Guide to Homeschooling in Arkansas

Resources

Arkansas Homeschool Laws and Requirements

For detailed information, the Home School Legal Defense Association and Arkansas Department of Education are resources that provide thorough instructions on homeschool laws and requirements in Arkansas. 

RECORD KEEPING

Arkansas does not have any record-keeping guidelines, but it is always a good idea to keep thorough reports on file. Keeping detailed information about each child’s homeschool education will make it easier when applying for college or jobs after high school. 

Power Homeschool makes it easy to maintain thorough records. Parents can access attendance records, progress reports, and course work samples through the easy-to-use app. High school transcripts for students at the ninth through twelfth-grade levels are also important to keep on file. If a homeschool student takes standardized assessments at any point, we recommend keeping these on the record, as well.

HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED TESTING IN ARKANSAS

Arkansas homeschoolers are not required by law to participate in standardized assessments. Some parents, however, use these tests to track their homeschooler’s progress and find potential gaps in their homeschool curriculum. Arkansas has several state and national standardized assessments that homeschoolers can take.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN ARKANSAS

For homeschool students, parents issue high school diplomas, and therefore, set the requirements for graduation. Many parents set educational goals based on what their students want to do after high school. If your student wants to attend a specific college or trade school, it is a good idea to research the eligibility guidelines for homeschool students. Doing this early in your student’s education will ensure you are developing coursework around these requirements.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in Arkansas

Homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops exist to offer resources, advice, and opportunities for homeschoolers in each state. Arkansas has plenty of networks available to home educators. 

The Arkansas Homeschool Alliance is a statewide homeschool support association that advocates on behalf of homeschoolers. The organization also offers homeschool consulting services, an information packet for new homeschoolers, and a traditional graduation ceremony for high school students.

In addition to the Homeschool Alliance, homeschoolers in Arkansas have various homeschool support groups and cooperatives that allow families to meet other homeschoolers in their area. Homeschool support groups operate either online or meet in person and provide a space for parents to share experiences, advice, and resources surrounding homeschool. The following are several examples of the many homeschool support groups available in Arkansas:

• • • Central Arkansas Homeschoolers Group
    • Home Educators of Greater Little Rock
    • Secular Homeschoolers and Unschoolers of Central Arkansas

Homeschool cooperatives or co-ops are volunteer-based groups that have a more academic focus than support groups. Co-ops allow homeschoolers to learn alongside peers in a group setting. Co-ops can be general, focused on a particular subject such as STEM, or structured around religious beliefs. Whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find a group that fits your family’s needs. Most support groups and co-ops can be found with a simple Facebook search of your area.

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

OZARK MOUNTAINS REGION

• • • Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs: At this wildlife refuge, students will see various animal species, including tigers, bears, lions, and many more. Visitors can learn about conservation and compassion towards wildlife species through guided tours, day camps, and other educational programs.
    • Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville: Aspiring artists will enjoy touring exhibits and viewing thousands of pieces of artwork from world-renowned artists. Family tours, art activities, and other educational programs are available for the whole family.

ARKANSAS VALLEY REGION

• • • Mount Magazine State Park in Paris: With over 2,000 acres to explore, homeschoolers will have plenty of opportunities to learn about flora and fauna from the region, including trails and exhibits. 
    • Fort Smith National Historic Site in Fort Smith: Visitors can take in about 80 years of history at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. Learn about soldiers, lawmen, the Trail of Tears, and so much more through exhibits, educational programs, and trails.

OUACHITA MOUNTAINS REGION

• • • Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock: Arkansas homeschoolers can learn about their state’s history, government, and culture with guided tours of exhibits dedicated to the people and events that made their mark on Arkansas.
    • Museum of Discovery in Little Rock: Young learners can gain hands-on experience with STEM through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and family events. Exhibits include the Discovery Hall, Earth Journeys, Room to Grow, and so much more.

COASTAL PLAIN REGION

• • • Millwood State Park in Ashdown: This park offers activities for the whole family, such as self-guided walking trails, bird watching, and camping. Homeschoolers can learn about wildlife, nature, and camping that helps them a lifelong admiration of the outdoors.
    • South Arkansas Arboretum in El Dorado: Tour exhibits of plants that are both native to the region and exotic species. This field trip is a great way to enhance units about ecosystems and habitats. 

MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL PLAIN REGION

• • • Delta Cultural Center in Helena: This center was established in 1990 for visitors to explore the region’s history through various exhibits about Delta music, the Civil War, the Mississippi River, and many more topics that have influenced Arkansas culture.  
    • Eddie Mae Herron Museum Center in Pocahontas: Named after Miss Eddie Mae, who taught in the schoolhouse, this museum is dedicated to African American culture in the early 20th century. Over 200 years of history is represented through exhibits, photos, and artifacts at the Eddie Mae Herron Museum Center.