Homeschooling in Arkansas? Here’s your plan.

Arkansas gives homeschool families extraordinary freedom. Under A.C.A. 6-15-501 through 6-15-507, your only legal obligation is filing an annual notice of intent with the superintendent of your local school district. The notice includes basic information — your name, address, and the names and ages of your children. No curriculum description is required. The state does not approve or deny your notice; filing it is sufficient.

The state's online filing system at noihs.ade.arkansas.gov makes the process quick and paperless. First-time filers can submit electronically, and renewals are equally simple. If you start mid-year after August 15, you give 5 school days' notice before your child is released from their current school. For spring semester starts, the deadline is December 15.

Arkansas also became one of the first states to offer a universal ESA through the LEARNS Act (A.C.A. 6-18-2401 et seq.). The Education Freedom Account provides approximately $6,864 per student annually, disbursed quarterly through the ClassWallet platform. Funds can be used for curriculum, tutoring, educational therapies, testing fees, and other approved expenses. There is no enrollment cap — every K-12 student in Arkansas qualifies. Families who participate must keep their Notice of Intent filed and take annual math and reading tests, which are not otherwise required for homeschoolers.

Most Arkansas families use the straightforward Home School Under Notice pathway because it is simple and imposes almost no requirements. Some families instead enroll in a private umbrella school, which handles administrative filings on their behalf. The umbrella school option is an informal arrangement not specifically recognized in statute but is used by families who want organizational support or prefer having a school name on records.

File your notice by August 15. The online system at noihs.ade.arkansas.gov is the easiest way to file. New residents have 30 days after establishing residency to submit their notice.

No testing required (unless you use the ESA). Standard homeschoolers have no testing obligation. However, if you participate in the LEARNS Act Education Freedom Account, annual math and reading testing is mandatory.

Tim Tebow Law access. Under A.C.A. 6-15-504(f), homeschool students can participate in public school extracurricular activities — including athletics, band, and other programs — at their resident school district, as long as they meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students.

ESA funding through ClassWallet. The LEARNS Act ESA provides approximately $6,864 per student with no enrollment cap. Apply between early March and June 1 (priority deadline) through arkansasefa.com.

High school diplomas. Parents can issue their own diploma. Arkansas universities accept homeschool applicants with transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.

IEP services end upon withdrawal. Your child's IEP ends when you withdraw to homeschool, but you can request a Child Find evaluation through your district and ask about proportionate share services. The new Education Freedom Account may help fund private therapies.

Dual enrollment. Homeschooled students may enroll part-time in public school courses under A.C.A. 6-15-504. Contact your local district for availability.