How do I homeschool in Arkansas?

At ARHSN, we hold that the education of your children is your right and responsibility as a parent. It is not a privilege the state grants, and we believe families should be free to teach their own without government involvement. Arkansas law does not yet reflect that fully. It currently asks a few things of homeschool families, and this page will walk you through what those are and how to meet them, so you can focus on the work that matters most.

What Arkansas currently requires: a Notice of Intent

Under current Arkansas law, families who homeschool are required to file a Notice of Intent to Home School, usually called an NOI, with their local school district each school year. It notifies the district that you have taken up the education of your children at home.

• You file one NOI for your family each school year.
• The deadline is August 15 for the school year ahead. The window to file for the coming year opens in early June.
• You can file online through the state's Notice of Intent system, or on paper at your local district office.
• The form asks for basic information about your children, along with a short waiver acknowledging that you, the parent, are responsible for their education.

Prefer to read the law for yourself? The core requirements are set out in Arkansas Code § 6-15-503, part of the state's home school statute (§ 6-15-501 through 510).

Starting in the middle of the year

You do not have to wait until fall. You can begin homeschooling at any time. If your child is currently enrolled in public school and you file your NOI after August 15, the district may impose a five school day waiting period before releasing your child, though your superintendent can waive it. We walk you through the whole process on the next page: How do I withdraw my child? ›

What Arkansas law does not require

Current Arkansas law does not require:

• A teaching degree or any special credentials.
• A state-approved curriculum. You choose what fits your family.
• Specific subjects, set school hours, or a required number of days.
• Standardized testing. It is available if you want it, but it is not required.
• Progress reports, evaluations, or reviews submitted to the state.

Wise habits, even though they are not required

• Keep a copy of your NOI each year for your own records.
• Keep simple records of what your children study. This helps later with transcripts, sports, and dual enrollment.
• Settle into a curriculum and a rhythm that fit your family.

You are not doing this alone

Thousands of Arkansas families educate their children at home, and you can too. Join a local group, connect with ARHSN, and plug into a community that will stand with you and cheer you on. This work is better done together.

This page is a practical overview, not legal advice. Requirements can change, so always confirm the current rules and deadlines with the Arkansas Department of Education before you file.