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Homeschool Laws in Arkansas

Low regulation Compulsory ages: 5-17 ESA Available

Note: A child who will be 5 years old on or before August 1 must attend school. However, parents may file a one-time kindergarten waiver with the local school district to opt out of kindergarten for that year. Students may stop attending at 18 or upon graduation.

Arkansas Homeschooling Legal Requirements

Arkansas is widely considered one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the U.S. due to its minimal regulatory oversight and the absence of mandatory testing for traditional homeschool families. Whether you are a veteran educator or just starting your journey, understanding the nuances of the Arkansas Code is essential for maintaining compliance.

Compulsory Attendance Ages

In Arkansas, children must attend school (public, private, or home) between the ages of 5 and 17. The age is determined based on the child’s age on or before August 1 of any given school year.

  • Kindergarten Waiver: If your child is 5 but you do not feel they are ready for formal schooling, you can file a one-time waiver with your local district to opt out for that year.
  • Upper Age Limit: Once a student turns 18, they are no longer subject to compulsory attendance. Students who graduate early are also exempt from further attendance requirements.

Pathway 1: Traditional Homeschooling

This is the standard pathway used by the vast majority of Arkansas families. It offers maximum flexibility and zero state testing requirements.

1. The Notice of Intent (NOI)

To legally homeschool, you must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) form to the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) every year.

  • Deadline: The deadline is August 15 for the upcoming school year.
  • Mid-Year Withdrawal: If you move into the state or decide to withdraw from public school during the year, you must submit the NOI at least 14 days prior to withdrawing the student.
  • Submission: Most families file electronically via the ADE’s secure online portal, though paper forms are still accepted by your local school district’s superintendent.

2. Teacher Qualifications

Arkansas law does not require parents to have a high school diploma, GED, or any specific teaching credentials to educate their own children at home.

3. Subjects and Assessments

Traditional homeschoolers are not required by statute to teach specific subjects, though the NOI asks parents to list the curriculum they intend to use. Most importantly, there are no mandatory standardized tests for traditional homeschoolers in Arkansas. The state repealed this requirement in 2015.

Pathway 2: Educational Freedom Accounts (EFA)

With the passage of the LEARNS Act in 2023, Arkansas introduced the Educational Freedom Account (EFA). This is a school choice program that provides state funding for educational expenses.

Warning for Homeschoolers: When you accept EFA funds, your legal status changes. You are no longer governed by the ‘Home School’ statute (A.C.A. § 6-15-501) but by the EFA rules.

  • Testing Requirement: EFA students must take an annual norm-referenced test approved by the state (such as the TerraNova or Iowa Assessment).
  • Subject Requirements: EFA students must receive instruction in reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.
  • Eligibility: Currently phasing in; will be available to all students by the 2025-2026 school year.

Record Keeping Recommendations

While Arkansas law (A.C.A. § 6-15-503) does not require parents to maintain specific records, it is critical to keep the following for your own use:

  • Attendance logs (public schools require 178 days; following a similar schedule is wise).
  • Transcripts and course descriptions (vital for college applications).
  • Immunization records or a copy of your filed exemption.
  • Samples of student work and any test results.

Participation in Public School Activities

Arkansas law (A.C.A. § 6-15-509) allows homeschool students to participate in ‘interscholastic activities’ (sports, band, etc.) at their local public school, provided they meet certain criteria, such as residency in the district and notification to the school principal before the semester begins.

Important Citations

  • Arkansas Code § 6-15-501 to 508: General home school statutes.
  • Arkansas Code § 6-18-201: Compulsory attendance ages.
  • Arkansas Code § 6-18-2501: The LEARNS Act (EFA regulations).

Useful Links

Homeschool Pathways

Standard Home Instruction

The traditional homeschooling pathway under the state's home school statute, offering the highest level of parental autonomy.

Notification:
Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) and a Waiver of Liability to the Arkansas Department of Education or the local superintendent by August 15 annually (or 14 days before withdrawal).
Teacher qualifications:
None required.
Required subjects:
Not specified by statute, though curriculum must be identified on the NOI.
Assessment:
None (Testing requirements were repealed in 2015).
Record keeping:
No state-mandated records, though attendance and transcripts are recommended for personal use.
Special conditions:
Parents must provide a 'basic education' as part of constitutional requirements, though it is not strictly defined in the homeschool statute.
Legal citation:
A.C.A. § 6-15-503

Educational Freedom Account (EFA) Participant

A student educated at home who receives state funding via the Arkansas ESA program (LEARNS Act).

Notification:
Application for the EFA program via the ADE and submission of a Notice of Intent.
Teacher qualifications:
None specifically for the parent, but funds must be used for 'qualified' expenses.
Required subjects:
Reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.
Assessment:
Mandatory annual norm-referenced test or the state's summative assessment.
Record keeping:
Must maintain receipts and records of educational expenses and progress for program audits.
Special conditions:
Families must waive certain rights under the traditional homeschool law to participate in this funding program.
Legal citation:
A.C.A. § 6-18-2501

Education Savings Account (ESA)

Arkansas Educational Freedom Account (EFA)

Established by the 2023 LEARNS Act, the EFA provides approximately $6,600 (90% of the state's prior-year per-student funding) for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, testing fees, and certain therapies. For the 2024-2025 school year, eligibility includes students with disabilities, foster children, children of active-duty military, and students previously enrolled in 'D' or 'F' rated schools. By 2025-2026, it will be open to all K-12 students in Arkansas.

Impact on homeschoolers: Crucially, families who accept EFA funds are technically 'EFA students' and not 'homeschool students' under the traditional Arkansas homeschool statute. EFA participants must waive certain rights, including the exemption from mandatory testing. EFA students must take an annual norm-referenced test or the state's summative assessment and must provide instruction in specific subjects (reading, grammar, math, social studies, science).

Official Resources

HSLDA: Arkansas Homeschool Laws

CRHE: Arkansas Homeschool Policy

Arkansas Department of Education

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This information is provided for general guidance and may not reflect the most recent legislative changes. Always verify current requirements with your state's Department of Education or a legal professional. This is not legal advice.

Last verified: February 08, 2026