Homeschooling in Arkansas: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Arkansas offers homeschool families significant freedom with minimal bureaucracy. You'll file an annual notice and maintain basic records, but the state doesn't require testing, curriculum approval, or teacher qualifications. This makes Arkansas one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country.

The LEARNS Act, passed in 2023, transformed Arkansas's educational landscape. The Education Savings Account program provides up to $6,672 per eligible student annually for homeschool expenses—curriculum, tutoring, educational technology, and more. This financial support, combined with low regulation, makes Arkansas an attractive state for homeschooling.

This guide covers your notification requirements, record-keeping obligations, how to access LEARNS Act funding, and what experienced Arkansas homeschool families recommend for smooth compliance.

Arkansas Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Your Homeschool Options in Arkansas

Arkansas recognizes one primary legal pathway for home education: independent homeschooling. This simplicity makes compliance straightforward—no complex options to navigate or compare.

Independent Homeschool: Register directly with your local school district superintendent by filing an annual Notice of Intent. You maintain complete control over curriculum, schedule, teaching methods, and educational philosophy. Arkansas law requires instruction in reading, writing, and arithmetic, plus "other subjects as the parent may choose"—giving you broad flexibility in what and how you teach.

The state doesn't require testing, curriculum approval, teacher qualifications, or specific instructional hours. You're trusted to provide an appropriate education for your child. This freedom, combined with LEARNS Act funding availability, makes Arkansas an excellent state for homeschooling.

How to Start Homeschooling in Arkansas

Record-Keeping Requirements

Arkansas law doesn't specify detailed record-keeping requirements, but maintaining documentation protects you and helps demonstrate compliance if questions arise.

At minimum, keep copies of your annual Notice of Intent filings. Many families also maintain attendance records, curriculum descriptions, work samples, and notes about educational activities. These records become especially valuable if you move to a stricter state, transfer to public school, or need documentation for college applications.

There's no required format—a simple binder, digital folder, or homeschool planner works fine. The key is consistency: document regularly rather than trying to reconstruct a year's worth of records later.

Essential Records to Maintain

High School, Graduation & Beyond

In Arkansas, homeschool parents issue their own diplomas. There's no state-recognized homeschool diploma—you create and award it yourself. This is standard across most states and doesn't disadvantage your student.

For college applications, focus on creating a comprehensive transcript that documents courses, grades, and credits. Arkansas colleges, including the University of Arkansas system, actively recruit homeschoolers and have straightforward admission processes.

Consider dual enrollment at local community colleges during junior and senior year. Arkansas's community colleges welcome homeschoolers, and credits transfer to state universities. Many homeschool students graduate high school with significant college credit already completed.

Sports and Extracurricular Access

Arkansas allows homeschoolers to participate in public school athletics and activities through the Tim Tebow Act. Your student must live in the school district, meet age and academic requirements, and comply with the same eligibility standards as enrolled students.

Contact your local school district's athletic director early if you're interested in sports participation. Some districts have specific procedures for homeschool student enrollment in activities. Many homeschool families also participate in homeschool-specific sports leagues, co-ops, and activities throughout the state.

Financial Assistance

Arkansas's LEARNS Act Education Savings Account program provides up to $6,672 annually per eligible student for homeschool expenses. This is one of the most generous homeschool funding programs in the country.

Eligibility is based on household income and other factors. The program is open to all students, with priority given to certain groups. Approved expenses include curriculum, tutoring, educational technology, online courses, and other educational materials.

For complete details on eligibility, application deadlines, approved expenses, and how to apply, see our Arkansas Homeschool Funding Guide.

The Bottom Line

Homeschooling in Arkansas is refreshingly straightforward. File your annual Notice of Intent, maintain basic records, and provide instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic, and subjects you choose. That's the compliance foundation.

Everything else—curriculum choices, daily schedules, teaching approaches, assessment methods—is your decision. Arkansas gives homeschool families genuine freedom with minimal oversight.

The LEARNS Act ESA program makes Arkansas particularly attractive for families who qualify. The financial support can significantly offset curriculum and educational expenses, making high-quality homeschooling more accessible.

Your first step: submit that Notice of Intent to your superintendent by August 15. You can refine your approach as you learn what works for your family.