Arkansas requires annual notification through the state's online portal but otherwise leaves curriculum, scheduling, and graduation decisions to the parent.
Legal framework
Home schools are governed by Arkansas Code §6-15-501 et seq. The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education operates the home-school notification portal and publishes the current rules.
Notification & registration
Parents file a Notice of Intent to Home School with the local superintendent (typically through the state's online portal) by August 15 each year, or within 30 days of beginning if starting mid-year.
Recordkeeping
Arkansas does not require parents to submit attendance records or daily logs to the state, but the law authorizes optional standardized testing through the state. Families commonly keep attendance records, work samples, and a high school transcript on their own.
Graduation requirements
Arkansas does not prescribe specific high school graduation requirements for home-school students. The parent determines completion. Many families align the transcript with the Smart Core curriculum used in Arkansas public schools as a reference.
Who issues the diploma
The parent operating the home school issues the diploma in the name of the family's home school.
College & military recognition
Arkansas public colleges and universities, including the University of Arkansas system, admit home-school graduates routinely with a transcript, the diploma, and standardized test scores. Homeschool graduates qualify for Tier 1 military enlistment under current DoD policy.
Official source
For current statutory text, forms, and procedural updates, the authoritative source is the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. Homeschool laws change, so confirm specific requirements directly with the state before relying on them.