Homeschooling in Arkansas
Simple annual filing with minimal regulation
Arkansas is a very homeschool-friendly state with minimal regulation. The primary requirement is filing an annual **Notice of Intent (NOI)**. There are no mandatory testing or curriculum requirements for most students.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- File Notice of Intent annually by August 15
- No standardized testing required
- No parent qualifications needed
- 5-day (or 14-day) waiting period applies if withdrawing from public school (unless waived)
Legal Framework
Arkansas homeschooling is governed by A.C.A. § 6-15-503. The law emphasizes parental rights to direct the education of their children.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Arkansas
The Waldorf Map lists 1 school in Arkansas, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Fayetteville Nature School, Fayetteville
Filing Requirements
What to file
Notice of Intent (NOI)
When
August 15 annually. Filing window opens June 1. Mid-year: file 14 days prior to withdrawing (unless waiver granted).
Where
Local school district superintendent
How to submit
Online via DESE or paper form
What to include
- • Student name
- • Date of birth
- • Grade level
- • Parent contact info
**WAITING PERIOD**: 5 days after filing NOI before you can start (14 days if mid-year) - superintendent can grant WAIVER to skip this. Driver's License: Need enrollment verification form from DOE for learner's permit. **Tim Tebow Law**: Sports access GUARANTEED at resident public school. EFA (LEARNS Act): ~$6,800/year available but requires MANDATORY annual testing if you participate.
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Optional: Homeschoolers can opt-in to take state tests (ATLAS) or PSAT/ACT for free at local schools, but it is NOT mandatory.
How to Get Started
- 1
File Notice of Intent (NOI)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Very low regulation
- ✓No testing
- ✓No portfolio reviews
- ✓Free optional testing available
Cons
- •Must file annually (August 15 deadline)
- •Waiting period when withdrawing from public school (can be annoying)
Help with the cost in Arkansas
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEARNS Act Education Freedom Account (EFA)ESAArkansas's universal ESA became fully available in 2025. The Tim Tebow Law provides sports access for homeschoolers. | ~$6,800 per student (2024-2025) | All Arkansas students. Priority given to students from low-income families or students with disabilities. | myschoolstarter.com/efa-info |
Amounts as this guide lists them, last reviewed 2025-12-17. The official site has this year's figure.
Homeschool Funding by US State in 2026: ESAs, Tax Credits, and Charter Programs
Sports & Activities
**Tim Tebow Law**: Arkansas homeschoolers can try out for and participate in public school sports and extracurricular activities at their resident public school.
Questions about homeschooling in Arkansas
Do I have to file the Notice of Intent every year?
Yes. You must file the Notice of Intent annually by August 15.
Is there a waiting period to start homeschooling?
If you are withdrawing a child from public school, there is a statutory 5-day (sometimes 14-day) waiting period. However, the superintendent can waive this upon request.
Can my child play sports at the public school?
Yes. Arkansas has a 'Tim Tebow Law' that allows homeschoolers to participate in interscholastic activities at their resident public school.
Get Arkansas’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Arkansas page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for news when our Arkansas page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your Arkansas records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Arkansas tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · AR homeschool law guide