Arkansas vs Texas: Homeschool Laws Compared

Arkansas is the more regulated of the two: it requires notice but no testing or evaluation, while Texas requires no notice to homeschool. They differ on 3 of the 9 rules compared: notice of intent, required subjects, and compulsory school ages.

Rules compared

9

Differences

3

Same in both

6

The rules, side by side

Rows where the two states differ are marked. Tap a state name for its full guide, deadlines, and sources.

Figures are the same verified compliance data shown on each state's page. Requirements change; confirm with your state before you rely on one.

Moving from Arkansas to Texas

Once you are a Texas resident you homeschool under Texas's rules. These are the ones that change.

1. There is no notice to file in Texas. Before you leave, send Arkansas's district a short withdrawal note so its attendance record closes.
2. Texas names 5 required subjects (reading, spelling, grammar, math, good citizenship). Tag activities to them so a gap shows before the year ends.
3. Compulsory school ages are 6-19 in Texas against 5-17 in Arkansas, so check whether your youngest or oldest is now inside or outside the rule.

Moving from Texas to Arkansas

Once you are a Arkansas resident you homeschool under Arkansas's rules. These are the ones that change.

1. File a notice of intent with the local school district once you are a Arkansas resident. Texas did not ask for one, so this is new paperwork.
2. Arkansas names no required subjects. Texas's list is still a sensible course plan; it stops being a legal one.
3. Compulsory school ages are 5-17 in Arkansas against 6-19 in Texas, so check whether your youngest or oldest is now inside or outside the rule.

What stays the same

Arkansas and Texas match on hours or days per year, testing or evaluation, the portfolio, progress reports, ESA funding, and public school sports access. Your habits on those carry over unchanged.

Do your records transfer?

Neither Arkansas nor Texas takes homeschool records from another state, and there is no transfer process between them. You keep your own: the hours or attendance log, work samples, and any grades or transcripts. Those are what the new state, and later a college, may ask to see. Homeschool Fox keeps them in one account that moves with your family.

Keep comparing

• Arizona vs Texas 4 rules differ
• Arkansas vs Louisiana 4 rules differ
• Arkansas vs Missouri 5 rules differ
• Arkansas vs Oklahoma 4 rules differ
• Arkansas vs Tennessee 4 rules differ
• California vs Texas 6 rules differ
• Colorado vs Texas 6 rules differ
• Florida vs Texas 6 rules differ
• Georgia vs Texas 5 rules differ
• Louisiana vs Texas 5 rules differ
• New Mexico vs Texas 5 rules differ
• New York vs Texas 7 rules differ
• Tennessee vs Texas 4 rules differ
• Texas vs Washington 6 rules differ
• States That Require a Homeschool Notice of Intent All 36 states in one table
• Required Homeschool Subjects by State All 34 states in one table