Homeschooling in Arkansas
Here are some useful resources that may be helpful as you are getting started.
Power Homeschool’s Homeschooling in Arkansas site highlights resources, helpful tips, support groups, and so much more!
Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Arkansas
Each state has different rules regarding a parent’s ability to homeschool their children and all the laws that they must follow.
Homeschool Groups and Support in Arkansas
Some of the best resources to help homeschool families be successful are homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops.
How to Start Homeschooling in Arkansas
If you have decided that homeschool is a good fit for your family, you are probably wondering how to get started with the whole process.
Field Trips Available to Homeschoolers in Arkansas
The flexibility to go on more field trips is one of the many perks of homeschooling.
Find out what Arkansas has to offer!
Resources
Arkansas Homeschool Laws and Requirements
Many states have rules and guidelines regarding parents homeschooling their children. Here are some links to help you find information regarding Arkansas.
Important Considerations for Homeschooling Success
Create a Study Plan
When homeschooling in Arkansas, it is important to establish a clean environment where distractions are limited for your child to study on a regular schedule. Study routines are valuable for learning discipline. They also help your child stay on track with weekly, monthly and yearly academic goals. Create a schedule and expect your child to stick to it. Modify the schedule when necessary to help your child stay challenged while still able to achieve your expectations.
Read more: 10 Tips to Effectively Homeschool Online
Build Foundational Knowledge
As your child progresses in their studies, addressing gaps in their foundational knowledge will be crucial to their future success. For example, if your child struggles with basic math, it may become nearly impossible for them to master more advanced math concepts until they get help with their basic math challenges. In Acellus courses, Vectored Instruction automatically takes into account a student’s existing knowledge gaps and provides targeted interventions to bridge those gaps. If a student lacks the foundational understanding required for the new concept, the system automatically provides relevant remedial content before proceeding further.
It is crucial that students achieve early success with online learning so that their confidence will grow. Sometimes it may be necessary to place your child into an earlier course so they can begin experiencing success before they are ready to start moving forward with their learning.
Read more: Helping Your Student Excel in Acellus
KEEP RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION
You should keep thorough records of your child’s education. This will be beneficial when they apply for colleges or jobs after high school. Power Homeschool’s online parent portal automatically makes it easy to track progress, download coursework examples, attendance, and keep transcripts of classes taken.
It is also a good idea to get student ID cards and parent/teacher ID cards. Many retailers and venues offer teacher or student discounts that can be claimed by showing ID cards. A professional student ID card with a good quality identification photo included is also an good way to show that your student is enrolled is a reputable homeschool program.
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:
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!
How to Start Homeschooling in arkansas
Making decisions about your child’s education should not be taken lightly. If you are considering homeschool for your student, you are probably wondering how to get started. Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there to help you throughout your homeschool journey.
First, you will need to submit a notice of intent to homeschool. We also suggest notifying your student’s current public or private school, whether it’s required or not. Once you have all the necessary paperwork filed, you will need to create a homeschool curriculum or select a program, such as Power Homeschool.
We help parents get started with homeschooling by providing an award-winning online curriculum with over 250 courses from kindergarten through high school. Each course is taught through video-based lessons featuring America’s best teachers. You can jump-start your homeschool experience with Power Homeschool today!
Join thousands of parents that homeschool with our self-paced, interactive courses.
Resources
Homeschool Field Trips in Arkansas
Field trips are a wonderful way to enhance any curriculum, lesson, or unit. Homeschoolers often have the flexibility to go on more field trips than most traditional classroom schedules allow for. With plenty of museums, historic sites, and natural parks, Arkansas has no shortage of field trips for homeschoolers. The following are just a few examples to give you ideas about the options in your state.
OZARK MOUNTAINS REGION
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- 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.
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ARKANSAS VALLEY REGION
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- 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.
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OUACHITA MOUNTAINS REGION
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- 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.
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COASTAL PLAIN REGION
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- 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.
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MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL PLAIN REGION
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- 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.
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