Homeschooling in Arkansas
*Before I begin this article regarding homeschooling options for Arkansas, I want to begin by stating that it is your responsibility to research the law for yourself. I am relaying the available and current information that is subject to change. I have provided many links that will enable you to view the current laws online and to help put you in touch with local area and organizational support groups. *
The state of Arkansas has a very detailed definition of compulsory attendance ages. “5 through 17 on or before September 15 of that year”; a child under age 6 on September 15 may be waived from kindergarten with submission of a state-provided form. Arkansas Statutes Annotated 18-201. There is only one option for establishing a homeschool in Arkansas. There are no attendance requirements, no qualifications needed, and no set listing of subjects that are required to be taught. You will be required to file a written notice of intent with the local superintendent by August 15th of the year, for those enrolling in the fall semester and by December 15th for those enrolling in the spring semester. You will need to file your notice of intent annually.
Home schools are not required to keep any records as well, however they are required to participate in the same state based achievement tests that are administered to public school children. The children may be tested free of charge.
The notice of intent will need to include the following things:
· The name, date of birth, grade level, and the names of the last schools attended of all children enrolled in the home school.
· The location of the Home School
· The core curriculum that will be used
· The schedule of instruction
· The qualifications of the teacher/parents
For an overview of the Arkansas homeschooling law here is a nice site that has the law written for easy reading: Arkansas Homeschooling Law
Here is a listing of resources for those homeschooling in Arkansas, provided by the NHEN: Listing
Keep an eye on the Arkansas Legislature here: Arkansas Legislation
How to fill out the Notice of Intent