If you’re considering homeschooling your child in Arkansas, you can do so under the Arkansas homeschool laws. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
Send in an Annual Letter of Intent to Homeschool
Annually notify the local public school superintendent of your intention to homeschool. This involves filing a written notice of intent by August 15 each year. While there’s no specific form required, using a trusted form ensures you include all necessary information. HSLDA provides a form for Arkansas members, and the Arkansas Department of Education also offers one on their website.
The notice should include:
- Your child’s name, date of birth, gender, and grade level
- The name and address of the last school attended
- Your homeschool’s mailing address and telephone number
- A statement affirming your responsibility for your child’s education
- Optional statements about participating in public school activities or seeking a GED
- The name and signature of the person providing the homeschool program.
You can submit this notice electronically, by email, mail, or in person. Keep documentation to confirm submission.
If you start homeschooling after the school year begins or if you move to a new district, there are specific timelines for filing notices.
Regarding driver’s permits or licenses, recent legislation means you no longer need to submit evidence of schooling. The laws related to this requirement were updated, eliminating the need for a notarized notice of intent for permit or license applications.
Please note that there is a waiting period for parents transitioning their children to homeschool during the school year that is 5 days.
There’s No Requirement for Standardized Testing
While the state doesn’t require standardized testing, you may opt to have your child take a standardized normative test if you want to assess their progress. However, you don’t have to.
If you have a registered sex offender in your home or your child is undergoing public school discipline, seek personalized guidance from an attorney specializing in education before starting a homeschool program under Arkansas homeschool laws.