Arkansas law says that all parents, except for registered sex offenders, have the right to homeschool, and school boards are obliged to accept their application. However, if a student was previously enrolled in school and is facing disciplinary action through the school board, the application to homeschool may be denied until the disciplinary action ends.
Parents who withdraw their children from school without filing appropriate paperwork can be charged under truancy laws and may be fined, made to appear in court, have social workers intervene or serve jail time.
Upon moving to Arkansas, forms must be filed within 30 days. Current residents must file by Aug.15 for the fall term and Dec.15 for the spring term. Applications filed at other times of year have an automatic 14-day waiting period, which can be waived if the superintendent so chooses.
The required forms are available online (see Resources) and at any school superintendent's office. Forms must be filled out and delivered in person to the superintendent's office the first year. In subsequent years, parents have the option of mailing in forms. When delivering forms, parents are not obligated to participate in an interview or answer questions.