Homeschooling Under the Arkansas Homeschool Statute
In Arkansas, parents may educate their children at home under the homeschool statute by following two basic requirements.
First, you must annually notify the local public school superintendent of your intent to homeschool. This written notice must be filed by August 15 each year. While no specific form is required, using a reliable form is strongly recommended to ensure all necessary information is included. Forms are available from the Home School Legal Defense Association for its Arkansas members and from the Arkansas Department of Education website.
The notice must contain:
- the name, date of birth, gender, and grade level of each child;
- the name and address of the last school attended, if any;
- the homeschool’s mailing address and a telephone number;
- a signed statement that the parent is responsible for the child’s education;
- and the name and signature of the person providing the homeschool program. Optional statements regarding public school interscholastic activities or plans to pursue a GED may also be included.
The notice may be submitted electronically, by email, U.S. mail, or in person, and the information remains confidential, used only for statistical and record-keeping purposes. Parents should retain proof of submission.
If you begin homeschooling after the school year starts and withdraw a child from public school, the notice must be filed at least five days prior to withdrawal. If you move into Arkansas or a new district during the year, file within 30 days of establishing residency.
Since 2019, homeschool students are no longer required to submit evidence of schooling or a notarized notice of intent when applying for a learner’s permit or driver’s license.
Second, no standardized testing is required under the Arkansas homeschool law.
Friendly Reminder for Arkansas Homeschooling Parents
In Arkansas, the homeschool statute provides a straightforward way for families to educate their children at home. Most parents can begin by simply filing the annual notice of intent.
However, if anyone required to register as a sex offender resides in your household, or if your child is currently under a disciplinary expulsion or long-term suspension from a public school, state law places additional requirements or restrictions on starting a homeschool program.
In these situations, it is very important to seek personalized legal guidance before filing your notice of intent or withdrawing your child from public school.
Your family’s homeschool journey is important — taking this extra step when needed helps everything go smoothly and keeps you in compliance with the law.
