How to Start Homeschooling in Arkansas
If you’re wondering how to homeschool in Arkansas, it’s a good idea to do your research first. Whether you’ve homeschooled before in another state, or you just decided to make the switch, you’re in luck!
The Natural State only has a few requirements that homeschooling families need to follow. Once you’ve taken care of the legal aspects, you’ll be set to embark on your new homeschooling journey!
Homeschooling in Arkansas at a Glance
Arkansas – The Natural State
| Required Age | Children ages 5-17 on or before August 1st |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | None required |
| Time Requirements | None |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | None |
| Financial Resources Available | None |
Parent Qualifications
At this time, Arkansas state law does not outline any requirements for parents who wish to homeschool their children.
Notice of Intent
Parents in Arkansas need to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to homeschool. This can be completed online at noihs.ade.arkansas.gov. You can also send the notice in person or by mail. You can find the 2023-2024 NOI available for download here.
The form becomes available on June 15 and must be completed by August 15. Any applications submitted on or after August 15 may be subject to a five-day waiting period. If this happens, your child will still need to attend at your local school district until your notice is processed.
If you are homeschooling your children in the middle of the year, you should plan to submit your notice at least 14 days before you start homeschooling.
Attendance
There are no hourly or daily requirements for attendance for Arkansas homeschool families. Parents can choose when and how long they would like to teach, so homeschooling can fit into any schedule.
Homeschool Curriculum
There are no homeschool curriculum requirements addressed by state law. This gives homeschool families the flexibility to design unique curricula for each student’s needs. Students can also pursue areas of special interest that may not be available in a public school.
If you need help deciding what your child should study, you can find the Arkansas Academic Standards here. The site provides a list of subjects and academic skills by grade level, so you can choose the best curriculum for your child’s needs.
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC, and can help you meet state requirements with little need for supplementation.
Testing
Homeschool students are not legally required to participate in standardized testing. However, students are still encouraged to take the SAT and ACT for college readiness. Most colleges and universities will require at least one test score to apply.
Record Keeping
Homeschool families have the freedom to keep as many or as few records as they wish. Although the State of Arkansas doesn’t require record keeping for homeschool families, it’s a great way to keep track of your child’s educational progress.
Things such as courses taken, final course grades, and test scores are all good to keep safe in a homeschool portfolio. Portfolios can also be a good motivator for your student, so they can look back and see how much they’ve learned!
Transcripts
Homeschool students who are college-bound will need a highschool transcript to apply. Transcripts list the courses, credit hours, and final grades earned and are used to calculate your student’s overall GPA. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
Parents have the freedom to decide when their child is ready to graduate high school. It’s a good idea to discuss your child’s career goals and design their diploma requirements with relevant skills in mind. Parents will also need to provide a homeschool diploma, as these are not awarded by the state.
Students who would like a state-recognized diploma can take the GED. The GED is available to Arkansas students ages 16 and older who meet state residency and eligibility requirements. For more information, you can visit the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services’ GED page.
Financial Resources
11th and 12th grade homeschool students may be eligible to receive the Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Scholarship. This scholarship is for students who are taking college courses while completing high school courses. Students can earn $125 per eligible course, for up to two courses per semester.
Students must be enrolled in a participating postsecondary institution and maintain a GPA of at least 2.5. For more information about the rules and regulations, click here.
In addition, parents may also participate in the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids Scholarship Program. This program allows you to donate your state tax dollars to fund scholarships for K-12 students in need, in exchange for a tax credit.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Arkansas, check out:
- Division of Elementary and Secondary Education website
- Arkansas Homeschool Groups from the Homeschool Mom
If you have any questions about homeschooling or how Miacademy and MiaPrep align with the laws in your state, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team!
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Arkansas homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
What is required to homeschool in Arkansas?
To homeschool in Arkansas, you need to file a Notice of Intent either in person, by mail, or online and choose a curriculum to use. Arkansas has lenient homeschool laws, so parents have the freedom and flexibility to do what works for their families.
How do homeschoolers graduate in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, parents can decide when their student is ready to graduate and can provide their own homeschool diploma. Students may also take the GED, which is a high school diploma equivalent that is accepted in all 50 states.
Information accurate as of: 06/26/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.