Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Arkansas. File your Notice of Intent by August 15, test in grades 5-12, and take advantage of the LEARNS Act's universal ESA funding of ~$6,900/student. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Arkansas has a single compliance path for homeschooling with moderate requirements. Families must file an annual Notice of Intent with the Arkansas Department of Education by August 15 and administer annual standardized tests for students in grades 5 through 12. There are no mandated subjects, no minimum hours or days, and no curriculum approval.
The legal foundation comes from Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-503, which establishes home school requirements. In 2023, Arkansas passed the landmark LEARNS Act, creating the Education Freedom Account program - a universal ESA that provides approximately $6,900 per student for educational expenses.
While Arkansas has more requirements than some neighboring states, the process is straightforward: file your notice, test annually starting in grade 5, and maintain attendance records. Test results are kept by the parent and are not submitted to the state.
The LEARNS Act (2023) makes Arkansas one of the most financially supportive states for homeschoolers. With ~$6,900 per student in universal ESA funding, most educational expenses can be covered - curriculum, tutoring, testing fees, and more. There are no income limits.
Arkansas has one primary compliance path for homeschooling. The requirements are moderate but straightforward.
| Requirement | Arkansas Homeschool |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-503 |
| Notification | Annual Notice of Intent by August 15 |
| File With | Arkansas Department of Education |
| Testing | Annual standardized test, grades 5-12 |
| Required Subjects | None mandated |
| Hours/Days | None specified |
| Attendance | Records required (keep at home) |
| Curriculum Approval | None required |
Arkansas homeschool law is found in Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-503 (home school requirements) and Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-201 et seq. (compulsory attendance). The LEARNS Act (Act 237 of 2023) created the Education Freedom Account program, adding a major financial support option.
A common misconception: while Arkansas requires standardized testing for grades 5-12, the results are NOT submitted to the state. You keep them for your own records. There is also no minimum score requirement. The testing serves as your own documentation of educational progress.
Starting to homeschool in Arkansas involves a few straightforward steps.
You must file your Notice of Intent before beginning homeschool instruction or by August 15, whichever applies. Filing with the wrong entity is a common mistake - file with the Arkansas Department of Education, not your local school district.
Keep a copy of your filed Notice of Intent and any confirmation from the DOE. Blue Folder can help you track your filing deadlines, testing schedule, and attendance records automatically. Try it free →
Blue Folder handles this for you
Track your August 15 filing deadline, testing schedule, and attendance records automatically.
Arkansas does not mandate specific subjects for homeschool instruction. You have complete curriculum freedom - choose the subjects, materials, and methods that best fit your family.
No curriculum approval process exists. You do not need to submit your curriculum choices to anyone for review.
While not legally required, most Arkansas homeschool families cover the following core subjects:
Arkansas is unusual in that it requires testing but not specific subjects. You may teach whatever you believe is best for your child. Since standardized tests cover core academic areas, most families naturally include reading, math, and other standard subjects in their program.
Arkansas does not specify a minimum number of hours or days for homeschool instruction. However, you are required to maintain attendance records.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Days | None specified |
| Minimum Hours | None specified |
| Attendance Records | Required - keep at home |
| Submit Records | No - keep for your own files |
While there is no minimum day requirement, most homeschool families maintain a consistent schedule. A daily attendance log is recommended and satisfies the record-keeping requirement. Many families log 160-180 days per year, similar to public school schedules.
Arkansas requires annual standardized testing for students in grades 5 through 12. Students in grades K-4 are not required to test.
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Grades Tested | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Minimum Score | None specified |
| Submit Results | No - keep for your records |
Many families purchase the CAT or ITBS online and administer it at home. Typical testing fees range from $25-$75. If you are using LEARNS Act ESA funds, testing fees are an eligible expense.
Arkansas requires homeschool families to maintain attendance records. Test results should also be kept on file. Neither needs to be submitted to the state.
Use Blue Folder to track attendance, store test results, and build a compliance binder with everything you need in one place. Try it free →
Arkansas is one of the most financially supportive states for homeschoolers thanks to the LEARNS Act.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Education Freedom Account |
| Amount | ~$6,900 per student |
| Eligibility | All Arkansas students (universal) |
| Income Limits | None |
Using ESA funding may come with additional requirements beyond standard homeschool compliance. You must still file your annual Notice of Intent and meet testing requirements. Verify current program rules with the Arkansas DOE, as the program may have been updated since launch.
Arkansas does not have a statewide law requiring public schools to allow homeschooler participation in sports. The Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) generally excludes homeschoolers, though some districts may have local policies. Check with your district for specific options.
Alternatives include homeschool sports leagues, community recreation programs, club sports, church leagues, and some private school partnerships.
Arkansas has one critical annual deadline that every homeschool family must remember.
| When | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| August 15 (annually) | File Notice of Intent | Annual filing with Arkansas DOE. This is the most critical deadline. |
| Within 30 days | File if starting mid-year | File Notice of Intent within 30 days of beginning homeschool. |
| Spring (annually) | Administer standardized test | Grades 5-12. Flexible timing, but spring is typical testing window. |
| Ongoing | Maintain attendance records | Daily attendance log. Keep at home - do not submit. |
The August 15 deadline is the most important date for Arkansas homeschool families. Set a reminder well in advance. Missing this deadline can create compliance issues. Blue Folder sends automatic reminders for your state's deadlines.
Arkansas homeschool compliance is straightforward, but new families sometimes encounter these issues.
Keep your Notice of Intent confirmation, attendance records, and test scores in a safe, organized place. These are your primary documents proving compliance with Arkansas homeschool law.
Arkansas does not mandate specific subjects. You have full curriculum freedom to teach whatever you believe is best for your child.
No. Keep test results for your own records only. There is no minimum score requirement either.
Yes. The LEARNS Act provides universal ESA funding of approximately $6,900 per student with no income limits. Visit the Arkansas DOE website for current application information.
Not guaranteed. Arkansas does not have a statewide law requiring access. Contact your local district about their specific policy.
With the Arkansas Department of Education (not your local school district). A form is available from the DOE.
Don't miss your August 15 deadline
Blue Folder sends automatic reminders and tracks every Arkansas requirement for you.
Track Arkansas ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the Arkansas Department of Education or consult a qualified attorney. Primary statute: Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-503. For more information, see HSLDA Arkansas. Last updated February 2026.