Homeschooling in Arkansas.

Who you notify

The superintendent of your resident school district. File online through the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Notice of Intent (NOI) system, the preferred way, or on paper by mail, email, fax or in person.

When

Every school year by August 15; forms open June 1. To start mid-year, file at least five school days before withdrawing, and the superintendent or school board can waive the wait. New residents file within 30 days of moving in.

What the notice includes

Each child's name, sex, birth date, grade and last school attended; your name, mailing address and phone; whether your child plans to join public school activities or pursue a high school equivalency; and your signature. Notarizing is optional.

What you agree to

By filing, you agree you're responsible for your child's education while home-schooled, including providing books, curriculum and materials. The notice is confidential and isn't open to public records requests.

Testing

None required for home school alone. Testing applies only if your child uses an Educational Freedom Account (EFA). On the notice you may choose free state-paid tests, such as the PSAT in grade 10 or the ACT in grade 11.

Subjects, days and records

Arkansas's home school rules set no required subjects, days, hours or parent qualifications. Keep a log and work samples anyway: a public school may ask for them if your child re-enrolls.

Before you withdraw

A student under disciplinary action for breaking a written school policy, including excessive unexcused absences, can't start homeschooling until it ends or the semester ends, unless the superintendent or board allows it. Return or pay for any school property.

Changes during the year

Tell your superintendent if you move or stop homeschooling. If your child enrolls in a public, private or parochial school, file a new notice before homeschooling again.

Returning to public school

The school places your child at a grade at least equal to their home school level, using a transcript, a test result at or above the 30th percentile from the past year, or a portfolio, or by agreement with you.

Classes and activities

Your district must let home-schooled residents take academic courses. For sports and activities, notify the principal before sign-up deadlines and show academic eligibility. After leaving an Arkansas Activities Association member school, wait 365 days.

Special education

Home-schooled students get the same consideration for special education services as private-school students.