Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Arkansas?

Yes. You send notice to the superintendent of your resident school district, by August 15 for the coming school year (the form opens June 1); if starting mid-year, at least 5 school days before withdrawing your child from public school; within 30 calendar days of moving into a new district. How often: annually. Online through the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education's Notice of Intent portal, or a paper form submitted to the district by email, mail, fax, or in person.

What subjects do I have to teach in Arkansas?

Arkansas doesn't set a required subject list. Most families still cover reading, writing, math, science and social studies.

Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Arkansas?

None required for homeschoolers who do not take EFA funds.

What records should I keep when homeschooling in Arkansas?

Proof that you submitted your Notice of Intent (keep a copy or confirmation); Transcript and a portfolio (curricula used, tests taken, lessons completed) are recommended: a public school can ask for them if your child re-enrolls.

How to homeschool in Arkansas

Low regulationChecked against official sources October 9, 2026

Arkansas families file a Notice of Intent to Home School with their local school district superintendent every year by August 15 (online through the state portal or on paper). If your child is in public school and you start mid-year, you file at least five school days before withdrawing unless the superintendent waives the wait. There are no required subjects, days, or tests unless you take Education Freedom Account (EFA) money.

Homeschooling in Arkansas at a glance: notice of intent required (send to the superintendent of your resident school district); instruction time: not specified; no required subject list; testing: none required for homeschoolers who do not take EFA funds.

Requirements in Arkansas

Home school (Notice of Intent) · Ark. Code Ann. §§ 6-15-501 to 6-15-509; 6 CAR Part 33

A parent or legal guardian provides a home school for their own child after filing a yearly Notice of Intent and agreeing to be responsible for the child's education. The state and school district do not supply books or curriculum.

Notice: Send to: the superintendent of your resident school district.
When: by August 15 for the coming school year (the form opens June 1); if starting mid-year, at least 5 school days before withdrawing your child from public school; within 30 calendar days of moving into a new district.
How often: annually.
How: online through the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education's Notice of Intent portal, or a paper form submitted to the district by email, mail, fax, or in person.
Instruction time: Not specified.
Records to keep: Proof that you submitted your Notice of Intent (keep a copy or confirmation).
Transcript and a portfolio (curricula used, tests taken, lessons completed) are recommended: a public school can ask for them if your child re-enrolls.
Testing / evaluation: None required for homeschoolers who do not take EFA funds.
Parent qualifications: None.
Also: A public school student who is under disciplinary action (including for excessive unexcused absences) generally cannot switch to homeschooling until the discipline ends, the semester ends, or the district allows it.
School property issued to the student must be returned or paid for before the student can be homeschooled (or the semester must end).
If a homeschooled child enrolls in a public or private school during the year, a new Notice of Intent is needed to return to homeschooling.

Official form: Arkansas DESE Notice of Intent to Home School (online portal and paper form)

What the notice must include

Each child's name, sex, date of birth, and grade level.
Name and address of the school each child last attended, if any.
Mailing address and telephone number of the home school.
Name of the parent or legal guardian providing the home school.
Statement of whether the student plans to take part in public school interscholastic activities this year.
Statement of whether the student plans to seek a high school equivalency diploma (GED) this year.
Agreement that the parent or guardian is responsible for the child's education while homeschooled.
Signature of the parent or legal guardian.

Checklist

File the Notice of Intent with your district superintendent: by August 15 each year (available from June 1).
If starting mid-year: file the Notice, wait 5 school days (or get the wait waived), then withdraw from public school: at least 5 school days before withdrawing.
File a copy of your current Notice with your new district if you move: within 30 days of moving into the district.
Keep a transcript and portfolio of work (recommended): ongoing.

Leaving a public school

Filing the Notice of Intent does not withdraw your child. After August 15, a child enrolled in public school must wait five school days after the Notice is filed before being released to homeschool unless the superintendent or school board waives the wait (the online form has a checkbox to request a waiver). Then contact the school directly to withdraw.

Common questions about homeschooling in Arkansas

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Arkansas?: Yes. You send notice to the superintendent of your resident school district, by August 15 for the coming school year (the form opens June 1); if starting mid-year, at least 5 school days before withdrawing your child from public school; within 30 calendar days of moving into a new district. How often: annually. Online through the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education's Notice of Intent portal, or a paper form submitted to the district by email, mail, fax, or in person.
What subjects do I have to teach in Arkansas?: Arkansas doesn't set a required subject list. Most families still cover reading, writing, math, science and social studies.
How many days or hours of homeschool does Arkansas require?: Not specified.
Are standardized tests or evaluations required in Arkansas?: None required for homeschoolers who do not take EFA funds.
Do parents need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Arkansas?: None.
What records should I keep when homeschooling in Arkansas?: Proof that you submitted your Notice of Intent (keep a copy or confirmation); Transcript and a portfolio (curricula used, tests taken, lessons completed) are recommended: a public school can ask for them if your child re-enrolls.

Worth double-checking

Compulsory school age is 5 through 17.
Education Freedom Accounts (LEARNS Act, 2023) are open to homeschool families. Families who accept EFA money must have the child take a standardized test and follow EFA program rules; non-EFA homeschoolers are not tested.
Notice of Intent information is confidential and may be used only for statistics and recordkeeping.
Families with a registered sex offender living in the home, or with an open truancy (FINS) case, face extra restrictions; get individual guidance before starting.
We did not read the statute text (§ 6-15-503) directly; the notice contents and deadlines come from DESE's official rules (6 CAR Part 33) and DESE's 2026 FAQ.

Sources

This is a plain-language summary to help you get organized, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the details with your state or school district before you file.