschool Legal Defense Association
Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney. Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice.