The state of Arkansas allows families to utilize homeschooling to educate their children. Homeschooling offers parents an alternative to the traditional school system and allows them to have more control over their child’s education.
Before a family can begin homeschooling, there are a few steps that must be taken in order to comply with the state’s regulations for homeschooling. This article will answer fifteen crucial questions that anyone considering homeschooling in Arkansas should consider.
1. What Is Arkansas’ Definition of a Homeschool?
In Arkansas, a homeschool is defined as a nonpublic school in which a parent, legal guardian, or another person related by blood or marriage to the pupil and residing in the same household provides the education for a pupil between the ages of five (5) and twenty (20). The school must also utilize an approved curriculum that is recognized as producing an education which is equivalent to that provided in the public schools of the state.
2. Are There Any Requirements for Establishing a Homeschool in Arkansas?
Yes, the state of Arkansas has established several requirements for legally establishing a homeschool. First, the parent or guardian is required to submit a Notarized Intent to Homeschool form, which includes the child’s name, birthdate, address, parent/guardian contact information, and a description of the child’s education plan, to the Arkansas Department of Education on an annual basis. In addition, the parent or guardian must provide a copy of the child’s immunization records to the local school district for which the child resides or will be enrolling in.
3. What Curriculum Is Acceptable for Homeschooling in Arkansas?
Any curriculum that parents decide to use for homeschooling in Arkansas must be approved by the Arkansas Department of Education. The approved curriculum must also be recognized as producing an education which is equivalent to that provided in the public schools of the state. Generally speaking, approved curricula in Arkansas must provide instruction in the following subject areas: English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, art, and foreign language.
4. Is Testing Required for Homeschoolers in Arkansas?
No, testing is not required for homeschoolers in Arkansas. However, the state does offer a standardized testing option for homeschoolers. Parents can choose to have their child participate in the Arkansas Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) test or an end-of-year test administered by an accredited education organization.
The parent can choose to have the child participate in the test for informational purposes only or to get an official evaluation of their child’s academic achievement.
5. Are There Any Requirements for Record Keeping in Arkansas?
Yes, record keeping is required for homeschoolers in Arkansas. The parent or guardian is legally required to maintain records of their child’s educational progress, including attendance records, progress reports, and assessment results. The parent or guardian also needs to submit a Notarized Intent to Homeschool form each year that contains a description of the educational program.
6. Is Professional Development Required for Homeschool Teachers in Arkansas?
No, professional development is not required for homeschool teachers in Arkansas. However, the state does provide several resources for homeschool teachers, including a list of approved curriculum providers and materials, statewide support organizations, websites and newsletters, and professional organizations that offer a variety of educational services and support.
7. Is a High School Diploma Available to Homeschoolers in Arkansas?
Yes, a high school diploma is available to homeschoolers in Arkansas. The parent must submit a transcript of work completed by the student and a list of any examinations taken during the course of homeschooling to the Arkansas Department of Education.
The department will then evaluate the work and award a diploma if all requirements are met.
8. Are Financial Incentives Available to Homeschoolers in Arkansas?
Yes, there are several financial incentives available to homeschoolers in Arkansas. The state offers several tax credits and deductions for homeschoolers, including a deduction for educational expenses and a deduction for tuition for a school operated by a church or religious organization. In addition, homeschoolers may be eligible for grants and other forms of financial aid to help offset the costs of homeschooling.
9. How Can Homeschoolers Participate in Extracurricular Activities in Arkansas?
Homeschoolers in Arkansas have the option of participating in extracurricular activities offered by their local public schools. The school district must approve the student’s enrollment in any extracurricular activity and the student must meet any eligibility requirements set by the school. In addition, homeschoolers may also be able to participate in extracurricular activities offered by associations and organizations outside the public school system.
10. Are Homeschooled Students Allowed to Participate in Public School Sports?
Homeschooled students in Arkansas are eligible to participate in public school sports as long as they meet the requirements established by the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA). The student must be enrolled in a member school of the AAA and the parent or guardian must submit a Home School Student Enrollment Form to the local school district.
The student must meet all applicable eligibility requirements, such as age and academic standards, in order to be approved for participation.
11. Is It Legal to Homeschool My Child in Arkansas If We Live in a Different State?
Yes, it is legal to homeschool a child in Arkansas even if the family lives in a different state. The parent or guardian must submit a Notarized Intent to Homeschool form to the Arkansas Department of Education each year and the homeschool must comply with the state’s regulations for homeschooling. In addition, the parent or guardian must provide proof of the child’s residency in Arkansas, such as a copy of a lease agreement or utility bill.
12. Is Online Learning Allowed in Arkansas?
Yes, online learning is allowed in homeschools in Arkansas as long as the parent or guardian follows the state’s regulations for online learning. The parent must submit a Notarized Intent to Homeschool form to the Arkansas Department of Education that specifies the online learning program the child will be using and the parent must provide evidence of the child’s successful completion of the program. In addition, the parent must also follow the state’s requirements for record keeping and periodic assessments of the child’s progress.
13. Are Homeschooled Students Allowed to Participate in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs?
Yes, homeschooled students in Arkansas are eligible to participate in advanced placement (AP) or international baccalaureate (IB) programs offered by the local school district. The student must meet all established eligibility requirements, such as age and academic standards, and they must meet the requirements of the AP or IB program to be approved for enrollment.
14. Are Homeschool Parents Required to Meet With a Qualified Tutor?
No, homeschool parents in Arkansas are not required to meet with a qualified tutor. However, the state does provide a list of qualified tutors as resources for homeschool families.
The parent can choose to work with a tutor who is certified by the Arkansas Department of Education at any time throughout the year.
15. Will My Child Receive a Transcript Upon Completion of Homeschooling?
Yes, the parent or guardian of a homeschooled student in Arkansas must submit a transcript of the student’s work, including a list of all examinations taken, to the Arkansas Department of Education upon completion of homeschooling. The transcript is necessary for the student to access higher education opportunities or gain employment.
Conclusion
Homeschooling in Arkansas can be an important and rewarding way to ensure that your child receives the education they need and deserve. However, before beginning homeschooling in the state, there are a few steps that must be taken in order to comply with Arkansas’ regulations for homeschooling. This article provided answers to fifteen of the most commonly asked questions about homeschooling in Arkansas.