Arkansas Homeschooling: Rules & Advice

What are the Homeschool laws in Arkansas?

The homeschooling laws in Arkansas are outlined in Arkansas Code 6-15-501 through 6-15-509. The law states that homeschooling is an acceptable form of education in Arkansas, and that parents or guardians may choose to homeschool their children without registering with the state. Parents or guardians must provide an education that is “comparable to the education given in the public schools of the state.” The law also states that parents or guardians must keep attendance records and provide an annual assessment of their child’s academic progress

Submitting a Notice of intent to begin homeschool

In Arkansas, parents who wish to homeschool their children must submit a Notice of Intent to the Arkansas Department of Education. The Notice of Intent must be submitted within 30 days of the start of the homeschool program.

To submit a Notice of Intent, parents must complete the form provided by the Arkansas Department of Education. The form can be found on the Arkansas Department of Education website. Once the form is completed, i it can be turned in at your resident school district or submitted electrically.

Electronic forms: http://noihs.ade.arkansas.gov

Parents must also include a copy of their child’s birth certificate and a check or money order for $50 made payable to the Arkansas Department of Education.

Once the Notice of Intent is received and approved by the Arkansas Department of Education, the parent will receive a confirmation letter. This letter will serve as proof that the parent has met the requirements for homeschooling in Arkansas.

Notice of Intent must be submitted Annually

In Arkansas, parents who wish to homeschool their children must annually notify the local public school superintendent of their intent to homeschool. This notification must be made in writing and must include the following information:


1. The name, address, and birthdate of each child being homeschooled.


2. The name and address of the parent or guardian who will be responsible for the homeschooling.


3. A statement that the parent or guardian has assumed full responsibility for the education of the child.


4. A statement that the parent or guardian has read and understands the Arkansas homeschool law.


5. A statement that the parent or guardian agrees to comply with the Arkansas homeschool law.

The notification must be sent to the local public school superintendent no later than August 15th of each year. The local public school superintendent may require additional information, such as a curriculum plan, or a list of materials and resources to be used.

Electronic form: https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Files/2022-2023_Notice_of_Intent_Paper_Form_English_Final_LS.pdf

Is Arkansas homeschool friendly?

Yes, Arkansas is a homeschool-friendly state. The state has relatively relaxed homeschool laws, and parents or guardians are not required to register with the state or follow a specific curriculum. Additionally, homeschoolers in Arkansas are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at public schools.

Homeschoolers in Arkansas are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities at public schools through the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA). The AAA is a non-profit organization that regulates and oversees extracurricular activities in Arkansas public schools. Homeschoolers can join a public school team or club by submitting a homeschool participation form to the school district. The form must be signed by the homeschool parent or guardian and the school district superintendent. The form must also include proof of residency in the school district and proof of immunization. Once the form is approved, the homeschool student can participate in extracurricular activities at the public school.

Arkansas homeschool requirements 


1. Notify the school district in writing that you are homeschooling your child.


2. Provide an education that is “comparable to the education given in the public schools of the state.”


3. Keep records of your child’s attendance and academic progress.


4. Provide an annual assessment of your child’s academic progress.


5. Follow all state and local laws and regulations regarding homeschooling.

Attendance Requirements

Arkansas law requires that parents or guardians of homeschooled children keep attendance records. The law does not specify how many days or hours of instruction must be provided, but parents or guardians must provide an education that is “comparable to the education given in the public schools of the state.” The Arkansas law requiring children ages 5–17 to attend school has had a significant impact on homeschoolers in the state, submitting annual notice of intent is required. 

Required subjects

Arkansas law does not require homeschoolers to follow a specific curriculum or teach certain subjects. However, parents or guardians must provide an education that is “comparable to the education given in the public schools of the state.” This means that homeschoolers should cover the same core subjects as public schools, including math, science, language arts, social studies, and physical education.

How much do you get paid to homeschool in Arkansas?

Homeschooling in Arkansas is not a paid position. Parents or guardians who choose to homeschool their children are responsible for providing an education that is “comparable to the education given in the public schools of the state.” This means that parents or guardians must provide their own curriculum, materials, and instruction.

Summary of how to homeschool in Arkansas?


1. Choose a curriculum. You can choose from a variety of homeschool curriculums and resources, including online courses, textbooks, and other materials.


2. Notify the school district. You must notify the school district in writing that you are homeschooling your child.


3. Keep records. You must keep records of your child’s attendance and academic progress.


4. Assess your child’s progress. You must provide an annual assessment of your child’s academic progress.


5. Follow the law. You must follow all state and local laws and regulations regarding homeschooling.