How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in Arkansas

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Arkansas requires to start

   Parents file a written notice of intent with the superintendent of the resident school district, on the state notice of intent form, each school year. The ADE rules (section 4.01) set the filing for the start of each school year and no later than August 15, or 5 school days before withdrawing a child, and the ADE accepts notices from June 1. Filing is notice only, with no approval, and notarization is not needed.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The ADE FAQ (May 2026) says filing the notice of intent does not itself withdraw a child from a public school. If the child is still enrolled after the 5 school day wait, contact the school directly and withdraw the student. The superintendent or school board may waive the wait, and a family is not eligible to file in some cases, including certain disciplinary actions, open truancy cases and unreturned school property.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   File by August 15 each year, or at least 5 school days before withdrawing mid-year. This replaced a 14 day wait in the 2020 rules after HB1429 of 2021, and the 2023 rules are current. Moving to another district means notifying the new superintendent within 30 days, and the superintendent must also be told if you stop homeschooling.

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   Districts keep student records under Ark. Code Ann. 6-18-901, according to the ADE memo. FERPA also gives a parent the right to inspect and request a copy of the child's education records.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   Federal rule: if a parent revokes consent in writing for continued special education and related services, the school may not continue them and must give prior written notice before stopping (34 CFR 300.300(b)(4)). The ADE says districts handle child find for ages 3 to 21 including homeschooled children, and no state withdrawal form or wait for IEP students was found.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for Arkansas: the items Arkansas asks to be included are listed in it. The state also has an official form, so send that with the letter. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The superintendent of the school district where I live [name and address]

Re: Notice of intent to home school, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Under Ark. Code Ann. 6-15-503, I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Arkansas asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Child's name, sex, date of birth and grade level [fill in]
- Last school attended, with name and address [fill in]
- Home school mailing address and phone number [fill in]
- Parent or guardian name [fill in]
- Statement of plans for interscholastic activities [fill in]
- Statement of plans for a high school equivalency diploma [fill in]
- Parent signature [fill in]

I am also submitting the state form, Notice of Intent to Home School (2026-27), with this letter.

Please also treat this letter as my notice that my child is withdrawn from [name of current school] effective [start date].

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in Arkansas

ADE Home School Office, Office of School Choice and Parent Empowerment, last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions