Arkansas Homeschool Laws
Arkansas has a dedicated homeschool law, and it is simple to follow. Each year, you file a written notice of intent with your local school district superintendent. The notice is due by August 15. If you start homeschooling during the school year, file it 5 days before you withdraw your child. School is required for ages 5 to 17. If your child is not yet 6 by August 1, a kindergarten waiver lets you wait one year.
Day to day, the state does not require testing, a list of subjects, or a set number of school days. You do not need a teaching license. Still, it is wise to keep good records of your child’s work. Also, homeschoolers may join sports and other activities at their local public school. In addition, every K-12 student can apply for an Education Freedom Account (EFA). For 2026-27, it gives up to $7,208 a year for homeschool costs. However, EFA homeschoolers must take a yearly test. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.
Ages 5 to 17 as of August 1 (HSLDA: Compulsory School Age in Arkansas).
Kindergarten waiver: If your child is not yet 6 by August 1, you may waive attendance for one year by filing the Department of Education’s kindergarten waiver form. A child who has a high school diploma or its equivalent is no longer under the compulsory attendance law (HSLDA).
None under the homeschool law (HSLDA: How to Comply with Arkansas Homeschool Law).
EFA families: Homeschool students who receive Education Freedom Account funds must take an approved nationally norm-referenced test in reading and math each year. See Other Information below.
Yes. File a written notice of intent with your local public school superintendent each year by August 15. No particular form is required, but the Department of Education offers one. The notice must include (HSLDA; Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-503):
- Each child’s name, date of birth, gender, and grade level.
- The name and address of the school each child last attended, if any.
- The homeschool’s mailing address and a telephone number.
- A statement that the parents agree they are responsible for the child’s education while homeschooling.
- Optional: plans to take part in public school interscholastic activities.
- Optional: plans to seek a GED.
- The name and signature of the person providing the homeschool program.
You may submit the notice electronically, by email, by U.S. mail, or in person. It is confidential and may be used only for statistics and record-keeping. Keep proof that you submitted it.
Starting mid-year: If your child is enrolled in public school, file the notice 5 days before withdrawing. A 2021 law (HB1429) shortened this from 14 days.
Moving: If you move into the state or a new school district during the year, file in the new district within 30 days after you establish residency (HSLDA).
No (HSLDA). Keeping records is still wise (HSLDA: The Importance of Recordkeeping in Arkansas).
Yes. As of March 2023, school districts must let local homeschooled students take part in sports and other activities governed by the Arkansas Activities Association (Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-509). There are deadlines for notifying officials and rules for submitting test results (HSLDA: Public School Access for Homeschoolers in Arkansas).
Academic classes: A school district or open-enrollment charter school may adopt a policy letting local homeschoolers take academic classes, with limits it sets (Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-232; HSLDA).
None for homeschoolers (HSLDA: Arkansas Homeschool Law).
Education Freedom Accounts: Every Arkansas K-12 student is eligible, including homeschoolers. For 2026-27, each account receives $7,208, paid in four quarterly deposits of $1,802 (School Choice Arkansas: EFA 101). EFA homeschoolers still file the yearly notice of intent (Arkansas EFA Family Handbook 2025-26). See our Arkansas School Choice Options page.
Driver’s license: Since 2019 (HB 1867), no proof of schooling is needed for a learner’s permit or driver’s license. HSLDA believes families no longer need to notarize the notice of intent for this purpose (HSLDA).
Records: Records can help with military enlistment, college applications, or Social Security benefits (HSLDA).
- Arkansas Code Annotated § 6-15-503 (notice of intent), § 6-15-509 (interscholastic activities), and § 6-18-232 (academic courses), as summarized by HSLDA
- HSLDA: Arkansas Homeschool Law and How to Comply with Arkansas Homeschool Law (March 27, 2025)
- HSLDA: Compulsory School Age in Arkansas and HSLDA: Public School Access for Homeschoolers in Arkansas
- Arkansas Department of Education: EFA Family Handbook 2025-26 and School Choice Arkansas: EFA 101
Last reviewed: October 31, 2026
*The information on this page is for general use only. It should not be taken as legal advice. It is believed to be accurate however state and federal laws change every year. Homeschool.net recommends joining an organization such as the Home School Legal Defense Association before your homeschooling adventure begins. HSLDA can provide complete, accurate, legal advice and services for homeschooling families.
Update History
- October 31, 2026
- Program change: For 2026-27, each Education Freedom Account receives $7,208, and EFA homeschoolers must take a yearly test in reading and math (School Choice Arkansas).