In Arkansas, How Can I Begin Homeschooling?

Arkansas homeschooling laws require parents to enroll their child in a public, private, or parochial school by August 1 of that year. This process can be completed through submitting a notice of intent to homeschool either online, by mail, or in person to the local school superintendent’s office by August 15 of each year or at least 14 days prior to withdrawing the student from school.

The Arkansas Department of Education or local public school superintendent can provide a notice of intent to homeschool, which is the only way to legally begin educating your child at home. The Notice of Intent (NOI) to Home School is the annual registration form legally required to home school in Arkansas.

To homeschool in Arkansas, parents must file a Notice of Intent either in person, by mail, or online and choose a curriculum to use. Arkansas has lenient requirements for children aged 5 to 17 to enroll in public, private, or parochial school or be homeschooled. Discovery K12 is an online platform and curriculum for independent homeschoolers, free for pre-k to twelfth grade and includes all major subjects.

What is required to homeschool in Arkansas?

First-time home schoolers must obtain a notice of intent from their local public school superintendent or the Arkansas Department of Education, fill out the form, sign it in the presence of a notary, and keep a photocopy for records. They must turn the completed forms in to the local public school superintendent by August 15 for home school during the fall semester. Some public schools may ask home schoolers to complete additional forms developed by the local school district, but state law does not require this.

Some public school superintendents may ask to interview home schoolers when they submit their forms, but state law does not require this. In the past, first-time home schoolers were required to submit the notice of intent in-person, but state law no longer requires this.

Is school mandatory in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Compulsory Education Law mandates children aged five to 17 to attend school, with some exceptions. Schools can be public, private, or homeschooled. The law emphasizes the importance of education for economic development and aims to ensure every child has access to quality schooling. The Arkansas Department of Education, State Board of Education, and state laws work together to oversee and enhance educational services across the state, ensuring that the future belongs to students today.

Is Arkansas Virtual Academy free?

ARVA, an online public school, provides a tuition-free alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar public schools.

Who is eligible for the Arkansas Learns Act?

Eligible students for the 2024-2025 school year must have at least one Arkansas resident parent and meet certain criteria. These include being a first-time kindergartener, first-time first-grader, children of active-duty military personnel, first responders, law enforcement officers, students enrolled in a “D” or “F” rated school or “Level-5” district, students enrolled in the Succeed Scholarship Program, IDEA diagnosed by a qualified professional, and students experiencing homelessness or foster care.

To determine eligibility, complete an application with the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). If approved, students can receive up to approximately $6, 600 for tuition and limited expenses. The Pulaski Academy Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring that accepting LEARNS Act/EFA funds will not result in any negative consequences.

At what age can you quit school in Arkansas?

Arkansas’ compulsory education law mandates children aged five to 17 to attend school, with exceptions for early high school diplomas, kindergarten withholding, or enrollment in college or vocational school. Failure to comply with the law is considered a separate misdemeanor offense, with a fine of up to $100. Parents who fail to comply may face fines. For more information, see the chart on compulsory education in Arkansas.

How many kids in Arkansas are homeschooled?

Arkansas has seen a steady increase in homeschool enrollment since 2000, with over 11, 000 students reported in 2000. By 2010, the number had reached almost 16, 000 students, and by 2019, it had 22, 000 registered students. In 2020-21, the number grew to over 30, 000, accounting for about 6 of Arkansas’ K-12 students. Some districts, such as Eureka Springs and Searcy, have homeschool participation rates as high as 20. Compared to the U. S. Census estimates of 6.

8 of families in 2020 and 10. 3 by the fall, these estimates are reasonable. The U. S. Census also estimates that during the 2022 and 2023 school years, an average of 5. 1 of K-12 students in the state were homeschooled. Homeschool participation is equally divided by gender, with post-pandemic growth driven by younger students in early grades. In the 2019-20 academic year, 4 of Arkansas’ K-12 students were homeschooled, with a larger portion attending a charter school. In the 2021-22 academic year, 5. 6 of Arkansas’ K-12 students were homeschooled, slightly higher than the 4 of private school students.

Does Arkansas pay for homeschooling?

Arkansas has introduced a new scholarship program in 2023 to assist families in affording nonpublic learning environments. By 2025, homeschoolers can opt into the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account program and continue homeschooling using the program funding for their approved curriculum. Traditional public schools are the most popular choice for families in Arkansas, with 80. 7 choosing them. Arkansas spends about $11, 266 per public school pupil annually.

The LEARNS Act, passed in 2023, has made open enrollment more accessible to families statewide. Open enrollment is free, and transportation is typically not covered by the school you choose, unless the district is under facilities distress or a special agreement is made between the receiving and sending districts. Arkansas law prohibits districts from charging tuition for transfer students, making open enrollment more accessible to families.

Is it illegal to not enroll your child in school in Arkansas?

Arkansas requires parents, guardians, or other individuals with custody of children aged five through 17 to enroll and send them to a public, private, or parochial school or provide a home school. Homeschooling is allowed if guidelines are met. If a child is not six years old on August 1, they may not attend kindergarten. If so, they must file a signed kindergarten waiver form with the local school district’s administration. Before a child’s admission to a public school, the parent must provide the school district with the child’s age. The Arkansas Department of Education provides the kindergarten waiver form.

Which US state has the most homeschoolers?

ABCmouse has identified Indiana and Idaho as the best states for homeschooling in the U. S., while New Jersey is the least regulated state. Alaska has the most students enrolled in homeschool per capita in 2023. Interest in homeschooling has increased by 48 percent since 2019, with Connecticut experiencing the biggest increase. However, navigating the state homeschool landscape can be challenging due to varying laws and procedures.

Age of Learning commissioned a study to help home educators navigate the state homeschool landscape, determining the best states for homeschooling based on five categories. The article aims to help home educators navigate the state homeschool landscape and determine their state’s ranking.

What homeschool programs are free in Arkansas?

Arkansas Connections Academy is a tuition-free K-12 online public school in Arkansas, offering a curriculum designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for higher education and careers. Students can access Honors and AP courses, earn college credits, and participate in activities, clubs, and field trips. The school covers Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Which country has the most homeschoolers?

Homeschooling is a popular educational practice in countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Legality varies by grade, age, location, and personal circumstances. Some countries have highly regulated programs as an extension of the compulsory school system, while others, like Germany, outlaw it entirely. Medical reasons may be an exception, but homeschooling is rarely permitted.

In some countries, homeschooling is not socially acceptable or considered undesirable, making it virtually non-existent. Countries with the most prevalent homeschooling movements include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.