If you’re thinking about homeschooling in Arkansas, you’ll find a process that puts flexibility and family choice at the center. The state offers a clear path forward, along with the freedom to design an education plan that fits your family’s rhythm.
You don’t have to piece it all together on your own, either. Many families build a plan that blends core learning with flexible online options, like live classes from Outschool. This way, you can start your homeschool journey with supportive tools right from day one.
Homeschooling options in Arkansas
Arkansas has one official homeschooling path: independent homeschooling. That means parents or legal guardians take full responsibility for their child’s education outside the public or private school system. While other programs offer learning from home, they don’t fall under the legal definition of homeschooling in the state.
Independent homeschooling
Independent homeschooling in Arkansas allows you to teach your child at home using your own materials, schedule, and approach. You’ll need to submit a yearly Notice of Intent, but beyond that, the state doesn’t require testing, specific subjects, or curriculum approval. This gives families full freedom to shape learning in a way that works best for their household.
Other home-based learning options
While independent homeschooling is the only officially recognized homeschool path in Arkansas, families may explore other at-home learning options. These can still offer flexibility, but come with different rules and are not covered by Arkansas homeschool law.
- Virtual public school enrollment: These are tuition-free online public schools where students learn from home but follow state curriculum and testing requirements. Students are enrolled in the public school system and must meet the same standards as their peers in brick-and-mortar schools.
- Private online or umbrella schools: Families may also enroll in a private school that allows remote learning. These schools typically handle administrative tasks like grading and attendance, but your child is considered privately schooled, not homeschooled, under state law.
- State-funded ESA option: The Education Freedom Account program will allow families to use approximately $6,800 in state funds for homeschool costs. In exchange, they must meet requirements like standardized testing. This route adds support, but it also brings extra steps not required for independent homeschoolers.
These options can feel similar to homeschooling in practice, but only the independent route gives you full control over your child’s learning without added state rules.
Requirements for homeschooling in Arkansas
Arkansas keeps its independent homeschooling regulations minimal, making it easier for families to tailor education at home. Still, there are a few rules all independent homeschoolers must follow.
Annual Notice of Intent submission
This is the one legal document you must submit every year to continue homeschooling. Submit your Notice of Intent (NOI) by August 15 each year, or at least five days before withdrawing a student mid-year. You can file this form online or in person with your local school district. It includes basic student and parent information, along with a general description of your homeschool plan.
Instruction must be parent-led
Only parents or legal guardians can legally homeschool in Arkansas. While you may supplement your child’s homeschool education with tutors or online programs, the primary responsibility for instruction must stay with you, the parent or guardian. Other adults, including extended family, are not permitted to lead unless they have legal guardianship.
Curriculum, instruction, and schedule flexibility
There are no subject requirements or mandated curriculum, so you’re free to use any homeschooling approach that fits your learner’s needs. You also control your school calendar, there’s no required number of school days or instructional hours.
No testing or teacher certification required
Homeschoolers aren’t required to administer standardized tests or submit results to the state. You also don’t need any formal education, training, or certification to teach your child at home.
Optional (but recommended) recordkeeping
While the state doesn’t ask for attendance logs or grade reports, it’s a good idea to keep your own records. Things like reading lists, progress notes, and transcripts are helpful for college planning or if your child returns to public school.
Arkansas’s homeschool laws support educational independence without adding burdensome steps, giving families space to focus on meaningful learning.
Homeschool with Outschool
One of the most valuable parts of independent homeschooling is the ability to create a schedule and learning experience that’s totally your own. Outschool helps support that flexibility with online classes that can strengthen your core curriculum or bring fresh energy to your homeschool week.
Here’s how Outschool can support your homeschool routine:
- Live classes that spark curiosity and keep kids engaged
- Flexible options that fit into your unique daily routines
- Courses in everything from algebra and writing to drawing, coding, and public speaking
- Safe, social learning spaces with peers from around the world
- Access to completion records and summaries for your homeschool portfolio
With so many ways to personalize learning, Outschool helps you shape an experience that’s both practical and exciting.
How to get started with homeschooling in Arkansas
Once you’ve decided to homeschool independently in Arkansas, the next step is to complete the paperwork and start building your home learning plan. These steps vary slightly depending on whether you're starting fresh, transferring mid-year, or moving into a new district.
Here’s a general checklist based on your starting point:
If you’re homeschooling for the first time:
- Download or request a Notice of Intent to Home School form from your local superintendent or the Arkansas Department of Education.
- Complete and sign the form.
- Keep a copy of the completed form for your personal records.
- Submit the form to your local school district by August 15.
If you're moving into a new school district:
- Follow the same Notice of Intent process.
- Submit your form within 30 calendar days of establishing residency in the new district.
If you’re transferring from a public school mid-semester:
- Pick up a Notice of Intent from your local superintendent.
- Complete and sign the form.
- Submit the form in person and request documentation of the submission date.
- Let the superintendent know when you plan to begin homeschooling.
- Be prepared for a 5-day waiting period unless the superintendent waives it.
- If your child has disciplinary issues or excessive unexcused absences, you may need to resolve those before the superintendent approves the transfer.
Once your form is submitted, you’ll be ready to shift your focus to daily learning and long-term planning.
Find support through homeschool communities in Arkansas
It’s easier to homeschool when you have a community behind you. Across Arkansas, families come together to share curriculum tips, host events, and make space for their kids to learn and grow with others.
Statewide organizations
These resources provide information and guidance for families homeschooling anywhere in Arkansas:
Local groups and co-ops
These local and regional groups help families meet up in person or stay connected online:
Tapping into these communities makes homeschooling more collaborative, connected, and fun for both kids and parents.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Homeschooling in Arkansas comes with a lot of flexibility, but it also brings up important questions, especially when you’re just starting. Here are some of the most common things families want to know when navigating independent homeschooling in the state.
How do I legally start homeschooling in Arkansas?
You must submit a Notice of Intent to your local public school superintendent each school year. This form is required for every child you intend to homeschool and can be submitted online or in person.
What happens if I start homeschooling in the middle of the school year in Arkansas?
You can withdraw your child from public school and file your Notice of Intent mid-semester. Depending on your child’s disciplinary history, there may be a 14-day waiting period before the superintendent approves the transfer.
Is Arkansas’s ESA program available for homeschoolers?
Yes. Beginning in 2025, eligible homeschool families can apply for the Education Freedom Account program to receive public funding for approved educational expenses like curriculum, tutoring, and materials. However, enrolling in the EFA program means agreeing to additional requirements, such as annual standardized testing and other accountability measures not required for independent homeschoolers.
Can I homeschool in Arkansas if I don’t have a teaching license?
Yes. There are no education or certification requirements for parents or guardians who choose to homeschool independently.
What should I do if my family moves to a different school district while homeschooling in Arkansas?
You must submit a new Notice of Intent within 30 days of establishing residency in the new district. This ensures that your homeschool remains compliant under Arkansas law.
What comes next in your homeschool journey
Independent homeschooling in Arkansas is quite simple once you understand the rules and options. Once your Notice of Intent is filed, you can move forward knowing you have the flexibility to teach in the way that works best for your learner.
Outschool makes that path easier with live online classes that support your curriculum and spark new interests. You can keep things simple, build out a full schedule, or find support in specific subjects as your homeschool evolves.
More resources for Arkansas homeschoolers
For more details on funding support, see our guide to the Arkansas EFA Program.
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